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Mika K
16-05-2012, 20:02
Take quite a few pics of my interests and think that bicycles are the top contender when talking about the amounts. Have also received some enquiries of my interest of taking photos, so decided to kick up small thread based to these random bike shots ;) Most are taken with my Canon 40D body with battery handle with vertical controls using either Canon 50/1.8, Sigma 30/1.4 or Zeiss Sonnar 135/3.5 lenses. Enjoy!

Today did two and half hour ride with my Steamroller and on my way home visited the local rink to watch singlespeeders/fixed gear riders playing some bike polo.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7211334740_0ee4e98684_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/7211303200_e76316255b_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5279/7211335876_e250ec4ab6_c.jpg

Reid Malenfant
16-05-2012, 20:29
Whassat? Looks like bike Polo? :D

audio39
22-05-2012, 14:49
Is the gent in the first shot from ZZ Top?? :lol:

Mika K
07-06-2012, 16:40
You never know :D

Visited India for 9 days during the past weeks and came back home on Sunday. Immediately on Monday just had to get out, so despite of the rain and wind did a small evening ride with Steamroller..

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7163496539_c5ba2333e6_c.jpg

Wednesday run out of work bit earlier than usual and after light dinner did a 100+km ride with my Gianni Motta Ti road bike. Quite nice weather have to say - starting to feel like summer already. Have planned to do similar longer ride during the weekend. Perhaps some more pics coming then.. ;)

Mika K
09-06-2012, 13:16
Yesterday loaned this Christiania Bikes 2-wheeler cargobike with seat and belts from a friend as they were going to visit their summer cabin at eastern Finland. Interesting thingie to ride and use this one have to say :eek:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7354211630_0e63aff1f3_c.jpg

Today covered 41km with that with our kids visiting few parks to play a little and having a picnic etc. Ride time was more than 3 hours in total, so speed is not the most important thing here but not bad day job at all even did not have possibility to go for a longer spin with my road bike. Perhaps tomorrow will have some time for that..

aquapiranha
09-06-2012, 20:16
Interesting pictures, thanks Mika. the bike polo looks like fun - I notice the bikes have only front brakes too. I must get out on my bike.

Mika K
13-06-2012, 07:03
The bikes used at polo are usually fixed gear ones. That is the reason for front break only.

Mika K
25-06-2012, 06:36
Visited my hometown during the midsummer weekend. For the longest and lightest day, the solstice, left the kids to grandparents loving care and did a 7h bike ride at the city and its surroundings.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5325/7434092502_450c8d1215_c.jpg

During the ride checked out the local alleycat races, had a few beers with friends and did a nice night ride back to the summer house via the Crimean War monument and one nice beach..

Mika K
28-06-2012, 18:48
Nor perfectly aligned but here is my Gianni Motta leaning to the back wall of the Oulu city theatre. Quite nice and simple building actually eventhou the front has bit too much glass to my likening..

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7462046118_8d05dc1a17_c.jpg

aquapiranha
28-06-2012, 21:14
Nice pic Mika.

Mika K
05-07-2012, 11:18
Tuesday made 124km ride with my Gianni Motta. After 80k kept small break at the town Muhos to have a sandwitch and some lemonade. Soon after had to turn back home earlier than had planned as the frame started awkward noise and spotted a small crack near the old welding point. Unfortunately that has been already once repaired and as the crack is at the chainstay it might be that it is something cannot be fixed anymore..

So here is my version of the last supper :D

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7495731820_99a4bfac89_c.jpg

Macca
05-07-2012, 12:19
During the ride checked out the local alleycat races, had a few beers with friends and did a nice night ride back to the summer house via the Crimean War monument and one nice beach..

Why does a town in Finland have a Crimean War monument? :scratch:

Mika K
05-07-2012, 12:53
Fair question.

Most of the conflict of course took place on the Crimean Peninsula, but there were several smaller war campaigns in western Anatolia, Caucasus, the Baltic Sea, the Pacific Ocean and the White Sea linked to the same origin. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_War#Baltic_theatre

The pic of the monument was taken at Halkokari beach in the town Kokkola, where British and French fleets attacks were repulsed 1954.

Mika K
14-07-2012, 13:43
Four hour ride started with sunshine and continued with rainstorm with some heavy lightning strikes..

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8433/7567700166_15df3c51b9_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7567699056_69847fa279_c.jpg

Did not feel taking out my camera after the weather changed. Sorry about that :)

Macca
14-07-2012, 13:57
Fair question.

Most of the conflict of course took place on the Crimean Peninsula, but there were several smaller war campaigns in western Anatolia, Caucasus, the Baltic Sea, the Pacific Ocean and the White Sea linked to the same origin. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_War#Baltic_theatre

The pic of the monument was taken at Halkokari beach in the town Kokkola, where British and French fleets attacks were repulsed 1954.

Very interesting Mika, thanks for the link.

Mika K
14-07-2012, 14:03
Oops! That year 1954 should naturally be the year 1854.. :doh:

Macca
14-07-2012, 14:09
lol didn't want to mention that ;) - although the UK did declare war on Finland in 1941, I don't think there was any direct conflict.

Marco
30-07-2012, 10:00
Hi Mika,


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7567699056_69847fa279_c.jpg


What a superb photograph - excellent composition and use of light... Bravo! :)

Marco.

archiesdad
30-07-2012, 21:12
Loving your photos but the mileages mentioned on the bike made my rear ache thinking about it(mileages/kilometreages don't seem right). Got some more pics?

jason
02-08-2012, 12:20
Great pics mika, I like those bikes too..

Jason

Mika K
21-08-2012, 04:46
Thanks!

For the mileage it seems that I'm not reaching my personal target to ride more than 1000km every month during the whole summer season from May to September - or then I have to really step up for the last five weeks or so. Have only approx 3300km and should have closer to 4k already.. :)

Alas, did I hear someone mentioning more pics?

The granite ball of Oulu Univ.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7828848510_bcc3f984bc_c.jpg

Singletrack heaven
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7828845340_8ecf7fc9d7_c.jpg

The kids in a box
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7828856088_38bd7a9a7a_c.jpg

Deserted Nallikari beach
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/7828853814_5376f25927_c.jpg

Mika K
21-08-2012, 04:50
And then of course there is the local small bikepolo tournament for fixed/ss riders from last Saturday.. :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/7828840958_6b9383f80e_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8436/7828856786_746753cf4d_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/7828854818_37e79fa98b_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7828843214_4455964d73_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7828851658_eb6df4e952_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
21-08-2012, 08:45
Mika,

Love everything about your biking pictures, apart from the lovely pics, it's the whole lifestyle thing,
i envy you living in a beautiful country and so little cars and peoples attitude towards cyclist is probably loads better than my city,
add to that the increasing incidences of drug driving, and too many near misses and aggro with drivers for my liking,
i am gravitating more to off road now, so much so i am selling my beloved road bike.:(

Interested to know what do you use for singletrack work?, one thing i miss about my road bike is the liveliness and speed of a good racer.

p.s. surprised to see spd and straps for your polo sessions, i would've thought broken collar bones if you fall with your legs strapped in.

Mika K
21-08-2012, 17:22
Yes I don't actually know am I loving more the bikes as items, the riding experience, or the whole lifestyle and culture around those two wheeled thingies. Nevertheless this has been like this more than 20 years or so after bought my first "real" bike with the money received from my part time summer job, so I guess I'm beyond salvation.. :)

For the singletrack I'm mostly addicted to singlespeed 29ers but currently my main ride has gears (Trek Sawyer 2012) as had a knee injury few years back and extensive hard pedaling with more power & torgue still reminds me of that. I think for leisure riding the 29ers are the way to go as they roll bit easier over obstacles and momentum makes the riding bit more fluid than with kiddy wheels even when it's more technical terrain.

By the way here is pic my new road bike I received today. It was meant to be a temporary solution as long can order custom hi-tech steel frame with my dimensions and requirements but after two hour building the bike and three hour ride I'm not so sure about that anymore :D

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8436/7831819062_455158da12_c.jpg

It's Canyon Ultimate AL frame size 60cm. Groupset is Campagnolon Athena, wheels Campagnolon Zondat with Tufo tyres and saddle Brooks B17, naturally. Still some fine tuning needed but it's close..

wiicrackpot
21-08-2012, 18:47
Mika,

Lovely bike as all are that are in your possession, how do you adjust to an all Aluminium bike coming from a Ti?,
bet you feel every ripple and bump through your chassis, think the most time consuming is fine tuning your Swift or B17 through the heat of your derriere,
but once broken in nothing better in the world. :)

I've got a suggestion for you, why not take a long ride to chase some shots of the Aurora Borealis and put the pics on here,
that would be cool and break in your saddle at the same time. :cool:

Mika K
23-08-2012, 18:17
The frame feels stiffer but surprisingly not that bad as anticipated. Perhaps that is because of the new carbon-basalt forks and seatpost. Atleast the critics have praised those highly and so far I think those work ok.

All the Brooks saddles I have is already broken in, not an easy task but made it for each :eek: but perhaps I can still chase the aurora when the season starts. However for those winter rides I mainly use my 29er thou.. :)

Mika K
06-09-2012, 20:43
Last week Friday rode 223km with my road bike. The ride time was 9h 5mins with average speed of 25km/h. Total time with the breaks was 11h 20mins. Unfortunately this time travelled as light as possible so no pics available :)

However last week changed cx tires to my Steamroller and have been doing few nice rides with it at the local trails and parks. Feel the air. See the falling leaves from the trees and look at the sky. Autumn and cx season - it's on.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8034/7945409572_195ab14ff7_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7945417906_31c5ec314c_c.jpg

Today evening did a small night ride with my friend and tattoo artist Mr.P. He is actually a huge LP lover also :) I was riding with the gentlemen ride Pelago and he had his lovely cruiser. Had such a nice two hour with him that decided to continue these as riding in teh dark with the headlights just feels so ..different..

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8297/7945405250_32c6e918a9_c.jpg

isuckedmandelsonslemons
06-09-2012, 21:10
7174

Crap pic compared to your lovely images but it's my pride and joy. Well, one of them.

isuckedmandelsonslemons
07-09-2012, 06:51
7177

Here's my TT rig.

isuckedmandelsonslemons
07-09-2012, 06:52
7178

This one's fast. Even with me on it.

isuckedmandelsonslemons
07-09-2012, 09:12
7179

My lovely Isaac Sonic Ltd Edition. One of only 499 ever made. Mine is No 155

wiicrackpot
08-09-2012, 00:33
Seriously lovely bikes Harry. bet you have a nice problem on which one to take out. :)

Nice film. http://www.infinitylist.com/video/brussels-express/

isuckedmandelsonslemons
08-09-2012, 06:17
Seriously lovely bikes Harry. bet you have a nice problem on which one to take out. :)

Nice film. http://www.infinitylist.com/video/brussels-express/

Yes it's a nice problem. But I have more. A bike for every day of the week. Ridiculous but true.

wiicrackpot
08-09-2012, 08:22
I used to be like you, had 5 bikes at one point now i am down to 3, hopefully to 2 in the not too distant future.

Austro Daimler, 1st real bike, lovely lug work (reynolds 531 tubing)
Giuseppe Sarroni in white with world champion coulour bands around lugs, a beauty (columbus sl tubing)
Vutus 979, Sean Kelly had one so must i, (Duralinox aero grade alloy tubing and bonded instead of welding)
Fondriest Don Racer, lovely bike and currently for sale as it's wasted on me not being used,(Dedacciai butted tubing)
Airborne Corsair Titanium MTB, brilliant vintage hardtail XC MTB.
Raleigh Pioneer hack (cheap reynolds tubing) bike for winter and foul weather.

