FINLAND – TOUR OF THE SOUTHWEST

The terrain of Finland dictates an endurance style of riding with big skies rather than big mountains and a constant steady turning of the pedals to cover the distance. We’ll roll out of the capital Helsinki on the extensive cycle path network before hitting gravel, farmland and forests to experience a real transition from a busy noisy city to empty countryside with very few shops, cars, people or noise.

Whilst bikepacking around 125km per day for 4 days – unsupported and carrying all of your own kit – resupply of food and drink will be in the form of whatever is available en route; small cafes, petrol stations, supermarkets and maybe a garden tap. Shops are very few and far between so planning ahead and adapting to the local environment is essential.

This trip offers a great taster of what some of the longer bikepacking routes and races can be like both physically and mentally with regard to what to pack for a few days riding, dealing with a fully laden bike, and coping with infrequent habitation and infrastructure, but with the added security and comfort of a route, bed and a good dinner organised for you by Rpm90.