An early summer

The times in this Sub24 reminded me how quickly the change of seasons sometimes takes place in Southern Finland. While the last Sub24 a month ago saw rain, hail, frozen lakes and chilly winds, this one was an early treat of sun, clear skies and warm temperatures.

The air temperature gaining two degrees every day for a week, it's with great excitement that cyclists from Britain, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany, Finland, Switzerland and France (seven nationalities for five riders) met at the bridge on the road to Hanko over Espoonlahti. Destination: the small island of Linlo, east of the Upiniemi peninsula.

With high spirit and a light headwind, we took the peaceful road along the classic Kuninkaantie, and shifted south at Kirkkonummi on Eestinkyläntie and Hilantie. We found very similar sceneries than Porkkalantie with some deers in the distant fields and pale colors around since trees were just about to turn green.

Connecting the island to the mainland, a small wooden bridge was the last difficulty of the day. It was also where we meet Mickael and Emil (6 years old and first night out camping) coming by car. Distance cycled from Espoonlahti: 24 km.

Heading to the first nuotiopaikka on a lovely beach, we spotted a big rock overlooking the sea on the other side of the bay that would provide a better exposure to sunset and we quickly decided to aim for it it before cooling down.

Three riders took to the sea for a refreshing swim (water surprisingly warm) before all would set up tents and hammocks and prepare the dinner.

Gathered around the fire quickly set up by Markus and Olivier, we started to unpack the delicacies and I must say it's been a while since I have been so full in a Sub24: to the usual sausages, pasta and bread, some wine, cheese and mudcake completed the feast.

Retreating shortly after sunset to our night quarters, the night welcomed the tired bodies and feeling refreshed soon it was dawn again. 

The return trip went by Porkkalantie, adding 4 kilometers (scenic!) to the total trip. Leaving Markus in Espoonlahti, the four remaining riders made it back to Helsinki along the coast of Espoo, worshipping the sun.

Sub24 - May

New month, Vappu celebrations behind us, time for Sub24!

Date: Friday May 6th

Time: 17.30

Meeting location: on the bridge of road 51 overlooking Espoonlahti

Final destination still open, but I have my eyes on he small peninsula of Linlo next to Porkkala.

Classic road to Porkkala, a short drift westwards before making it to the end of the peninsula. Any comments?

See you all of you cyclist/campers on Friday!

April in Meiko

It was supposed to be a sunny weekend, or so the weather forecast led us to believe. Unfortunately, just a few kilometers leaving home, the first drops started from Bemböle and it took us the final stretch of road to Meiko outdoor area in Kirkkonummi to get a rest from the downpour.

Some synchronization mishap led to two riding groups joining at the final destination, a Spanish/Polish team from one side, and a French-British-Korean on the other. The latter group, following the classic Kuninkaantie, took to the countryside roads out of Espoo, passing by fancy architects-designed houses, a rolling gravel road leading the the Northern shores of Humaljärvi dotted with old farms from years gone-by before getting up a hill to Korsolampi where we would spend the night. Oddly enough, the way to the lake was along a mildly steep uphill, a strange sight in these low lands of Southern Finland.

The evening was spent mostly exchanging around Benoît and his wife's year long journey from South of France to Korea, all the way through Iran, an excellent escape (at least in our minds) from the relative misery of Finnish spring and its constant grey color. As someone might have said: "Ah, April, the November of Spring!". I officially kicked off the hammock season by setting it nicely at the edge of the still frozen lake.I spent a surprisingly good night, not bothered at all by the thick humidity of the place and the chilly temperatures.

Two early birds, Lee and Robin, took off a bit after sunrise while the rest of the group enjoyed the place a little bit more, before heading to Espoo along Espoonlahti and the coastal path all the way to Helsinki, where Jorge and I got literally drenched by a spring shower (including hail!). Despite being soaked from head to toe, this Sub24 was as fun as it can be, and I'm glad we still manage to find new places to pitch our tent after 5 years running these Sub24 overnighters!

- Florian.

 

 

  

Friday 4th March, Kaitalampi

While the winter still hangs around... go camping!

Riders: 3

Skiers: 2

Walkers:1

Gentlemen: 5

Ladies:1

Nationalities: 5

Kilometers ridden from Bemböle: 16

Kilometers skied from Luukki: 4 

Punctures: 0

Beers: 2

Woodpeckers: 1

Fun had: a ton!

Between ice and sky

We walked from Rastila to reach the frozen sea, got quickly on our ski ready as the cold made us to hurry. The night was young, the Vartiokylänlahti was flooded with moonlight, and the snow gave the feeling that the whole world was somehow soft and fluffy. Except for the bitter cold that was getting my fingers stiff. The column of skiers headed silently towards Ramsinsalmi, I believe it took all our attention to wonder at the frozen world around us while the city lights were becoming distant in our back. I felt at peace there. I have to say the preparation was particularly eventful since Gertrude* and Florence* expressed their interest in joining the trip a couple of days before that despite having no winter camping gear what so ever and no experience of camping in cold weather. That should not be any obstacle and we had swiftly found for a pair of ski and boots, warmer clothes, winter sleeping bags, camping mattresses and headlamp.

 

 

The tracks of a previous skier passed the salmi, a place were weaker ice is often found. Relieved we could just followed and ski onto Kallalahdenselkä. Then Malkasaari, our destination, was visible, straight east, a massive black shadow over the white sea. There is always a particular feeling about navigating the sea in the middle of the night, when everything is frozen still. Like if I was on the verge of waking up from a dream as the surroundings are so surreal. But it was no time to ponder about that as we arrived and it was time to light up a roaring fire, serve tea and cook. Soon enough, the smell of rice in tomato tuna sauce was filling the air and everything felt into place. We could enjoy the evening, share food and dance to warm up.

The evening was pleasant, but we were not up late. Some chose the basement of the shelter to sleep, while some could not resist the call of the stars. I went in my sleeping bag and stared at the moon for a long while as warm blood was getting back at my feet. 

In my experience, a night out in the cold is a mixture of wonder at the possibility to sleep in such a beautiful nature, the numerous wakes up during the night to adjust the position and the forever cold nose. However we all wake up in time to see the horizon taking all the shade from grey to the orange of the dawn. Warm raspberry porridge helped us to gather all our energy to head back by the same way by a beautiful day.

In the bus to my place, I could see hordes of skier heading to Paloheinä and I blessed the fear and respect that keep the mass of skier away from the archipelago.

Thank to our newcomers for the nice company, looking forward to see you in future sub24!

Olivier, 17.01.2016

  

*Fake name

*Maybe real name

A wintery start to 2016

Hello all, as 2016 rolls in, Sub24 turns into its 6th year running, with an average of a trip a month since May 2011. And as winter is finally upon us, it's time to make good use of this equipment laying dormant in the closet!

Few Sub24 regulars have been focused on long distance skating the past few days, but as heavy snowfalls are scheduled for the rest of the week, it will soon be time to turn to skis. And of course bikes and walking are always an option.

For the first Sub24 of 2016 we'll stick to easily reachable locations in Helsinki.

When? 

This Saturday 16th of January.

Where? 

Meeting point is Rastila metro station, 5 pm. Look for people with skis and possibly an orange pulkka.

Where to?

This post is a good example of what we might be doing: A short skiing trip over the sea ice to a nearby island to spend the night.

What to bring?

As we'll most likely venture on the frozen sea ice, Ice claws, rope and complete change of clothes in waterproof bag are compulsory!

And of course  pack as much warm clothes as you need to sustain temperatures ranging from -10°C to -15°C.

Just use this blog, the facebook page or the email if you need more details! See you on Saturday!