...nothing like the quality of yours but equally satisfying as it's all self built with selected parts,
as you can see i am moving away from road to off-road so want to end up with the last 2 eventually. :)

Mika K
13-09-2012, 15:48
Of course have those also but in general I try not to take pics only with my bikes on it. They just seem little dull or too techie oriented for me, so there has to be something other interesting happening also.. :)

Last Saturday local fixed/ss-riders had a small event with title "Tour de nearby public houses". So in brief the idea was to have a group ride by the planned route via some locals small pubs, having some small tasks every now and then, and naturally enjoy the company of similar bike-o-holics while drinking beer. Started 3PM and ended 4AM next morning, stats 12 pubs with 79kms including one stop at the chinese restaurant. Next morning had a small hangover so perhaps should have drinken also some water instead of plain beer and single malts. Here we're practicing some bikebana at one nicely named place.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8449/7981663937_0ed772b9e7_c.jpg

One of my friends Mr.O, or actually he and his wife are organizing weekly cx races every Wednesday. The races are more like freeform events without any special rules for the bikes or different classes etc. The purpose is just to ride cx and have fun. Have visited the event few times and now as his wife was having a business trip and the event was planned to woods near my place, he asked me to plan the track. Went there early with my fixed cx bike and a vision and one hour later the race was on. Here is the winner Mr.K pedaling at one of the trails included to short sprint related track that was finally raced for 12 laps. As it had been raining during the past 24 hors we had some mud, sweat and big grins!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7981666776_4b57f8b673_c.jpg

Today while Mrs.Mrok is taking our son U to the first training for the kids Greco-Roman wrestling school, I had some quality time with our daughter S. That Fisher-Price thingie is quite fabulous toy got to admit. Not a bike shot but still..

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/7982702467_a3ef45bb4b_c.jpg

Guess what album is playing at the background? :ner:

wiicrackpot
14-09-2012, 06:50
Once again great pics Mika,

the Fixi one is soo...cool, really urban in feel and good enough for Portfolio shot. :cool:

The singletrack is very good, love the way you've framed it with the denseness of the trees and the track from infinity to where the rider is,
what makes it is the solitary rider to add impact, someone else in frame would've taken the lookers attention away, pure Northshore bliss.

I guess the tune playing in the background is the ''Teletubbies'', i can tell by the happiness in your L'il angels eye's. :)

Mika K
22-09-2012, 07:19
The album was actually Rush - A Show of hands :)

This week it has more or less rained everyday but I have been brave sould and commuted my daily trip to work. However Wednesday had again change to go the cross event and this time participated as a racer. There were some people riding will glory in their eyes and some just for fun. The winner rode ten laps at the muddy track with some slippery roots and technical sections. I did eight at the same time with my fixed Steamroller, so not bad at all as the winner Mr. J is elite class competitor.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/8003927390_5c60b5bdea_c.jpg

During my ride to the other side of the city where the event took place, the race and riding back searching some nice singletrack by the highway, had tons of fun. Mud, sweat and no gears. My Steamroller also looked pretty used after the ride.. :D

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/8003925696_171c03054d_c.jpg

Today it rains again and planning to do 2-3 hour ride after Mrs returns from the early morning shift. But first I have to go upstairs and play some Dino-game with the kids plus prepare some apple jam after the lunch. Phew!

wiicrackpot
22-09-2012, 08:15
Well done you on your achievement in only 2 laps behind a elite rider, :thumbsup: have attended some cyclocross races through the years and really admire the dogged determination and toughness of the participants.

Sold my race bike this week, now looking for a Kinesis Crosslight Pro 6.

http://road.cc/content/news/46405-first-ride-kinesis-crosslight-pro6

Mika K
22-09-2012, 08:50
Yeah I was actually bit surprised as thought that will get only 6-7 laps :) I guess they did not really race, just had a friendly competition between themselves :)

I have also been eyeballing some upgrades to my bike for this cx-season and winter commuting but have to really consider to skip the urge and leave Steamroller as plain fixed commuter and perhaps consider dedicated cx machine. Perhaps someday..

Mika K
25-09-2012, 15:35
Just by accident came across this pic at one other bike related forum. It is taken by me from the first bike polo tournament arranged at northern Finland few years ago. Brings back some nice memories.. :)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/4841504648_fd5d67a8fe_b.jpg

Mika K
26-09-2012, 19:44
Today Mrs.Mrok had evening shift at the hospital, so could make to the Wednesday cx event as a rider but went there with the kids instead. We walked at the forest by the trails and paths besides the difficult technical track and cheered to the fearless riders of the north. Here is old friend of mine Mr.S who took third place today.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/8027472442_baf85d69c1_c.jpg

The kids seemed to like playing at the forest and watching racers going by with speed. Especially they liked the part when I promised some chocolate pudding as the dessert for todays late dinner when came back home.. :)

wiicrackpot
28-09-2012, 12:55
Nice photo's as usual, not familiar with that make of cyclocross bike.

Mika, have you ever taken part in Vátternrundan?, looks really interesting ride........ if you're fit. :eyebrows:

Mika K
01-10-2012, 09:24
The maker for the cx bike pictured is Italian manufacturer Kuota. Pretty famous actually for their carbon frames for both road and cx use.

Have not taken part to Vätternrundan but few of the friends I ride frequently have participated several times and have also planned to do that some year. However the huge amount of participants is already a bit of a bummer as it brings some challenges and thus have been considering more doing some fleche/brevet type of rides during the next years.. :)

Mika K
18-10-2012, 09:23
Long time no pics, so..

One and half week ago on Saturday took part to our city open CX championships with my fixed gear Steamroller. The track was nice and fast comibination of singletrack and park lanes with some really tight hills and wooden obstacles that most of the riders had to run. Ended up finishing somewhere around 35th of the total 45 participants with -2 laps to elite riders. Not bad eventhou hard as hell as my gearing is designed for commuting and easy trails.. :D

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/8063036922_4ea895ef35_c.jpg

Last Wednesday had a small get-together at Ms.N's apartment as his spouse was travelling on business. She loves fixed gear bikes and also makes delicious banana-peanut cake I enjoyed with one finnish small brewery IPA.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8097934864_06c9088bed_c.jpg

Friday evening after Mrs.Mrok came home from evening shift went to downtown to have few beers with some collegues from the office. Just had to stop by and take this pic as the paper factory behing the gulf looked so ..hmm.. peacefull.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8190/8097929819_c472a27bde_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
18-10-2012, 09:45
You didn't ride a CX with fixed gear did you??,:stalks: respect if you did, just missed out on a Kona Paddy Wagon with flip flop hubs in my local classifieds going cheap couple of weeks ago, still keeping my eyes peeled for a Kinesis or Ridley CX bike.

That lump of B&P cake on the table looks bang hot, bet it taste real good and energy packed after your exertions.

Mika K
18-10-2012, 20:32
I did :D

wiicrackpot
19-10-2012, 05:08
I did :D
Step up dude,{drum rolls}......Mika K ''YOU ARE MAN OF THE YEAR'' :pub:
but i think you could've came in 25th if you had use a block and derailleur. even if you want to keep it simple with one chainring,
and you do know if you crunch uphill often, it will eventually do your knees in young man. :eyebrows:

Mika K
05-11-2012, 22:06
Long time no pics! HAve to do something for this issue.. :)

Last week we received the first snowflakes here in northern Finland, so the winter season is officially on. Now as write this the snow has already melted once and we have had our share of slush and dark wet autumn but still enjoy the pics.

The trusty Steamroller during the first winter commute to the office.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8159131535_0d68a4aacc_c.jpg

The city bay with a nice light last week Saturday morning. Actually was on my way to the local hifi/highend fair while taking this one.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8159103339_87c919ee97_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
06-11-2012, 09:44
Was waiting to see if anyone else would like to add to this thread but no.

Another immense picture landscape, Postcard card quality, the bike shot is arty too, well done. :cool:

Marco
06-11-2012, 13:35
The city bay with a nice light last week Saturday morning. Actually was on my way to the local hifi/highend fair while taking this one.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8159103339_87c919ee97_c.jpg

Gosh, Mika, that looks stunning and just like the sort of place I'd love to visit! :stalks: :eek: :exactly:

Marco.

Mika K
06-11-2012, 15:39
Yes, sometimes it's quite nice in the quiet small northern towns like Oulu. If coming this way you know whom to contact.. :)

Marco
07-11-2012, 17:13
It's the quiet small (rural) towns I like, Mika - miles away from any bloody tourists: the real Finland.

If I'm surrounded by beautiful scenery, where you can walk, a few shops where you can browse round, and there are some nice family-run restaurants and bars in the area, selling high-quality local produce, I'm happy! :)

Marco.

Mika K
08-11-2012, 07:38
In that case visiting somewhere outside Helsinki area and the southern rush-Finland might be a welcome option. Depending the season there are some beautiful small towns that offer exactly the things you mentioned. Don't hesitate to contact for some ideas if coming this way :)

Marco
08-11-2012, 08:31
Nice one, Mika. Don't worry, I will! :)

Maybe you could give me some suggestions of appropriate towns/areas and I'll do some research on them? :cool:

Marco.

Mika K
08-11-2012, 10:14
I'll can try to sketch up somekind of shortlist with few links etc and send that to you by PM.

Marco
09-11-2012, 13:49
That would be great, Mika! :)

Marco.

Mika K
12-11-2012, 06:57
No problem. In case you don't get the PM during this week please just send me a quick reminder :)

Mika K
04-12-2012, 13:45
^Noticed I have something on my to-do-list :)

Anyway yesterday evening there was a fixed gear cx event at Oulu arranged by the local rider community. Despite of the cold -24 degrees of C weather almost ten participants came to race and we had a really nice evening. Few pics..

The light was really nice at the woods near the Lintula sports centre:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8241647359_5747779804_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8241646795_420650a792_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8242722476_0736c06199_z.jpg

The podium:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8241655141_e7edea48f9_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8241643881_a6ffe53b04_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8242725860_1b183f2648_c.jpg

Audio Al
04-12-2012, 13:56
Frozen beards :lol:

Classic

Great shots :)

Mika K
07-12-2012, 20:08
This evening did a one and half hour ride with my Steamroller as the weather was pretty nice and calm. Only -7 degrees of Celcius today. During the ride noticed one small 7/11 shop with big SALE sign s in it as it was open for the last day. After a brief moment bought icecream as it felt somehow suitable to the situation and was -50% off as some other stuff also. Few pedestrians were smiling for the stupid bike-o-holic eating icecream in the middle of the winter. Made me smile also..

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8253355500_91e05f7c98_b.jpg

Marco
08-12-2012, 08:53
I love that, Mika - looks so eerily dark and atmospheric! That's how I'd like it to be here on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day :santa:

As an aside, that shot would inspire me to write one of my infamous 'tales of the macabre': where desolate streets on winter nights ignite twisted psychopathic minds, and unspeakable horrors strike fear into your very soul......

Marco.

Audio Al
08-12-2012, 09:36
I like the idea behind the image nice B&W shot at night / moody

However it looks too made up

Have you ridden the bike from the other end of the view ( your tyre tracks ) then stopped looked back and seen a image

The bike looks to have been dragged into position on the back light ? dropped on the floor then the person taking the image has walked back and taken the shot

Maybe wrong ,but I always like to see and understand how a image was taken

Keep the photos coming I like them :)

Mika K
11-12-2012, 11:00
Thanks.

The other tyre tracks are made by someone else, I just noted a nice view when driving along and stopped. The bike is fixed gear one and the tracks are skidmarks, so that is the reason the tracks seem like the bike is dragged to the spot. However I did walk back from it and took the image.

Mika K
18-12-2012, 22:16
Today did three and half hour ride with a friend from local fixed gear community. Did about 70km and stopped once at the gas station to warm our toes and fingers as the weather was a bit chilly -15 degrees of C with a small breeze. Started also to have some icicles at my 'staches.. :)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8285320372_492c9b32c2_c.jpg

Here Mr.J is doing the X with the bikes at the old shipyard maintenance building renewed lately (it had a small cafeteria last summer I think) at Piimäperä where we stopped for a moment on our way.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8285476348_de1b463466_c.jpg

Mika K
04-01-2013, 15:46
Sorry no bike shots this time but few shots from my new year skiing trip to Lapland. Five days skiing mostly offpiste with good friends, spending evenings by cooking nice dinners, having a sauna, drinking a bit and playing social games as Blocus, Jazz etc. The first skiing day was bit cold at -25 deg of Celcius but the rest were warmer at somewhere around -5 to -10.. :)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8337766586_9a6ce932fe_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8337765550_12e04c8d54_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8337763594_1223c83209_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8213/8336705627_fb1ca3761f_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8076/8337765826_dd5c326819_z.jpg

Our our way back home we stopped at the grave of our dear friend and member of our freeskiing club who passed away last spring at Mt. Denali by a skiing accident. This was important to me as did not have a possibility to participate to the funeral.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8336706555_c3ef3020b7_c.jpg

We lighted a candle for him, had a quiet moment, and dropped few tears. All of us. And it was not because of the hangover. Funny thing how you can same time feel really sad, but still somehow happy. I guess it's because the healing process. Luckily the memories are forever.

wiicrackpot
05-01-2013, 00:03
Ski-ing looks awesome, mogul dancing through trees is what dreams are made of, then aprés in the bar to Nanci's tune with some lovely dames.

