303 words: Cycling along the south coast

Why.

As soon as I arrived in Finland last July I could see that this was a great cycling country. Geologically glaciers have planed and squished it mostly flat but also left it with amazing countryside full of lakes and forests. On top of that (literally) is a beautiful network of well kept roads and, in the cities, cyclepaths. Having cycled all my life, one of the first priorities upon landing here was to get a bike. After a bit of shopping around, Girlf. and I bought a pair of fairly decent crossbikes and from the comfort of our kitchen began to plan epic adventures cycling all around the Baltic and up to Lapland ,camping wild and swimming beneath the stars. Then it snowed.

Winter bike

Winter tyres

Thanks to winter tyres we still had fun ploughing along like tractors around the city but plans of longer trips were put on hold. Then the sun came out. Now finally we could go for a bike ride. Here's how to do it.

How to start

A bike is definitely necessary but for this route it doesn't have to be anything special. Just be confident that it works and will continue to do so for at least the remainder of the day. Helsinki has just started a new city bike scheme, details here, and I see no reason why you couldn't use one of those bikes for this route. It will probably cost you around 20 euros.

Then make like the Village People and go west. The route begins in Westend so get there first. When you see the white bridge bridge that crosses the main motorway west (The Länsiväylä) then you're in the right place.

Cross this (beware of trolls)

Then cycle west along the coast and remember to save some energy for the way back.

Lots of little and some big brown signs show the way.

Little brown sign

Bigger brown signs

Route

The track runs along the forest fringe next to the stunning coast spotted with intriguing islands. It's mostly wide and soft and far away from any cars though there are sections that use pavements next to the roads. There are on or two steep surprises that can be walked easily and a couple of staircases where it's necessary to carry the bike.

Food and drink

Take water. There are a a couple of beaches with cafes where you can get a coffee or an ice cream or cardamom bun but expect to queue on a sunny day. We found a lovely old house here that sold coffee and one of the best voisilmäpulla I've ever had. According to my cycling app I burned up 1530 calories which is the equivalent of 7.1 snickers.

When to go

I'd say the route will be ok as long as there's no snow on the ground nor rain in the air. It seems that Norway bears the brunt of the shitty weather here in Scandolandia which is probably why the vikings were so keen to go elsewhere. Anyway, weather in Finland is fairly predictable. If the forecast says dry, go for it.

Top tips

Contrary to popular belief, there is sun in Finland and it can burn you. Take sun cream. Also, there can be lots of people on the path especially at the beginning around the busy Westend coast. Keep your fingers near the brakes and try not to hit anyone.

More photos.