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!

First snow in Stenbacka

As past experience has taught us to expect, the November ride to Stenbacka was cold, dark and the drizzle turned slowly to sleet and then to snow. It was therefore a delight to see Stenbacka made welcoming by lit candles in the yard. We were quick to feel comfortable in this beautiful house full of the memories of several generations.

Soon the fire was roaring mightily in the sauna stove, water was heating and our bodies and souls started to relax and opened gradually after the ride. We threw merrily löyly and let the steam fill up the sauna. As one can expect from cyclist buddies, the discussion revolved about the substance of love and happiness, about social equality and the possibility to enjoy vanilla ice cream and crisps. The latter matter found us deeply divided and no one moved from their initial position. I guess I will have to try one of these nights. The stream was waiting for our overheated bodies and played its role beyond expectations: we came out of it fresh to the bone marrow. 

We moved on to celebrate pikkujoulu in front of the fire, cooking couscous, pasta, tortellini and roasting sausages. All was enjoyed with beer, glögi and tea. Many dessert courses were served such as sheep cheese with Colombian goyava jam, chocolate and pipparkakku. You can easily imagine the blissful state of mind of the tired riders with full belly.

I woke up surrounded by deep quietness. The regular breathing of the sleeping cyclists, light filling up the room and snow all around the house. The first snow of the year for me, which gave me the energy to start the day.

We started to ride back in the enchanting forest loaded with snow. I dare to say that never the world was this beautiful. Apparently, Helsinki city dwellers have missed the snow completely since there was no trace of it out of the forest.