''Here's to the lady's you love and don't see again,
The night is warm whiskey... the mornin's a cold bitter wind,
The blue eyed madonna leaves town while the drunken man waits,
Leaves him standing alone in the shadows of St. Olav's Gate.''

...then pilgrimage to your dearly departed friend, respect.:yesbruv:

May i take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year Mika, happy times always.

Marco
13-01-2013, 15:03
Fantastic pictures, as usual, Mika... You're making me want to visit Finland, more and more!


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8336706555_c3ef3020b7_c.jpg


How did you know that I love old graveyards? I really enjoy their tranquility and solitude. I dig the little lanterns illuminating the cold night sky with their comforting and gently warm glow... And the snow!! :yay:

I'm sure that your sadly departed friend would've been watching over you :)

Marco.

Mika K
13-01-2013, 20:43
Thanks Andy - Happy New Year to you also! And Thanks Marco, I certainly hope so..

Today Mrs. has a morning shift, so spent the day with the kids cleaning the house and also playing outside. After Mrs came home and we had the dinner had some time to go for a little bike ride while the sauna was heating up.

Did a nice 45min cx ride with my fixed Steamroller at the snowy trails nearby our some. Trails were really good, hard and smooth. However my chinese high power led light has started occasionally to cut out the power and this caused some funny situations like at the pic when missed the trail after hard left turn from one bigger forest road to one smaller singletrack taking me back home :)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8377030179_52f06707fa_c.jpg

Marco
14-01-2013, 07:35
Love shots like that - looks very creepy! :eyebrows:

You should've been playing this track on your iPod....

40K55oszGho

Marco.

Mika K
14-01-2013, 07:51
Bit too slow paced for riding me thinks - for the subject might prefer this one.. :D

vD7zHVWNngM

Marco
14-01-2013, 11:13
Lol, yeah... However, I'm an 80s boy at heart! :D

Must be nice and peaceful out there in the snow, relatively in the middle of nowhere... What time was it roughly when you took the picture?

Marco.

Mika K
14-01-2013, 16:40
I'm guessing that the pic was taken somewhere between 6 and 7 PM..

Marco
14-01-2013, 20:56
Ah, so not exactly the witching hour.... Still, watch out for the boogie man coming out of those bushes and grabbing you! :eyebrows:

Marco.

Mika K
20-01-2013, 13:53
Thursday morning (eerrr, or was it Friday..) did see only few other commuters while riding to work and most of the time felt like a lone rider out there on the bike lanes. I'm guessing it was because of the weather as half past seven the thermometer showed -27 C temperature and in addition there was a small breeze going on.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8398575016_9b8b23eb93_c.jpg

It's only question of the preparations i.e. clothing and the most important thing - the attitude. Of course if your bike can also cope with cold weather so that the lubricants at the bearings are not getting frozen and make your miserable, that is a big plus too. The factory grease in bike parts is many times too stiff for winter use in northern grounds. So when I buy new hubs etc usually will re-assemble the whole thing and add better stuff in before the winter season and the first cold fronts hits the north.. :)

wiicrackpot
20-01-2013, 15:01
It's only question of the preparations i.e. clothing and the most important thing - the attitude. Of course if your bike can also cope with cold weather so that the lubricants at the bearings are not getting frozen and make your miserable, that is a big plus too. The factory grease in bike parts is many times too stiff for winter use in northern grounds. So when I buy new hubs etc usually will re-assemble the whole thing and add better stuff in before the winter season and the first cold fronts hits the north.. :)
Huh !!..thats exactly my thoughts when i saw your pic and read the text to -27 celcius, 1st thing came to my mind was the headset,hub,bottom bracket and derailleur greases must be Whale blubber based, :D i don't care if you are a Kamikazi but there's no way you could generate enough energy/revolutions in those conditions to get to anything like their working viscosity.

Mika K
21-01-2013, 20:17
Already tired to see these random bike shots from the north? No worries - I have plenty of more to post as they just keep showing up to my camera without any effort. It's weird.. ;)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8402217193_6eae47467a_b.jpg

This evening did a small ride to check out the new bridge recently opened up for public from the north side of the river Oulu to Toppila Isle. Not much to see but just wanted to check it out as most likely will use it occasionally when going to companys badminton hour to sports center located at the Isle. It's only 5km from our place to the bridge but somehow managed to ride two hours around the city :D

Marco
22-01-2013, 08:24
Awesome stuff, Mika, as usual. Could I ask how often you skid and fall on your arse? :D

In those conditions, it must happen sometimes, surely? :)

Marco.

wiicrackpot
22-01-2013, 08:41
Could I ask how often you skid and fall on your arse? :D
Marco.
How rude !!! Mika is Finnish you know, they're 'king of skids' and probably drift round situations like a thoroughbred rally driver without a sweat. :D

Mika K
22-01-2013, 10:28
Yes we might be bit weird here in the north but not almighty thou.. :D

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KvqtVXWz4Ko/TyzpEAb6M9I/AAAAAAAAAlM/3sK3_D_5xH4/s1600/Meanwhile_in_Finland.jpg

So yes, I've fallen many times, usually thou this happens when it's really icy or slippery. Surprisingly thou for this winter season have not fallen yet? I guess the last time was during summer when playing some bike polo.. :)

Marco
22-01-2013, 11:13
Ha - no doubt that picture was taken in the height of summer...

Pah, REAL men don't wear vests (secretly, he's also wearing two pairs of his wife's tights under his pants, in case it gets cold)! :D

Marco.

Mika K
22-01-2013, 11:33
Yep we're weird :)

Please first watch this Sswedish Robert Gustafsson portrays the 5 (stereotypical) stages of Finnish drinking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAl9OyGYxOg. Then think about that for a while and then read this article called "Finns - masters of silence" http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Finns+-+masters+of+silence/1135246072691

And there it is! Now you have the tools to understand our nation better than average.. :)

Marco
23-01-2013, 20:41
Ha - very amusing, Mika! :eyebrows:

I too have no problem with silence and can't abide people starting idle chit-chat for the sake of breaking a perfectly normal, reflective silence. I much prefer people who are quiet and pensive, than loudmouths, cackling away (groups of females on a night out together are most guilty of this), who love nothing more than the sound of their own voices! :rolleyes:

I also generally find the atmosphere that most people are accustomed to living in these days way too 'loud', with kids running around screaming and shouting, adults often behaving not much better (!) TVs blaring, often with no-one watching them, and just the general hubbub and noise level continually in evidence in many people's homes.

Working from home and spending most of my day alone in a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere (we live in a detached house in a nice quiet area), with the only 'noise' coming from music played on my system, or the cats meowing (until my wife returns from work), means that I'm simply not used to the continual 'din' that many people these days consider as normal! I simply can't abide it. In some ways, I think that this is a British thing, as one doesn't tend to encounter this natural desire for noise as much elsewhere in Europe.

Therefore, the little 'quirks' of Finnish people, which you describe, would be no problem for me whatsoever - in fact, I'd rather enjoy it! :)

Marco.

Marco
26-01-2013, 14:15
Hey, Mika, I'm surprised you haven't commented on this! :)

Marco.

Mika K
29-01-2013, 08:13
All you wrote made perfect sense to me when reading it, so didn't really have anything to comment. So just acting as a proper Finn here.. :whistle:

Marco
29-01-2013, 09:09
:lolsign:

Marco.

Mika K
01-02-2013, 19:59
Today did three hour ride with my 29er to celebrate the nice -3 C degree weather. Rode mostly bike lanes as the paths and singletracks are too soft after the new snow that has fallen during the week. Just few really popular tracks were hard enough for a big rider like me, here is one next to the playgroung at one small park neat the forest area next to the university..

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8517/8436452368_84616cfcef_c.jpg

Mika K
10-02-2013, 17:07
1st of February the winter cycle challenge started, a playful competition for work communities and sport clubs etc to mark their distances covered by bike. The event is sponsored by the ministry of health with an idea to get people moving instead of using cars for all the commuting. Have marked my rides and so far have been able to cover 231km during 10 days - could be worse.. :)

Few shots from previous week. The first one taken by the river Oulu and other one near the light wall installation next to the sports centre Raatti.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8444931903_0bd943f8e2_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8462258152_2849457c9a_c.jpg

Mika K
21-02-2013, 12:00
have had some great days here for winter biking, temperatures have been from -5 to -18 degrees of C and virtually no wind at all. And when you combine the longer days and even some sun, that make you feel like spring season is starting soon, oh boy :eek:

Icefishing season has also started at the river Oulu and enthusiasts seem to go awfully close to the edge of the ice..

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8492282965_731ac5a504_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8492282185_af9c5ffb9b_c.jpg

Also the trails have been in wonderful shape! Yesterday evening did almost 2 hour ride with my Steamroller and despite of the 35mm wide CX tires the dark paths and singletracks are fast and really give you the sensation of speed and pure fun!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8493382866_4ebccef68b_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8492281661_b9a548bc40_c.jpg

So far this month have ridden 403km and counting. Today we have team evening and dinnes form work 16kms away on other side of the town and planned to commute there and back home. Some of my colleques are looking me just like some weirdo.. :D

Mika K
09-03-2013, 19:31
Long time without decent bike shots as have been mostly skiing. Still before some skiing piccies one shot after todays ride.

Very beautiful winter day today, bluebird etc. Decided to do a little spin after Mrs came home from morning shift and aerobic class. My face looked and also felt bit exotic after three hours and 57km. My toes did not felt much anything as temperature was -15 degrees of C when I left and -19 when got back home.. :D

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8542935024_1370050b2f_c.jpg

Alex_UK
09-03-2013, 19:35
Now that is dedication Mika! Hopefully your toes won't fall off! :eek:

Mika K
09-03-2013, 20:22
Don't worry they're used to it during the years and actually already normal again after hot shower and nice dinner.. :)

Then some skiing pics as during the last two weeks I have been spending two days at one back country oriented resort near my hometown as the snowstorms have delivered nice amount of powder snow.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8527963539_219b18e9a9_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8536404395_c4d4be27c0_c.jpg

Also last weekend (or from Thursday to Sunday actually) visited Riksgränsen in Sweden for the season opening weekend. Beautiful mountains and some good skiing.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8527968523_b9ddfd6a3b_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8527969853_cf2c015713_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8094/8529081228_40c85b14a0_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
09-03-2013, 20:44
Brilliant shots as always Mika, how times change from when i skied, those Fatboy Ski's weren't around then,
they must a a godsend in the powder, is that you in the contemplative mood shot. :)

Mika K
13-03-2013, 06:50
Today after my day at the office felt that really needed some fresh air. As Mrs.Mrok had her practice late in the evening had few hours time after the dinner to perform a small bike ride before playing with the kids and their Legos.

The weather was beautiful after the sunny day, despite being bit cold at -16 degreed of C. I did hit the nearby bike lanes, singletrack paths and skidoo tracks with my Steamroller and ended up to the sea at the Patela bay. No others in sight, nice winter scenery and just in time for the sunset. Two different approaches here.. :)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8552458694_70a850fb1f_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8551357317_064c8568e8_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
13-03-2013, 07:33
Man......that looks epic, love the solitude and infinite beauty of your composition, makes me feel my destiny is North but i am too old to emigrate now. :(

Mika K
13-03-2013, 21:59
Have been riding a lot this winter but the March has been exceptionally cold which can be seen historically low temps e.g. last night at the town Taivalkoski they measured -38.3 degrees of Celcius despite the spring that should be starting already.

