Saturday, January 15, 2011

Kuhankuono Ski Route

I originally planned to do an overnighter on skis this weekend, but the weather forecast changed to less inspiring weather. I made other plans for Friday night, but the weather forecast once again changed and promised clear and cold weather. I decided to try out the Kuhankuono ski route on Saturday morning. The weather was nice and crisp, -20°C (-4°F), when I got out of the car after driving for 35 minutes. It was still very dark in the forest when I started at 8.00 in the morning.

Getting lighter. It was likely a few degrees colder on the bog, and it took some time for the body to wake up and start to generate some heat.








Some sections are made on forest roads. Not too inspiring, but the other sections make it worthwhile.


The sun is starting to light up the tree tops.


Lakjärvi.




Sunrise was at 9:35, but it took another 30 minutes before the sun got up over the trees.


Forest trail used for hiking and mtb riding in the summer.


Open space again.




More forest skiing.


Coffee break. Weather this nice should be enjoyed without hurry. I felt so warm that I left the down jacket in the bag, which of course meant that the first 10 minutes after the break were very cold.




The sun climbs this high at this time of the year. We've already gained 53 minutes of daylight since the winter solstice.




The rays of the sun can be felt clearly, but it still probably only warms the mind.


When I got back to the car, the temperature was -17°C (1°F). I skied about 20 km.

A slideshow with more pictures.

Hopefully we get the same weather next weekend. If so, I think I will go on an overnighter in this same area to enjoy the full moon.

9 comments:

  1. great photos!
    the one with the sunrise make one wish to be there!
    are you able to ride your pugs on the same ski route?

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  2. I found your blog when searching for Pugsley info and greatly enjoy your photos and stories. It appears as though you are about my size, so I'm hoping you might be able to help me decide which size of Pugsley to order.

    I am 187cm tall in bare feet with a pubic bone height measurement of 89.5cm, and seat height of 77.5cm from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat along the seat tube. For reference, I ride a XL Surly Big Dummy with similar dimensions to the XL Pugsley, which works well for me on the road but I wonder about the top tube clearance for off road.

    I have not been able to find a Pugsley to test ride larger than a size M, which feels small. If you could provide your measurements, it would be helpful in determining which size to order, as I am trying to decide between a L and XL.

    Many thanks for any info.

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  3. I'm slightly taller at 192 cm and have a pubic bone height of 92 cm. The XL suits me fine and I'm sure I would find the L to be too small for me. You seem to be more between the sizes. Looking at the geometry chart, the difference in standover height between L and XL is bigger that the difference in top tube length. I'm sorry if this brings even more confusion into the matter...

    It would be technically possible to ride on the ski route, but in practice the groomed surface is a bit too narrow and the bike would not stay away from the actual ski track, so it is a no-no.

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  4. What a great post Yeti!,
    Im real jealous of everyones proper winter conditions and all there outdoor activitys.
    Our snow never lasts long, so its a joy to read threads like this!.

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  5. Thanks for the info, Yeti. I'll factor it into my consideration. I think that I could ride either L or XL, but I have to mull over potential clearance issues for a while. In the mean time, keep up the great posts. BTW, what are your impressions of the Alfine hub?

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  6. 0935 sunrise! That would suit me - now I'm retired I often don't wake up until then :0) I do read until late into the night.
    Lovely report and pictures. I'm really glad that I discovered your blog.

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  7. Today it is allready 9.20, tomorrow 9.18 and so on until the end of june (at 3.02).

    Nice pictures once again Yeti.

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  8. Thanks for the comments.

    I'm quite satisfied with the Alfine hub and would make the same choice again. If I would have gone for ordinary derailleur gears, I would probably have chosen the 9:Zero:7 aluminium frame, since it likely has some advantages.

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