Author Topic: Ruska 2021 (Read 6166 times)

quixoticgeek · « **on:** 27 May, 2021, 07:44:26 pm »

With the TCR pushed back to 2022, I find myself with a big gap in my diary, and a massive desire to ride my bike a very long way.

I'm thinking of entering Ruska in Finland in September.

Anyone else thinking of entering? Anyone riden Ruska before? Does anyone have any advice on riding in Finland?

Thanks

J

Cudzoziemiec · « **Reply #1 on:** 27 May, 2021, 07:49:06 pm »

I have a feeling Salvatore has ridden it or at least knows things about it.

Frank9755 · « **Reply #2 on:** 27 May, 2021, 08:30:30 pm »

What I have heard about this year's version is that it goes into Russia, which is complicated for some nationalities inluding UK.

quixoticgeek · « **Reply #3 on:** 27 May, 2021, 08:37:17 pm »

Quote from: Frank9755 on 27 May, 2021, 08:30:30 pm

What I have heard about this year's version is that it goes into Russia, which is complicated for some nationalities inluding UK.

https://twitter.com/RandonneursFi/status/1397609951737094145

Nope. In light of the inability to go to Russia, they have changed the route to be wholly in Finland. The new route is being announced on twitter over the next week or so via the Ruska Quiz.

J

Salvatore · « **Reply #4 on:** 28 May, 2021, 10:32:32 am »

Quote from: Cudzoziemiec on 27 May, 2021, 07:49:06 pm

I have a feeling Salvatore has ridden it or at least knows things about it.

I've never ridden ruska, but I've ridden a lot in Finland (twice N->S and once E->W . Lots of empty roads, lots of trees, plenty of reindeer, not many towns or shops especially in the far north. A good sit-down meal is often available at petrol stations.

I've only been there in midsummer rather than round the equinox when ruska takes place, so nightfall in Finland is outside my experience. I suspect that insects would be less active.

Frank9755 · « **Reply #5 on:** 28 May, 2021, 12:52:08 pm »

Quote from: quixoticgeek on 27 May, 2021, 08:37:17 pm

Quote from: Frank9755 on 27 May, 2021, 08:30:30 pm
What I have heard about this year's version is that it goes into Russia, which is complicated for some nationalities inluding UK.

https://twitter.com/RandonneursFi/status/1397609951737094145

Nope. In light of the inability to go to Russia, they have changed the route to be wholly in Finland. The new route is being announced on twitter over the next week or so via the Ruska Quiz.

J

That's good news.

quixoticgeek · « **Reply #6 on:** 31 May, 2021, 10:42:33 pm »

https://twitter.com/EeroJuha/status/1399408961955282948

The check points have been announced. Now waiting for final details of the parcours, But it looks fantastic.

Crude route based on the checkpoint names can be found here: https://goo.gl/maps/FMWihKS6YzN5eP386

I'm rather excited about it. Will need to do something about my feet tho, can't do 8 days of cold feet...

Anyone else in?

J

psyclist · « **Reply #7 on:** 01 June, 2021, 08:23:36 am »

Quote from: quixoticgeek on 31 May, 2021, 10:42:33 pm

Crude route based on the checkpoint names can be found here: https://goo.gl/maps/FMWihKS6YzN5eP386

Wow, that will be a memorable trip for sure.

I've been checking out the European Divide Trail ... https://europeandividetrail.com/details/ ... which starts at Grense Jakobselv in Norway, not far from the most northern point in Finland. The landscape at those latitudes is awe inspiring.

Salvatore · « **Reply #8 on:** 01 June, 2021, 09:00:21 am »

I've ridden most of the northern bit, and the stretch south-west from Inari twice. One of my favourite roads.

Inari is the last place for shops and restaurants for about 200km, so the place to stock up

Reindeer pizza in Inari

The first place marked on the map after Inari is Pokka,
There are signs every 10km telling you how far it is, and when you get there there is a small cafe (coffee and cake) petrol pumps and very little else (a handful of houses spread among the trees, that's it).

Streetview: village centre of Pokka

Oh yes, it's got a sign saying it recorded Finland's lowest temperature.

Just south of Pokka the tarmac runs out, but it's perfectly rideable. Though perhaps not so in darkness.

postie · « **Reply #9 on:** 12 June, 2021, 04:34:26 pm »

Is there a date for this ride?
Mind you escaping the uk is a real pain right now!!!!!!

quixoticgeek · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 June, 2021, 05:14:43 pm »

https://www.randonneurs.fi/ruska-ride-across-finland-2021/

For full info. Join the mailing list for the very latest info. In English.