Today evening when left to bike ride with my friend Mr.V and our fixed gear bikes it was only -17 but when arrived back home after two an half hours it was already -21 degrees of Celcius. Brrrhhhhhmmmmpppphhhh... :)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8554899043_2bda7f8229.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8554899427_2d4a9fff59.jpg

Alex_UK
13-03-2013, 22:18
Not sure how "you are a nutter" translates into Finnish Mika - but you seem to enjoy yourself and great pictures! :)

Mika K
13-03-2013, 22:22
We have approx. the same phrase in use here and not the first time I hear it, so.. :D

wiicrackpot
17-03-2013, 09:50
Mika,

I'd like to piggyback on your thread with my new purchase from yesterday, it's a Surly Crosscheck in a thief preventing gravy brown colour,
quite heavy classic steel tubing and tough powder coated, 50cm compact to fit my short arse 29'inch inside leg, i have been ogling it in my living room taking a cloth to it,
can't wait to get the bits together and build it up, i am better at building/adjusting bikes than i am at setting up TT's.

Thought i'd share my joy. :)

Mika K
25-03-2013, 10:58
That'a a nice frame for do-it-type of riding. I had the black one in size 60cm before bought my Steamroller as a replacement. Should have never sold that one, as some other bieks also.. :D

Mika K
27-03-2013, 17:05
No, these are not bike shots but continue still using this for my purposes.. :)

Spent eight days at the northern Norway near Troms, Lyngen peninsula and Tamokdalen valley area, with friends and our purpose was naturally to climb and ski as many nice peaks as possible. Well, things don't always go as planned as the conditions were partially quite challenging, so far I've heard of five avalanche victims from the area during the last week, two skiing and three with skidoos.

We tried to be careful and turned back down from few places where analyzed the snow conditions to be too sketchy. Few pics..

Heading towards the Ellendaltinden
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8595464444_61e1eab089_c.jpg

Scenery to Lakselvbukt village
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8595463136_b5884fdd03_c.jpg

Climbing to the Middagstinden peak
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8595464678_aafccca27b_c.jpg

And skiing down :)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8595463350_e6c91ea884_c.jpg

Saw some aurora borealis during few clear nights
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8594365199_3733da8dfd_c.jpg

Norwegian army blow on huge cornice at Tamokdalen
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8101/8594364957_971cd48168_c.jpg

Got some good skiing at the trees also
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8595466082_50dfa36ee8_c.jpg

Not bad trip at all despite of loong loong travelling.. :)

Barry
28-03-2013, 00:55
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8594365199_3733da8dfd_c.jpg

Ah the Aurora! I visited Iceland in November 2004 for the express purpose of seeing the Aurora. After nearly two weeks there, and having seen nothing of the Northern Lights, I became resigned to my 'fate' and rather stoical. However after leaving a restaurant one night (in, I think, Stykisshólmur), I looked up and there was the most magnificent display of the Aurora. The local Icelanders must have though “Here’s another barmy tourist”, from the way my jaw had dropped and I was just mesmerised by the magnificence and beauty of the phenomenon.

Mika K
28-03-2013, 08:03
Indeed you really cannot capture their presence to any pics. The movement and vivid changes in colors etc. details. When you're in the middle of nowhere and there is strong aurora at the sky you can actually also hear them. That's magical :)

One nice video..

8NrhuBhgmjU

Mika K
06-04-2013, 11:32
It has been pretty exceptional week or two here at the northern Finland. Almost plain bluebird and sunshine all the way with approx. -10 degrees by night and around zero during afternoon. Really beautiful weather, which really underlines the feeling of spring season.

During the last week have ridden more than 130km already but this morning just had to take a short spin again as Mrs was home and had some plans with the kids. So visited downtown at one local recordstore and then cruised around the riverside and the city for little more than for three hours :D

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8126/8624551700_d978bed975_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
06-04-2013, 12:15
Mika,

Love the perspective, you having great ingenuity to keep it fresh for all to look in, tell me this,
remind me what camera you use and do you use a Polarising filter to give you such deep blues and definition?.

Mika K
06-04-2013, 18:04
Thanks.

The previous shot was taken with my Panasonic Lumix LX-3 without any filters. The other camera I use is old and reliable Canon 40D and usually with Sigma 30mm/1.4 lens and good quality UV filter.

Mika K
18-05-2013, 10:15
Long time no hear! Have been little busy for few weeks with some projects at work and not been so active at forums etc. Have still been biking thou :)

Two weeks ago my LBS (local bike shop that is) had the road season opening party, which meant some new gear previews at the shop, three hour group side to the countryside and back plus after ride banquette at the shop. We had fun and especially good laughs when saw the practical joke of the service guys for the shop managers bike.. :D

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8685138767_8d69bb4121_c.jpg

Last week we still had cold cold mornings like -1 to +4 degrees of C but the past two days have been exceptionally warm for mid-May. Today morning it was already +16 degs and afternoon +24 degs!

As have been tied to external TL-9000 audit for the past three and half days and done some long hours decided to leave today early and take my road bike out for a ride. Finally rode approx. 4 hours and covered total 101km. The air felt really warm as I'm not used to these temperatures yet and the last 20-30kms felt quite hard. It's early season, so not yet used to long steady paced rides with more or less constant speed and solid driving position and had to stop few times to stretch myself..

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/8747379905_4156df41d9_c.jpg

Today morning bought some parts to one bike project for our son. I found one kids Raleight mountain bike with 20" wheels dumped to trash area near our house and decided to salvage it :) So, today afternoon will have some work to do to get the bike back to life. If it becomes good will then later get it painted etc. Re-cycling at its best!

wiicrackpot
18-05-2013, 11:49
Good to hear/see your update, +24 degrees !!!! jeez thats way warmer than here, Tuesday last week was +21 degrees then took a dive to the norm again. :(

No doubt your bambino's build will be spesh going by your steeds, i've hit a bit of a bumper with my Crosscheck build,
i never knew how much bike parts have gone up, everytime i looked in the Bay, prices are insane, especially STI or Ergo Brake lever/gear combo's,
even seperating them to brake and bar end changers you're not saving much, think i'll go back to my 70's set up of brake on bars and gear levers on down tube. :o

Mika K
19-05-2013, 19:24
And the winner is..

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8127/8749410005_c080f840ed_c.jpg

..the salvaged kids mtb daddy has now repaired! It took approx. 70euros worth of new parts and three hours of effort to get it all sorted but the U's happiness is worth all that and much more. Did also 11km evening ride with him and I hear the bike works great :)

Today again some sunshine and heatwave continues. After fed up to the packing we're doing for the next week moving did two and half hour evening ride at the local trails with my friend Mr.P, here taking it slow under the Puolivälinkangas water tower..

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/8755142326_c02a1cebc9_c.jpg

Next three to four days are going with the house move I guess.. :eyebrows:

wiicrackpot
21-05-2013, 09:14
Nice one Mika, looks like your laddie is mighty please, great find that wee bike, other than a bit of rust on the cranks and chain, easily remediable.

Hee...hee...i can imagine those phat tires must feel like riding on airbags, very butt friendly, i'd guess must be around 20-30 psi for those fat boys,
i'd hazard a guess unlike the rock solid 120+psi for road or 60-80 psi of your Steamroller's cross tires. :)

p.s. typical biker you, the unwritten evidence of the tyre valve is just under the tyre brand, my habit too,
all tyres on my bikes throughtout the years are done gthat way. :D

Mika K
20-06-2013, 19:26
OK. sorry for the break at the pics even the season is on. The last three to four weeks have been pretty hectic as have now moved to new house and was almost two weeks without internet connection etc. Now starting to get hang of it, so few pics from the past weeks..

Mtb ride with my good friend Mr.P (he is a tattoo artist by profession).
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/8755142326_c904f881b7_c.jpg

Thinking should I stay, or should I go :D
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/9017674547_3f26c59535_c.jpg

One nice path at Oulu university botanical garden. Didn't ride that one to everyones surprise.. *wise decision*
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2853/9017675911_e988b2ff5b_c.jpg

My Sawyer at last weekends Levi 24h bike race after one of my turns to be at the route. Our four person team rode 450km paths and trails during 24 hours. Some heavy rain, sunshine, thousands of mosquitos and tons of fun! The winning team got 490km and the best solo rider 340km dusing 24 hours. Imagine that!!!
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3712/9079287708_061bdb52e7_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
21-06-2013, 11:22
Bet it was good spinning your ache's and pain's away after your house move,
another thing in common, i've always used corks trimmed from wine bottles as bar end stops,
you go one step further with Champagne one, popping out as well. :D

Have been bidding like hell on Thomson Elite stems and seatposts to no avail, also keeping tabs on USE Alien,
they've yet to fall into the price bracket i am willing to pay but one day one will, we'll see. :rolleyes:
been thinking about a B17 for my build, how long did it take for you to break in your Swallow? (or is that a Swift :scratch:).

Mika K
22-06-2013, 14:29
It's actually Team Professional with bit thicker leather. Not so comfy saddle than my B-17s but works better at riding trails and does not wore so much in case of rain and mud etc. Btw this took a year or two to break in, which is considerably more than weeks/months it has taken with my b-17s.. ;)

Thomson products are all very good quality and worth the price. At the moment have there send and one seatpost from them and again planning some new ones.

Mika K
24-06-2013, 21:10
Today right after returning home from office had a light dinner and went for a ride to enjoy the summer evening. Mrs.Mrok promised to take care of the kids and also cut the grass, so..

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/9127953471_11e1fc1d8e_c.jpg

The weather was exceptional as it was really warm and practically no wind at all, which is almost miracle at this part of Finland as we live at the coast. At the country road called Lännentie the scenery were mighty nice and my Canyon wanted to check what can be found outside of asphalt but luckily the grass was not more green at the other side (or it was too green actually) and she preferred pavement at the end. Lucky me.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5449/9127927981_3d0733c8fe_z.jpg

Stats for the days ride: total 134km, avg speed 26,5km/h ja max speed 61km/h. Rider himself still 189cm tall and little bit fat 110kg office worker :D

Mika K
06-07-2013, 06:03
Last week it has been more or less raining all the time. Still have had time to do some small evening rides every now and then. Yesterday left early from work as it was my last working day before my three week summer vacation. Biked to downtown and had a huge bbq-burger and beer at one of my favorite restaurants. Visited the LBS (=local bike shop) and came home. Evening went to my friend Mr.Ts home as they had small summer party there. Some bbq and beer. Nice people. Young people. Old people. Drunken people :) Had few beers and before the midnight started my bike ride back home. The weather was nice and warm despite of the clouds, so just had to do a little tour.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/9219653940_190aeb36fb_c.jpg

Vacation has started. Evening ride was a bliss. Shadows are nice.

Mika K
03-08-2013, 14:33
Vacation period is over for me and first week at the office already suffered. Luckily the weather is still nice and can do some rides at the evenings whenever have a permit from Mrs :)

During the holiday we went to southern Finland to see relatives and I had a change to go for a spin there. The ox road at Häme, southern Finland is the old medieval main route from Turku to Helsinki to transport all the needed equipment and food between the two biggest cities in the country. The ox road nowadays consists of the long straight roads and then small roads with hills and corners that go through a agile farming land with rivers and small lakes. Totally different scenery what I'm used to see at home. Perhaps that is the reason I decided to do a little longer spin despite of the hot weather (burning my nose, neck, arms and knees). Days total 187km.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/9400715523_feb8541a89_c.jpg

Last month the students of the Liminka Art School painted the walls surrounding the main construction site of Stoneheart (the new underground parking place and mall) as earlier those did look like some russian concrete ghetto in the middle of our nice city. Well done!

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2858/9403476350_bd1635958a_c.jpg

This is from Syöte MTB where I was attending as organizer. Me and Mr.V did some route checking for the markings etc during the last evening before the race. Naturally it was raining the whole time we were out there ..

