Conclusion after 1000 km

We started in the far north, and we couldn't imagine what it would be like. After 10 days of constant pedaling, we left Lapland and reached greener regions in Karelia. What impressed us the most?

Weather: We were very lucky in the far north. Temperatures of up to 15 degrees are extraordinary and made it much easier for us to start. The cooler temperatures of 2 to 5 degrees were bearable. In the second week, there was more rain, but with our clothing, it was manageable.

Landscape: Not much changes. Pines, birches, a few bushes, a big lake on the left, a huge lake on the right. And constant ups and downs. In between, there are inhabited houses, and you wonder what the everyday life of the people in this deserted area looks like. The towns that exist every 50 to 80 km are collections of functional buildings offering services. No atmosphere, not even in the so-called restaurants.

People: According to the World Happiness Report, Finns are the happiest people in the world. Last week, the happiness index must have increased significantly, as the Finns beat their arch-rival Sweden and the less beloved neighbor Russia in their national sport ice hockey and became World Champions. As passers-by, it is difficult for us to understand this, other than in connection with ice hockey, but there are obviously other factors that explain it. They have trust in their system, which guarantees social security. They enjoy the abundant nature. They take pleasure in the sauna, which is almost everywhere. And they like to drink filter coffee. Even the smallest village shop has a corner for coffee with steaming brew.

They are always friendly, helpful, and talkative in conversations with us. And most of them speak English well.

Our everyday life: In the morning, we get on our bikes and start pedaling, pedaling, pedaling. Often, sections of 40 or 50 km, as there is no reason to stop. Dominique now wonders more often why she puts herself through this. I am less pensive about it. However, I had a hard time for the first five days because of my untrained condition. I had to struggle, had great difficulty sitting on the bike, and got muscle soreness. In addition, the overall weight was exhausting. Often, I had the feeling that someone on inline skates was hanging on to the back of my bike. Meanwhile, Dominique rode ahead effortlessly for 1 to 2 km. By now, I have reduced the distance to a few hundred meters.

Depending on the accommodation, we cook a simple meal in the evening or go to a restaurant.

Accommodation: So far, we have always found a fixed accommodation, which we often booked in advance. It has been too cold or too wet for us to camp. Most campsites open on weekends.