After the snow storm there was few days of hibernation, as I waited the snow to melt away. Snow came down on Monday evening and night mainly but now as of Sunday, most of the pavements are clear again and the tarmac good to ride a bike.

As you can see, I now have a rack on the back of my ride. That was a really interesting special project to build. I’m still wondering if I dare to do a post about it, as it is some mad scientist level craziness.

I also bought el’cheapo panniers and a small front pouch for my ride. I still need some bottle holder or two, or maybe I’ll build another crazy gizmo on my bike for a hydration pack.

Today’s ride was about 16,5 km. The average speed seems to be around 13 km/h with this cruiser, which ain’t that much, but it is a nice steady and easy pace. As I stated before, it is all about the small 20″ back wheel and the gear ratios. But I really like cruising with this. Yeah there are many MTBs and road bikes that definitely go faster, but I’m here for the view, not for the speed.

 

I took a brake in about a halfway after biking 8,5 km. Weather was nice after a week of gloom and rain, about +3ºC and some way more in a sunlight. Wind wasn’t strong, nor cold, so it was a nice cruise.

The main route I took is called the Rantaraitti. It is a route that goes around the lake Jyväsjärvi and has tarmac all the way, so one can walk, bike, skate, run or even roller ski around it. There are several benches on the way, some art, poetry, sculptures and nice landscapes. Also even thou one stays the whole time within the city limits, there are some really nice and quiet places on the way.

The length of Rantaraitti is 12,6 km. It goes trough some Jyväskylä university campuses (Agora, Ylistönmäki & Mattilanniemi) , passes several swimming beaches, goes by Jyväskylä allotments, passes next to 2014 apartment housing exhibition area, and you’ll also see the old Äijälänsalmi bridge, also known as Matti Nykänen‘s bridge and Viherlandia a big garden and tourist center, where one can buy all sorts of plants, flowers and gardening related items or have a nice meal in their restaurant.

The Rantaraitti also goes trough Jyväskylä harbor, where are couple of restaurants, all services for the people traveling with a boat. The harbor is situated next to Lutakko square, where the Rally Finland starts and ends and many concerts and festivals are held annually.

Let’s see wher my wheels take me next?

Till then…