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/9400713555_6f81b07621_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/9403473236_0d921fec27_c.jpg

Then yesterday I received my new custom made Konga Truss fork to my Sawyer. Oh boy that thing rocks! The ride is so well rounded that other non suspencion forks don't come even close. The accuracy of the steering is something have not experienced earlier and it looks damn nice too. Me so happy! :D

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/9425738279_02a51fcd57_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
11-08-2013, 09:42
Missed this post and missed what was on the delete pics, :doh: nice panoramic shot,
can see the logic in the Truss forks stabilising and tracking effect but would it not make the feel a little dead with it's added weight?,
would've thought playing with the trail of different forks be just as beneficial without the drawback?,
lovely bike and love the unusual look of them forks all the same. :)

Mika K
14-08-2013, 20:10
^ Actually the Truss is equal in weight compared to my previous rigid fork found from stock Sawyer. And soon when get the aluminum steerer, it will be even slightly lighter.. :)

Will try to look those broken links tomorrow. Had to update my Mac and somehow the Aperture photosync crashed and the flickr-stream was partially re-arranged and something went horribly wrong. Also some other reporting to do for this thread then. Now off to the bed.

Mika K
16-08-2013, 09:57
Still haven't repaired the Flickr-stream :(

However last saturday rode 300km brevet here in northern Finland. Left 9AM and came home after 13h 49min of total time final distance being covered 301km. This means that the average speed for the ride was 24,9km/h plus almost two hours of breaks for eating, stretching, switching gear etc. Managed to do surprisingly well with hydration and energy sourcing, and also my good old Brooks saddle kept me going without any problems. The official brevet max time for 300km is 20h, so had plenty of time there. Next summer I hope I'll take part to few public brevets at least in 200km and 300km routes, perhaps even 400km.

Also last week received new bike (my 6th :) ). It's Genesis Croix De Fer cx-bike for the autumn rides as have been planning to do more cyclocross riding and also gravel grinding than earlier years. Also wanted a good quality steel frame that I can alter from mean CX machine to light tourer or randonneur oriented bike for next summer. Genesis geometry suits me well and that Reynolds 725 frame and fork have all the neededs eyelets, so it was actually quite obvious choice. The disc brakes work really well here in northern Finland and being a big bloke don't really mind the weight penalty. However the Shi Tiagra groupset feels weird as have been riding mostly Campa for past 3-4 years and also the build quality does not dazzle me. Perhaps there might be a change for the upgraditus maximus bug to come and bite me. On top of those basic updates as Brooks saddle and Thomson seatpost and stem that will do anyways, naturally.. :)

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/9509285971_67137410c6_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
16-08-2013, 10:52
Mika, those distances just make my eyes water, add to that Finland is not Holland flat, Reeeeespect !!!!.

Wow !!, lovely bike once again, right after seeing Paul's too, you know i really wanted disc brakes on my build but really can't justify a Crosslight Pro 6 i so wanted,
your Genesis is just immense, funny you should mention the Tiagra mech, i got the same impression when i received mine from Probikekit,
although stamped 'made in japan', i am not convinced after seeing/feeling the quality on hand, i've had Shimano stuff from the past and it's waaay better,
i really think it's made in China, we'll see how i get on,if it doesn't live up to scratch, i'll go back to a Campy rear mech, no big deal.

Mika K
14-09-2013, 09:31
Again almost one month passed and no update! Is Dr.Who stealing my time or what the hell is going on :D

August 24th participated to the Kuusamo GG 2013 event with few of my friends from Oulu and what a wonderful gravel grinding event it was! We covered 145km at the best gravel roads with some beautiful views and places. So happy for the Croix De Fer and its performance at the gravel roads at its current setup. Really a must event to add to the calendar next season.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/9614703625_b11a150d23_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5532/9617933030_85ba6bf802_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/9614697779_267819c9a0_c.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/9614699339_1d03e82792_c.jpg

Now as CX season at Oulu has started have been taking some pics of the weekly Wednesday CX madness that our club is arranging at the local parks and trails. So far two events behind us with 27 and 29 participants! Still three events plus the main race ahead of us and the CX fever is getting hotter and hotter..

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/9724348855_4e3960784d_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/9672208477_431b840b3a_c.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/9675409078_ec63cda3d2_c.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/9675412694_aedc405ce9_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/9727595668_0a078ac505_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/9724370405_c81388e30b_c.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2806/9727586096_e215eb809a_c.jpg

Naturally have done some leisure riding at the autumn evenings also just be me myself and I. Also did the first mtb ride with the full headlights as the evenings are getting dark already. Soon will have some nice evening rides at the local trails and singletrack :D

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/9654753953_8eb04cec52_c.jpg

Mika K
26-09-2013, 18:10
Wednesday cross madness again. These are from last week as yesterday had to stay at the office for late telco and missed the action..

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/9805863495_af14cb3dc9_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/9805918476_5941551eaf_c.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3666/9805943036_72a4861d52_c.jpg

Have been more or less having a flue for the past week or so. The arrival of the new wheels didn't help much, naturally had to install those right away and then the bike shouted my name at the hallway for few days :)

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/9916738985_0c929420e5_c.jpg

Today finally decided that have recovered. Mainly as my CX bike with its new wheels have been screaming to me at the entrance hall and Mrs.Mrok is leaving to Sweden to some Roller Derby camp for the weekend -> needed to get out after one week of lowlife that can handle the becoming weekend with the kids.. :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/9953974576_02acf07e15_c.jpg

The new wheels and tires wheel awesome at the autumn trails and singletrack. Despite being almost 1kg lighter than the original ones they held up true during the rooty and rocky technical spots.

wiicrackpot
26-09-2013, 22:22
Some serious looking athlete's there Mika, must be some really good cross country tracks in your part of the woods,
it'd be great to do some of those 1000 Lakes Rally routes if you don't meet up with a car drifting round a bend at 80mph. :eek:

Although i am building a cross bike, i am not up on that discipline at all, what are those wheels and tires?,
they look like they've got great mud shedding qualities.

Mika K
27-09-2013, 05:49
The rims are ZTR Crests with DT 240s hubs and tires are Challenge Tires Limus 33's. Using those still with inner tube but have planned to make the set tubeless someday..

Mika K
22-11-2013, 07:18
Long long time without updates. Yes I still ride my bikes despite of the autumn/winter season. Below just some nice pics for you to check out.. :)

The autumn kid alleycats to celebrate the newcomer for Mr.Vs family..

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/9971516675_6f310c68f9_z.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/9971535554_de7fd5d30a_z.jpg

My crossbike during one 147km ride at the gravel roads near Oulu last month..

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/10095978424_8a279ef3c6_c.jpg

Oulu open CX cup races..

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3748/10058802294_28d79838ea_z.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/10233803923_ef21d94943_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/10233654174_1533008fec_z.jpg

The dark fixed gear CX event..

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/10851023675_8477826c23_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/10851180254_87b7c822ec_z.jpg

Some common whatever riding and commuting..

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/10644021884_99ef7a6918_c.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/10868314515_a6a4d6cdd1_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/10968067293_166396cd69_c.jpg

It's already winter here with some snow but I'll keep on riding. Just need to do some updates more often, bear with me.. :D

Gordon Steadman
22-11-2013, 07:29
bare with me.. :D
Rather not, if its OK with you:)

Mika K
22-11-2013, 07:57
Ha, nice typo there. Perhaps better to fix that.. :D :D :D

Lace'd Taste
23-11-2013, 14:52
Some cracking photos on this thread! :stalks: Hope you all appreciate a bit of steel!

My pride and joy Gazelle Champion Mondial AA Super 1989 - Reynolds 531C. Very short wheel base! Just finished lacing the wheels, mavic open sports to exage hubs using DT Swiss Competition. Various 600 tricolour parts along with exage and campag
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/11010303273_d3bb7460fb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/49376303@N03/11010303273/)
My mates custom 531 frame, shimano 600, 3ttt
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/11010267744_414a76a895_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/49376303@N03/11010267744/)
My GFs Raliegh Romana - Record brakes, shimano LX crankset - a work in progress
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5497/11010062915_3329baa776_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/49376303@N03/11010062915/)
My GFs Puch Elegance - pretty much original, has some lovely chrome/green mudguards currently in storage
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2876/11010279964_9632232bd7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/49376303@N03/11010279964/)
Wes Mason - custom built 531 special lightweight tubing - My currently project, probably record/super rec period build
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5529/11010288704_dd721806a5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/49376303@N03/11010288704/)

Apologies for the noise in the photos - phone can't do these frames justice!

Enjoy ;)

wiicrackpot
23-11-2013, 22:11
Lovely Jayson, you must be a 6 footer, those frames look like 25 inches at least,
that Gazelle is vintage class with 531 competition tubing,that rear geometry looks really tight,
you can't put a cigarette paper in there,should call for a fast,responsive get up and go character,
your winter hack bike is not too shabby either, love your GF's mixte Raleigh and that Green Puch is just braw,
brings back memories to the 70's when Puch were big and i was a biking laddie, :(lovely lug work on that Wes, almost as good as a classic Mercian,
i really do have bike love me and must put a pic of my just finished Surly Crosscheck on, maybe a shot of my 93 vintage Airborne Titanium MTB,
thanks for posting. :cool:

Lace'd Taste
24-11-2013, 18:41
Cheers Andy. 6 foot?! My misses wishes i was 6 foot! ;) Nah i think the bike level angle of the photos may be a little misleading, perhaps a bit of distortion from the lens because they were taken up close. The Gazelle is 55 square so not big at all. Yeh get the vintage MTB up, love to see it!

wiicrackpot
24-11-2013, 23:58
Think i'll go to specsavers Jayson, sure them frames look like gates compared to what i ride with my short 29' inch inside legs, :lol:
but saying that, if you say your Gazelle is 55 square, that equates to 21'inches and that sure don't look a 21 inch frame to me,
however, just enjoy the pics thats all i say, thanks.

walpurgis
25-11-2013, 00:09
Think i'll go to specsavers Jayson, sure them frames look like gates compared to what i ride with my short 29' inch inside legs, :lol

You think you've got problems. I've got a 28.5" inside leg and I've been looking round motorbikes (again) and as I don't like 'cruisers' and 'tourers' that leaves the sport bikes. They all seem to have seats over 32" high and I can't find anything that feels low enough to be happy with. Bum!

wiicrackpot
25-11-2013, 06:12
You think you've got problems. I've got a 28.5" inside leg and I've been looking round motorbikes (again) and as I don't like 'cruisers' and 'tourers' that leaves the sport bikes. They all seem to have seats over 32" high and I can't find anything that feels low enough to be happy with. Bum!
Ooo...that 3.5'' difference is a big problem with a big throbbing motorbike, you'll be straddling it at 45 degrees angle when you come to a rest at lights etc,
i'll not moan about my 29''inches anymore.:eyebrows::lol:

walpurgis
25-11-2013, 10:42
you'll be straddling it at 45 degrees angle when you come to a rest at lights etc

You're not far wrong Andy. I've had plenty of bikes too tall for me, but I'm knocking on a bit and my leg strength is not what it was, so retrieving a bike that wants to topple is getting harder. Anyway, I've always had a rule: 'don't buy a bike that's too heavy to pick up again if you let it drop', so my choices are getting limited!

wiicrackpot
27-11-2013, 07:48
You're not far wrong Andy. I've had plenty of bikes too tall for me, but I'm knocking on a bit and my leg strength is not what it was, so retrieving a bike that wants to topple is getting harder. Anyway, I've always had a rule: 'don't buy a bike that's too heavy to pick up again if you let it drop', so my choices are getting limited!
Yes Geoff, made the same mistakes when i was younger, bought a few frames that were too big for me cause it's got a longer top tube,
you guessed, thinking that gives a more head down balls out aerodynamic posture, just like the Pro's :rolleyes: , know better now,
with my short legs, i'll only go for 50cm or slightly smaller for a better stand over clearance,
as for heavy bikes and i share your predicament, carbon fibre and they are getting cheaper by the day,
sloping top tube is a godsend in modern bikes for us old and getting weaker types, :(
but i don't know if carbon fibre is used as a frame material in modern motor bikes though.