J

postie · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 June, 2021, 05:14:59 pm »

Thanks, Q.
Sadly anything that involves leaving the uk is off limits for the time being and just have to accept 2022 will be the year to start enjoying foreign adventuress again.

We keep up to date with this event, should uk foreign travel policy change , then you never know.

quixoticgeek · « **Reply #12 on:** 13 June, 2021, 06:36:17 pm »

Quote from: postie on 13 June, 2021, 05:14:59 pm

Thanks, Q.
Sadly anything that involves leaving the uk is off limits for the time being and just have to accept 2022 will be the year to start enjoying foreign adventuress again.

We keep up to date with this event, should uk foreign travel policy change , then you never know.

Yeah. It's looking that way. Fortunately things are better travel wise within the EU.

J

quixoticgeek · « **Reply #13 on:** 06 August, 2021, 12:08:57 am »

Well I just stumped up for the ferry from Germany to Finland. over €1k. But that does include 3 nights accommodation.

Also need to buy the train tickets to the Ferry. And keep training... lots of training...

J

Salvatore · « **Reply #14 on:** 06 August, 2021, 08:05:13 am »

What route is that? Last time I used it, Helsinki -> Travemunde (Lübeck) was about 26 hours (and roughly the same for Klaipėda -> Kiel and Tallinn -> Lübeck). Or do the three nights include before and after the sailing? Or I guess, both ways?

The price looks shocking to me, but a lot of the difference to what I paid would be accounted for by the difference between 3 nights in a luxury cabin and one in a reclining seat (or rather in sleeping bag on a mat on the floor).

quixoticgeek · « **Reply #15 on:** 06 August, 2021, 09:47:00 am »

Quote from: Salvatore on 06 August, 2021, 08:05:13 am

What route is that? Last time I used it, Helsinki -> Travemunde (Lübeck) was about 26 hours (and roughly the same for Klaipėda -> Kiel and Tallinn -> Lübeck). Or do the three nights include before and after the sailing? Or I guess, both ways?

The price looks shocking to me, but a lot of the difference to what I paid would be accounted for by the difference between 3 nights in a luxury cabin and one in a reclining seat (or rather in sleeping bag on a mat on the floor).

Travemunde -> Helsinki.

Get on just before midnight on Sunday, ferry leaves at 2am, arrive Tuesday 9am - 29 hours at sea, but two nights sleeping on the boat.

Return is depart 1700, arrive 2130. So only 1 night on the boat. I also realised that I have over €130 for food on the ferry in that bill. Expensive, but removes the stress of shopping for stuff to take, and it's cheaper than if I'd waited to get on the ferry to pay.

Without the cabins and food, it's €130 each way, plus €25 each way for the bike.

J

Salvatore · « **Reply #16 on:** 06 August, 2021, 10:01:40 am »

Ta. That makes sense.

quixoticgeek · « **Reply #17 on:** 29 August, 2021, 12:37:01 pm »

In case anyone is fancying a last minute entry, you have until midnight tonight (UTC+3), to register for Ruska 2021.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2RTDiKNyTjHe-Ng5LZeV14kAf9IcNf3HMnuxw
cTs_9zji9g/viewform

J

quixoticgeek · « **Reply #18 on:** 07 September, 2021, 05:05:19 pm »

https://www.randonneurs.fi/live/ruska2021/

Tracking and start list is out!

J

psyclist · « **Reply #19 on:** 07 September, 2021, 05:16:13 pm »

Quote from: quixoticgeek on 07 September, 2021, 05:05:19 pm

Tracking and start list is out!

My Finnish is a bit rusty, but I think the event starts this coming Friday. Good luck! Looks superb.

Cudzoziemiec · « **Reply #20 on:** 08 September, 2021, 10:54:21 am »

Why do only some entrants have numbers?

StantheMan · « **Reply #21 on:** 08 September, 2021, 11:37:45 am »

First timers don't have number yet. Those have who has ridden Ruska before.

quixoticgeek · « **Reply #22 on:** 08 September, 2021, 11:47:48 am »

A number must be earned by finishing a Ruska.

J

quixoticgeek · « **Reply #23 on:** 09 September, 2021, 08:32:55 pm »

Picked up my Brevet card this afternoon. Had my bike checked over by a highly recommended local bike shop (rear mech hanger was bent leading to rough shifting). Have oiled the chain. And loaded the bike. Only errand left is to post my drop bag to the finish in the morning.

J

Peter · « **Reply #24 on:** 09 September, 2021, 09:31:57 pm »

Very best of luck, J!