Anti Meep
29-11-2013, 07:59
Take quite a few pics of my interests and think that bicycles are the top contender when talking about the amounts. Have also received some enquiries of my interest of taking photos, so decided to kick up small thread based to these random bike shots ;) Most are taken with my Canon 40D body with battery handle with vertical controls using either Canon 50/1.8, Sigma 30/1.4 or Zeiss Sonnar 135/3.5 lenses. Enjoy!

Today did two and half hour ride with my Steamroller and on my way home visited the local rink to watch singlespeeders/fixed gear riders playing some bike polo.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7211334740_0ee4e98684_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/7211303200_e76316255b_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5279/7211335876_e250ec4ab6_c.jpg

These shots take me back!
When I was in Primary School me and a random group of mates used to ride down to Huntly Primary School on the odd weekend and play Bike Soccer. Imagine the early 70's in a coal mining town in NZ. All sorts of resurrected bikes piloted by kids wearing nothing except your basic footy shorts and singlets/ t shirts and bare feet. Most bikes never had complete pedals, just the center prong bit with a threaded nut on the end. No helmets back then.
No rules apart from "just kick the ball!" And played on tar seal netball courts. Lots of blood and bruises. A few tears. Heaps of buckled wheels. The odd dust up and always a whack from Dad when I got home but always plenty of laughs.
Probably get arrested these days for even suggesting the kids give it a go.
Thanks Mika! Great idea this thread!

wiicrackpot
29-11-2013, 13:29
Hi Craig, isn't this thread great that Mika started, though quiet at the mo, no doubt he'll be back with some pics and epic ride tales for us. :)

Never tried bike Polo though i hear it mentioned in my local Glasgow Fix Gear forum but sure looks good fun, tempted to go and have a look one night,
i often hang out in this cool forum, http://www.lfgss.com/ (london fixed gear & single speed) that community is huge,
another thing thats really great is fellow bikerson there pass on kit at bargain prices, some free even.

p.s. are you from these shores?, is that the same Huntly in the North East (Aberdeenshire)?.

Anti Meep
05-12-2013, 04:49
Andy, this is a cracker thread alright.
Me? Not from the Northern end of the Earth.
Huntly is a wee coal mining town in the North Island of New Zealand. Although I'm now further north in Auckland.
We do have Scottish, Irish, Welsh and English connections though. Like most Kiwi's I spose.
Craig.

Mika K
05-12-2013, 22:37
Thanks Craig! Especially the image you pout my head from the 70s mining town is intriguing :)

I have been mostly just commuting, so nothing special to report I guess? Well, last Monday (or Tuesday was it) morning Mrs. Mrok needed the car, so despite the heavy wind and new snow on the bumpy ice took the kids to the daycare (and pre-school) by the bike trailer as usually do. After few kms of biking and then spending 10min inside taking the clothes of from the kids etc. felt soaking wet. No other possibility than to bike back home to get clean shirt to the office. Better luck next time :)

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2815/11227851994_4550dc73c0_z.jpg

wiicrackpot
06-12-2013, 13:49
@ Craig, good to see your DNA is from the nothern hemisphere, just that your name and place of abode made me think you were from here. :)

@ Mika, am i right in thinking you are riding that Steamroller as a fixie?, in the snow, no brakes, toe straps and precious cargo in the back, :respect: if you are,
your bambino looks happy and real cosy in that pod.

Mika K
08-12-2013, 16:44
Yes it has no brakes at the moment, but no need to be afraid as with those heavily studded tires with low pressure and some weight at the trailer not going to reach mach 1 and we have only one small (virtually no traffic there) and one bigger crossing on my way to kindergarden.. :)

Anti Meep
15-12-2013, 03:21
http://i1319.photobucket.com/albums/t673/antimeep/IMG_0963_zps7f1cf450.jpg

My son cruising around the village.
West Coast, North Island.

Mika, I hope you aren't p'd off with my addition. We are from the North in our Country:D
Please administer a short uppercut if you feel the need.
Craig.

Mika K
16-12-2013, 10:32
As long as there're bikes involved just go for it :)

Mika K
25-12-2013, 20:39
During the past six weeks we have had at least three or four cycles from dry warm autumn weather to full winter and to icy slushy mixed whatever. The christmas eve was white but here we're going again as last night there was some heavy rain and today again +2 degrees of Celcius temperature. Despite the weather did a few hour spin to easy my aching body after the hard and heavy eating and drinking :D

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3794/11552722984_22481c9b06_c.jpg

Tomorrow I'll be heading towards the north and the Lapland to spend few days at the lodge hut near ski resort Ylläs. Hopefully the scenery looks a bit more like proper winter there..

Mika K
22-01-2014, 18:18
Happy new year 2014 all fellow bike-o-holics!

This winter season has been indeed pretty strange here in northern Finland, warm and wet instead of proper winter. Luckily during the past two weeks we have returned to normal routines and it has been better with temperatures from -10 to -27 degrees of C and there is also some snow around. Have been naturally commuting with my Steamroller as usual and also using my road bike with the trainer inside once or twice a week but today got inspiration (looking at my friends Facebook posts lately) and took my Sawyer our for a short spin at the forest trails and singletracks near our house. The weather was nice -13 degrees of C with virtually no wind, and had a absolute blast to ride slowly around the dark winter scenery. I guess have to do this again soon...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/12089523434_7b933d16a9_c.jpg

syzygy
23-01-2014, 00:42
saw this during a recent trip

Mika K
05-02-2014, 20:48
Yesterday had workshop with the bike at our living room, kids acting as service mechanics :) Replaced old Sram X7 2x10 drivetrain to 1x10 of the better XO series with new broader 11-36 cassette and lighter XX1 chain. Feels really solid combination based on todays 2 hour ride. During the ride the city lights were also nicely shattering from the clouds at lake Kuivasjärvi, so not bad ride. Not bad at all..

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/12328587835_371cae121d_c.jpg

Mika K
16-02-2014, 14:06
Still riding despite the winter has showed it's warm side again and temperature is sailing somewhere around zero. Here doing some small nightride with my cx bike one evening last week..

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/12563182564_9d3d16bfac_z.jpg

Yesterday my friend Mr.L had his 50th birthday and the reception was at Hietasaari park and one of its fireplaces. So there we went with the kids to spend the day outside skiing, sliding the hill, and grilling some sausages at the fireplace etc. nice winter activities.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3670/12562890865_aa812f981d_c.jpg

Here is one other guest Mr.K who is also very active member of local fixed gear community, especially everything related to bikepolo. And then wife and daughter of one other community member who were having their saturday ride with their single speed mtbs equipped with kids trailer..

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/12562995173_61ef6ba4b1_c.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3815/12562888155_f7a115dbfe_z.jpg

Mika K
04-03-2014, 19:48
today started my road season for this year with 73km at the zero temperature. Rode mostly main bike lanes and smaller country roads outside the city limits and most of the time was really enjoying the peace and quiet.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/12933945325_02f93939c6_c.jpg

I wonder when have started season this early, I mean so that have really ridden some actual roads? Perhaps never. It has indeed been strange winter this year.

wiicrackpot
05-03-2014, 07:08
Started your road season ??, the roads are still frozen LOL!!!, and how you managed 73k's in that is mind boggling . :respect:
incidentally i went out for my 1st tootle this Sunday, partly boyed up by my purchase of a second Canon 50d,
managed 10 miles stopping in between to get used to the camera and was kinda puffed out. :lol:

Mika K
05-03-2014, 07:56
“Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride.” ~ Eddy Merckx

Have to start getting some mileage after winter as planning to ride at least 200km Brevet during May, perhaps even 400km if feel (too) confident :D

wiicrackpot
06-03-2014, 18:14
“Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride.” ~ Eddy Merckx

Have to start getting some mileage after winter as planning to ride at least 200km Brevet during May, perhaps even 400km if feel (too) confident :D
Thanks for The Cannibal's quote, might just be the inspiration i need to go out rain or shine this weekend. :)

Jeez O' those mileage for your forthcoming rides are eye watering, how do you walk when you get off your bike?. :D

goraman
17-04-2014, 21:19
Thought you guy's might like to see a real bike.
I got it for $180.00 U.S.
The serial Ns5******
Means Nottingham Dec 1975
The color is Coffee
I believe it to be a Sports or Superbe as the LTD was not offered in Coffee.
It is a Raleigh 3 speed of some sort.
Maybe some one who knows these bikes has a clue.
The fenders and chain guard where repainted so there is no model decals to go by.
Not sure if the term Roadster is correct for this bike or not but I have a memory of these bikes being called that in their day.

goraman
18-04-2014, 03:44
After finding the online 1975 and 76 sales brochure I am pretty sure it is an LTD in coffee even though that color was not listed as an option.
Picture taken with Samsung Galaxy III.

Jimbo
18-04-2014, 09:22
12092:lol:

Mika K
26-04-2014, 10:23
No bike shots now despite have been riding as usual, and also eagerly waiting the new custom made steel frame and fork for the summer.

Last two weeks had my winter holiday and was visiting Norway to do some mountaineering and skiing. The weather was more or less changing on daily basis and had to keep few down days but. Still managed to do few peaks and couloirs that have been eyeballing during the past years and felt the trip was really successfull. Few shots..

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/13994012486_1259b5e435_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/14037129433_cbbf4e5969_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/14017131395_1cbf946105_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/14014030381_fdbcefe1b5_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5218/14014031052_51cf3aa1cf_c.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2899/14017685044_0a124a3d67_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
27-04-2014, 13:16
Just as well Sharks don't frequent waters that far north, wouldn't like to see the result if it takes a liking to your tackle. :eek:

Great shots from the top, always liked to try Heliski at some point.

Mika K
28-04-2014, 06:43
Earn your turns! :D

wiicrackpot
29-04-2014, 17:07
Must be very exhilarating to dive in icy waters and feel the thrill via your Shark Bait, :eek::D
sure read somewhere where they do a New Year skinny dip.

Mika K
07-05-2014, 07:46
Despite of the occasional snow storms and cold night the spring really is here. The evenings and also nights start to be very light and have been doing some very nice rides with my cx bike at the local trails and gravel roads during the past weeks. Here is few pics of the evenings taken around 8-9PM.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/13937654640_81ed92bc60_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/14120974061_a457567b9a_c.jpg

I'm also waiting my new custom frame to arrive soon and have been getting the last parts for it. Also installed Gran Bois tires to my new wheels an they look and feel really special. Can't really wait o get my hands on the new bike and some longer rides..

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/13937657930_8d51b110e4_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
15-05-2014, 06:11
Lovely bike Mika as always, looking forward to more of your travelogue pics. :)

Don't know if you or others have seen this, pretty cool.

http://www.vitalmtb.com/videos/member/CHRISCROSS-Chris-Akrigg-Does-Cyclocross,25231/iceman2058,94#.Uy1IZaL31PM.tumblr

Mika K
27-05-2014, 17:47
Summer was here and now it's again something like +10 degrees of C. Still have been riding pretty much, both single track and gravel. Here's one shot from past weeks at the woods near northern Oulu.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5529/14179347665_55710267ce_z.jpg

But the reason for updating this thread is my new custom randonneur by Konga Bicycles. It's really wonderful to have frame that actually fits like a glove! The bike is building up nice and smooth and here are few teasers with new wheels from White Industries and H+Son, Gran Bois tires and Campagnolo Chorus chainset. And of course the vintage NOS brass bell. :)

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2936/14304058273_0ec0b99e0c_z.jpg https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5072/14260764476_0e85155e5d_z.jpg

Mika K
28-05-2014, 20:43
Slowly but surely..

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/14105389067_6d9dbbb560_c.jpg

Mika K
22-06-2014, 11:53
Guess should update something :)

On friday did 200km ride with my new Konga to celebrate the midsummer eve. The bike has really fulfilled my expectations as it the fit is perfect and it rides like a dream. As a bonus it's almost as fast than the racey bikes have had earlier but gives me access to smaller gravel roads and places where you really cannot go with modern road bike.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2936/14478327284_49f1466884_b.jpg

Yesterday rode four hours just outside the city limits exploring some interesting places. Stopped by to eat some biscuits and the bottle of IPA I had taken with me. More or less a perfect ride and after we had a small bbq with our neighbors. Today did two hour ride with the family to enjoy small picnic at the Ainola, the central park at Oulu. Life is good.

wiicrackpot
24-06-2014, 05:56
Well done on your completion, been ogling at the frame, paint job and components, only one word befits it, LUSH......,
the Carradice just finishes the whole package nicely.:cool:

Get what you're saying about bike fit, i have been out constantly with my Crosscheck and absolutely love it,
while not the lightest or raciest of builds, i have no limits on where i could ride and feel as fresh as a daisy at the end of a ride,
no discomforts or pressure points anywhere, it's the most dialled in of frames of all my builds.

Mika K
30-07-2014, 20:32
During the summer have done 300km brevet in 13h 43mins and riding some other longer club rides plus few light tours using ultralight hammock or then renting some hostel bed for the nights. Did also one three day tour with Mrs to check the countryside near our hometown. Then of course have done some gravel grinding and trails also.. :)

Next weekend I'm part of the organizing committee for the Syöte MTB event located at the Syöte National Park area. Very special event because of the surroundings and the nature there. Will be there for five days and take my Sawyer with me as hope to have possibility to do some small rides myself. Atleast after the event has been finalized.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3881/14787934185_08e3a12f3c_b.jpg

Mika K
12-08-2014, 18:14
Adding the pic again as my Flickr account sync is having some issues again.. :(

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5585/14898157432_d01d1383c0_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
12-08-2014, 19:08
Thanks for reposting the pic, i really do love your Sawyer, so unique. :cool:

Did you take any pictures of the Syote MTB event or small rides you mentioned?,
be great to see more of your epic photo's. :)

Mika K
12-08-2014, 19:28
From the small rides have some pics somewhere but here is the link to Syöte MTB pics and few examples as had this available instantly. PLease note that I was mostly workingf at the event so had possibility to take pics only in few spots at the course during the day in the middle of evcerything else.. https://www.flickr.com/photos/63111529@N03/sets/72157646196665451/

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5574/14816057356_66344b996b_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3838/14858892123_519feb5601_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3890/14838687062_75d80194ae_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3907/14652419489_4a7a8d9a5a_z.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3884/14652401200_7db0284a8d_z.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3923/14652442530_9d3efa7329_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
12-08-2014, 19:46
Jeeez...didn't know the race was Red Bull World Cup Series proportions, hats off to you good sir, :youtheman:
good photo's thanks for posting,saw a Surly's with them big tires in my LBS, often wonder what it rides like. :)

Mika K
12-08-2014, 20:12
Indeed Syöte MTB is pretty big event in Finland and perhaps also one of the best organized ones, which is not bad when amount of members behind the scenes and their backround is taken into account :) Oh yes, and we have 30km, 60km and 120km races for different classes and this year had total 439 participants..

Martha
23-08-2014, 10:51
I like this thread a lot. Great photos Mika K

Mika K
26-08-2014, 08:54
Thanks!

Here's some fresh propaganda.. :)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDWu8urtBhw

Mika K
28-08-2014, 18:33
Yesterday all major cities in Finland arranged Pave Aid alleycat races to support one injured bike messenger from Helsinki. Approx. 20 participants here in Oulu city and nice event, which went to check out with the kids as Mrs.had evening shift at the hospital. Few pics..

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3879/15064138212_692894d264_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3850/14877806709_5b3d5fe6d5_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14877994657_8bf6b96ce4_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5579/15064566675_d817e65e78_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3881/14877863249_6cba5e0f30_c.jpg

Mika K
09-09-2014, 19:32
Oops. Me accidentally Cannondale Caad2 Saeco. Is this bad?

So found this big sized (ST C-T 65cm) team colored beauty in pretty crisp condition and spent today three hours doing service and some cleaning up. Originally thought that will sell this with little profit but I'm not so sure about that anymore after had a little spin. Perhaps I'm just easy :)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5596/15168149776_3decf3192d_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3919/15191175395_bd03968eac_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
10-09-2014, 02:38
Lovely bike that, that frame is huge, my wee legs wouldn't reach the pedal if I sat on that.:lol:

Just caught up with that video, lovely video from a beautiful country.:cool:

Mika K
13-09-2014, 16:42
The cyclocross madness started here in Oulu last week but perhaps will post some pics of that later :) Today did 103km and almost 8 hour ride with my el cheapo fatbike around the city limits including some gravel roads, vicious singletrack and some really tiny new trails near the swamps and sandy places haven't been able to ride earlier with my 29er. With small upgrades and tubeless conversion it's really comfy ride floating just over everything. I'm really looking for the snowy winter trails already.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3864/15039201129_98e4c2b27a_c.jpg

Mika K
23-09-2014, 17:44
Two mad wednesdays behing of the CX autumn for the town I live. Tomorrow is the third event starting with twi hours of track building, then one hour the competition itself, and finally one to two hours of getting everything back to normal and returning the stuff to warehouse of our LBS etc.

First few pics from the first race:

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3905/15207701591_4c0ce097f3_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3921/15024184468_cc38b48d75_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3914/15207725001_6ba6468c2e_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3848/15210407142_5b79122d6d_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3837/15024016349_22aa10ae7e_c.jpg

And then the second one last week:

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/15146832798_2baea7d15b_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3897/15310401986_fac64ec3af_c.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2943/15146691519_3e81c2568f_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/15146873198_8ce016f280_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3898/15333473155_ff099aa1b4_c.jpg

Mud, sweat and tears everyone as it's cyclocross time! And mo' cowbell!

Mika K
06-10-2014, 06:40
CX season is going on strong and will post few pics about that later this week.

However, did a weekend trip to Hossa-Kylmäluoma area, which is famous for the fabulous combination of lakes and trails going all over the place. Rented one cabin for the night, so not real bikepacking but still had really nice time and possibility to test how the fatbikes could be used in that kind of riding. Saturday rode more than 7 hours and after prepared some reindeer stew and had a sauna and dipped to the lake. Sunday did almost six hours before started our journey back home. Definitely goig to visit here again and perhaps in a self supported manner.

Few pics :)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15427606416_d276f74fb9_c.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2945/15427607746_0443736d06_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3936/15450338622_b2dfabe5be_z.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5598/15447521651_d97207fb4c_c.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15450691775_4ca55a96a0_z.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3932/15450342642_bfe113d7de_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
06-10-2014, 21:04
That's it Mika, I am packing my bags and bikes, expect an immigrant on your shores. :yesbruv:

Once again top pics + fit guys on cool bikes, keep them coming, :thumbsup: makes my 64 miler yesterday seem like a trip to local shops. :(

Mika K
21-10-2014, 19:09
Ok, few pics of the Oulu cx season! This autumn had more than 100 participants taking part in five races plus the final Oulu CX Open, which seems to grow as well :)

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2943/15157567059_3e33b873ab_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3912/15157620540_960ee8d0cf_z.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3928/15422419552_262a710b01_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3930/15422780175_6122b836b2_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3930/15236226207_8d65e3da43_c.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15422773315_6c51f285b2_c.jpg

Mika K
21-10-2014, 19:16
Then the next bike related post :D

The pics are taken at the last weeks daytrip to island Hailuoto next to Oulu to check the trails and seaside there. Here is the link to the islans website http://www.hailuototourism.fi/sivu/en/contacts/hailuoto_info/. We started the morning with our bikes at the car and after the ferry started to bike around the island trekking trails and the shoreline. When started the air temp was -4 Celcius but luckily there was no windchill at all. After few hours riding topped at one public cottage to cook some lunch and then continued our way back to the car and the ferry back home. Really nice day in beautiful sunny weather! The total distance covered was 55kms..

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15357835818_22191cc7d3_z.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5603/15543978455_404f4bc16b_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5606/15357976987_402254d19c_z.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/14923229794_b39953ea86_z.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5602/15544823852_17bddf3932_z.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5613/14923234304_da49250e2e_z.jpg

Mika K
08-11-2014, 17:45
Today did 3h ride at the local snowy trails and the shoreline. Here is one pic from the the bay of the Patela sawmill. It's winter allright :)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7567/15715478336_d5b9e0e3f3_b.jpg

wiicrackpot
10-11-2014, 00:53
Great shots as always Mika, like how without buildings/land or mountains to give perspective,
it seems to compress the horizon and give a panoramic feel to them,you are a talented photographer as well as a bikey, :)
can i put something in your head, have you ever thought of getting a Drone?,
with your beautiful country as canvas, you could really go to town with aerial shots of your endeavours. :cool:

Also, is that a fresh water lake you are riding through?, i'd hate to think the damage sea water would do to your bikes.

wii.

Mika K
10-11-2014, 13:23
It's the Baltic Sea alright :)

Mika K
13-11-2014, 09:59
Now had time to figure out what the drone is, so you mean a helicopter platform :) Haven't really thought of that. Despite it might be nice to get the aerial shots but not really what I think photographing is as I'm more traditional guy in that sense and like to be behind the lens myself.

Mika K
04-12-2014, 19:32
Tuesday evening did three hour ride at snowy trails with my friend and ex-co-worker Kimmo. We rode few places that are usually too hard/difficult access but now with the frozen ground and only 15cm of snow etc these were just fine. Here I'm riding one frozen small stream going up to the large swamp area north of Oulu..

https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10846112_10152527135032883_1908337891532413908_n.j pg?oh=cf8745f60240e5fce7482c071889f065&oe=551C64A6

Mika K
06-12-2014, 19:10
Today was the Global Fatbike Day http://fat-bike.com/2014/10/global-fat-bike-day-♦-december-6th-2014/ and most of the active fat bike clubs etc arranged group rides to celebrate the event. Here in Finland we had about ten cities that had some activities and also here in Oulu we arranged a small group ride, but unfortunately past days the bad weather took away the snow and brought very wet and icy tracks instead. Despite we hauled more than three hours and had one break at the fireplaces to grill some sausage and "enjoy the weather". The studded tires and warm shell clothes were pretty nice today.

I think this year November was the warmest in decades here in Finland and that sucks. Hopefully real winter starts soon..

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7508/15773011897_c590e5c310_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
07-12-2014, 06:30
Hee...Hee..a group of Fatties looks a hoot, i am seriously contemplating a phat bike build. :eyebrows:

Get what you're about the unseasonal warm weather, that soupy mess under foot without the white stuff is just not Finland in November.

P.S. Regarding the Drone, i know it's not your thing but it's the future, check out the next gen of drones, the one to look out for is the DJI Inspire 1,
it's just hit the market and plenty of footage in Youtube in the last month already, i want one but don't have the disposable income. :(

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnJcZfsVLAQ&src_vid=I2cGgb1F7Pw&feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_296083639

Marco
12-12-2014, 08:01
Tuesday evening did three hour ride at snowy trails with my friend and ex-co-worker Kimmo. We rode few places that are usually too hard/difficult access but now with the frozen ground and only 15cm of snow etc these were just fine. Here I'm riding one frozen small stream going up to the large swamp area north of Oulu..

https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10846112_10152527135032883_1908337891532413908_n.j pg?oh=cf8745f60240e5fce7482c071889f065&oe=551C64A6

That looks totally awesome, Mika! The sense of eeriness and isolation is quite incredible - I just LOVE it… I’d take where you are there every time, over the brain dead sun-worshipers (those who go to Spain, etc, at this time of year) lying on beaches all day, doing nothing! :exactly:

Marco.

Mika K
22-12-2014, 09:23
Indeed Marco!

During the weekend visited my hometown Kokkola with the kids to meet grandparents before the christmas, and also took my fatbike with me. Saturday while the kids were visiting our summer house with the grandpa met one local buddy and did two hour ride at the trails of my childhood. It was nice to ride again at the trails I have started this hobby more than 20 years ago despite of the changes in landscape and the challenging conditions with the heavy wind and new snow coming slowly but surely. After the ride returned back to my parents place and had a sauna with the whole family, then dinner, few beers and whiskys with my dad. What a nice weekend!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7522/15886047338_ce4921deed_c.jpg

Now it's time to do some Christmas preparations and I'm planning to use my newest bike, that the Santas elves already brought me. Stay tuned for more information.. :)

Ronksley
22-12-2014, 10:50
That looks like fun
Dont often see enough snow in England to keep the bike standing up on its own
Been getting back on a bike after three years such a good feeling

Mika K
25-12-2014, 17:48
We had really long and dark autumn here this year, so now proper winter seems like heaven. Today did one and half hour ride as couldn't stay out more as my toes got cold at the chilly -14deg weather. Have better winter riding boots from 45NRTH at the post office waiting for pickup I hope, so won't have similar issue anymore.. :)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7544/15916742620_90c4aafc1d_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7504/16102802102_593e52deb3_c.jpg

Mika K
26-12-2014, 15:06
Didn't manage to escape today silently from the house as our son U informed that he wants to join me to the trails with his mountain bike. Well, that was not bad news and did approx one hour ride at the nearby trails at crispy -15 degrees of C weather. Saw midday sun and trails were in awesome condition! U also asked do they make fatbikes for the kids and after the ride we checked from www, and they do. Perhaps something for the future.. :)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7519/15922796230_b285242db3_b.jpg

Mika K
28-12-2014, 19:40
Nice to be on holiday :D

Today did 2hours and 20min ride at the shoreline and seaside. The weather was bit chilly at -20C. At the forest trails this is not an issue but at the frozen sea even the minor wind feels pretty bad and thus I had to shorten my ride there from the plans. Still had time to visit at the old Patela bay area to see the old wrecks and then rode back home and found one totally new trail to me! This does not happen very often these days so close to home, so hooray!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7550/16104962576_a0e4726647_z.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7558/16128851771_96ecbeeb57_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7573/16128849521_6e8e5c4d1e_c.jpg

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8562/16130758675_6795510c77_c.jpg

Marco
02-01-2015, 18:54
Great stuff, Mika, but for some reason the first image on your last post isn’t showing….

Marco.

Mika K
06-01-2015, 08:59
It seems still have some issues with the automatic sync of my Flickr account and the links change/update after sometime when uploading new images despite they shouldn't. Here's the original one..

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7550/16104962576_2a3537eb2b_c.jpg

Marco
06-01-2015, 11:28
Nice one. Love it! So dark and creepy… :respect:

Marco.

Mika K
24-01-2015, 20:28
Had to get some fresh air, so three and half hours with the fatbike at the mild -7 deg winter wonderland. During the ride followed one snowmobile track to the sea and it was pretty calm and quiet there.. :)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/16170082820_364a01829b_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/16170082250_717cb152e9_c.jpg

Mika K
06-02-2015, 06:54
Yesterday after got kis to sleep and Mrs. came home from evening shift took my fatbike and did one and half hour spin. Good times!

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8633/16426198946_8547b57663_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/16451244002_a6e87f4897_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/16426197906_5dc22b4edd_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/16266292487_dcfbe31562_c.jpg

Marco
07-02-2015, 15:48
Fab, as usual! Do you ever get lost, though? Can't see any signposts... :D

Marco.

Mika K
09-02-2015, 07:57
The local trails are pretty familiar but sometimes after finding a new place somewhere have to give it up and check the GPS from my mobile :)

Marco
09-02-2015, 10:54
Or follow the stars.... ;)

Marco.

Mika K
15-02-2015, 17:46
Spent few days (Fri & Sat) at the Iso-Syöte National park. Did small fatbike tour with camping equipment and checked also the recently opened rededicated fatbike routes near the Iso-Syöte skiing resort. Friday did 32km geared and Saturday 23km geared plus 30km just with light equipment. Wonderful routes with plenty of huts and fireplaces, good weather and A+ time with friends!!!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/16529224041_92cace63cf_c.jpg

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8635/16529230281_3cc6600892_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/16345018887_237a4cbd6b_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/16343247678_6d01a876e9_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/16344670249_ea50bae665_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/16343490450_c360a325d3_c.jpg

Today has our son 8th birthday so have been baking Angry Birds cake etc. Luckily the parties are now over and house is starting to quiet down. Phew..

wiicrackpot
18-02-2015, 11:00
Are those huts the equivalents of a Bothy in Scotland?, if they are they look well equipped and cosy.

Mika K
19-02-2015, 09:33
We have two types of huts here in the national parks and other similar places. The basic ones are free and open all the time with limited equipment with small fireplace with wood, so in principle you have to carry everything else. The ones you have to pay a small free and get the keys are better equipped and most have additional gas stove and mattresses in beds. Some have even sauna available you can use for additional payment.. :)

More details of the system here in Finland can be found from http://www.outdoors.fi/en/hikinginfinland/facilities/accommodation

wiicrackpot
19-02-2015, 13:22
It's the basic one then, Bothies here are unlocked buildings just four walls and a roof with bare floor for you to bed down on if you got lost or caught in a storm,
no cooking stove or fire wood, you'll have to fetch these yourself if you have anymore energy, if you survive just remember to shut the door when you leave for the next unfortunate soul who needs to crash on it.

Mika K
21-02-2015, 21:23
One and half hours of backyard trails today. Few pics from my Samsung mobile..

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8633/15982352404_11b2904722_z.jpg

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8628/16418681399_5a508e65a8_c.jpg

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8592/16418674739_4e910c48bc_c.jpg

Marco
28-02-2015, 15:57
That bike lamp produces a good light, doesn’t it? Is it a special halogen one, or something like that? :)

Marco.

Mika K
14-03-2015, 15:15
The lamp is Lumilight 1400 model from local store. It's pretty similar than some DX models made in China, so I guess its origin is somewhere that direction. It's nice lamp alright despite not any Lupine one :) However no need for lights today as started my bike ride right after the breakfast. Wonderful sunny +3 deg weather - did three and half hours of small roads with few icy gravel and forest roads with my cx bike. Ended the ride to the river/seaside where the families were enjoying the day, some where skiing or skating and some people icefishing, so plenty of action going on there...

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7617/16624765120_6b52ebec8f_c.jpg

Mika K
14-04-2015, 20:10
Have lately sold three bikes to finance one new custom frame and fork. Hopefully that will be soon coming from the builder as I'm getting bit itchy already. Luckily had my annual skiing holiday to northern playground and spent 12 days with friends. Had weather to reach only four tops and couloirs this time but treeskiing was pretty epic at times :D

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7599/16942136447_7df84eb012_c.jpg

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8697/17149569625_692b6c0f40_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7592/17123603026_23b39ea18a_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7713/17148918401_6ded7018b2_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7666/16942150117_4cfb5d828a_c.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7666/16529383993_c4660214c0_c.jpg

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8800/16527130444_cf01fba887_c.jpg

It might be this was the skiing season for me and next piccies are again something bike related stuff..

Mika K
14-05-2015, 10:10
My new custom fatbike from Reynolds 853 tubing and matching truss fork is starting to be ready for it's maiden voyage. Still some adjustments needed for the Brooksie and the cockpit but.. :eek:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5347/17012626003_a5c512c1fc_c.jpg

Mika K
14-05-2015, 15:08
Her maiden voyage.. :D

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5324/17020403713_ed56fec00b_c.jpg

wiicrackpot
14-05-2015, 21:25
That looks awesome, can you go far with that set up?, that chain ring looks no more than 36 or 38 tooth. :scratch:

Been busy myself, decided to get a folder to add to my Surly and Airborne, snagged a tired Dahon Hammerhead mini velo bike,
only thing i kept was the frame and wheels, everything else went, i put double chainset and drop bars on,
had a maiden run on it and it's reaaallly nice like a brand new bike,everything smooth and no squeally brakes or creaking noises,
so happy with my handy work. :cool:

Mika K
15-05-2015, 18:13
Actually it's 30t ring. The bike has been designed for leisure riding and bikepacking, so the purpose is not to get anywhere as fast as possible. Just to ride comfortably and carry decent amount of stuff for trips up to one week or so as easy as possible. Have large framebag for the bike and Salsa Anycages for the both sides of the fork. Also the Truss fork has been designed so that big drysack fits nicely to the front :D

Today did two and half hours at the local trails and it felt goooood. On Sunday there is fatbike specific event with 4h group ride at the Oulu south side trails (not so familiar to me) planning to take part. So more pics to follow..

wiicrackpot
15-05-2015, 20:57
Actually it's 30t ring. The bike has been designed for leisure riding and bikepacking, so the purpose is not to get anywhere as fast as possible. :D

Today did two and half hours at the local trails and it felt goooood. On Sunday there is fatbike specific event with 4h group ride at the Oulu south side trails (not so familiar to me) planning to take part. So more pics to follow..
You're Joakin'.......:lol:, seen bigger sprockets for goodness sake, wouldn't like to go anywhere further than 20 miles with that set up,
funny enought, i was looking at some Phat Bikes at my local bike shop recently, i'd like to get one in the future and have a scoot on the beach, California Dreaming in GlasVegas. :D

Looking forward to the pics at Oulu. :cool:

Mika K
16-05-2015, 07:34
Have you ridden fatbikes? :)

The 30-32 ring is the most common size used in 1x10 setups if the purpose is do allround riding, plus some bikepacking or tours to remote areas with some mountains/hills. Also in snowy conditions you really do not need any higher ratios. With 11-36 10speed cassette the combo has pretty good gear ratio coverage for any standard riding. And actually I have also OneUp 42 rear sprocket modification waiting for the system if needed..

wiicrackpot
16-05-2015, 13:34
Have you ridden fatbikes? :)

The 30-32 ring is the most common size used in 1x10 setups if the purpose is do allround riding, plus some bikepacking or tours to remote areas with some mountains/hills. Also in snowy conditions you really do not need any higher ratios. With 11-36 10speed cassette the combo has pretty good gear ratio coverage for any standard riding. And actually I have also OneUp 42 rear sprocket modification waiting for the system if needed..
No not yet, i've just got visions of it being very comfy with them balloon's as tires and high cadence spinning,
on a learning curve with them, i should really see if i could hire one for a day and see whats the deal. :lol:

Mika K
20-08-2015, 14:04
Whole summer and no update! Well, as you can imagine I have been riding so in the next posts few updates.. :D

First have been going quite a few rides to country and gravel roads around Oulu region. This summer have not ridden any brevets but there are still few longer rides included. Have also done few trips with light hammock and other gear to spend night somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Few random pics:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5664/20700759786_5f3c7a3da8_c.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/665/20733638981_236f742f78_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5652/20540045389_41a3dd46db_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5826/20700752566_2554f9146e_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5757/20106013223_2eb36cc058_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5821/20539018650_db19bfdebc_c.jpg

Mika K
20-08-2015, 14:12
During this summer there was also my clubs main event Syöte MTB arranged at the Syöte Nationalpark and this was the first year we sold out the whole thing. Before the actual event did few trips to the area to plan and maintain the route.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/735/20733671481_8df9807d35_c.jpg

Also did one trip with our son, who also likes to ride his bike.. :)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5620/20726959525_4aed2068d4_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5629/20538955180_354b0e9501_c.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/583/20538941758_0401f9f47b_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5723/20105947013_63b6a5397f_c.jpg

Mika K
20-08-2015, 14:17
During the event Syöte MTB had lot of things to do starting from route marking, checking the route with some trail maintenance, the actual race arrangements and of course cleaning up the area etc. Pretty exhausting week that was :D

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5748/20717561962_332550c7a7_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5618/20538888590_1610965302_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5662/20700629746_06cf096e25_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5811/20733693461_2d50eecfa1_c.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/582/20538829070_e62f2561fa_c.jpg

Mika K
20-08-2015, 14:19
During the summer salvaged one old Nishiki Trim Master racer that was cracked and then repaired but decided to be no good. Used some old and recycled parts and have been riding it happily as a townie fixed gear bike.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5768/20538070788_22b791bf3a_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5754/20538027440_51c2f7ac95_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5630/20716722692_c2d00e20e3_c.jpg

Mika K
20-08-2015, 14:22
The summer has not been that good here in Finland so the temperature has been below average and have had lot of rain. However last week or so has been exceptionally good and to celebrate that did yesterday evening four hour gravel grinding ride with a theme sun, swimming and beer. Such a nice way to spend wednesday evening! :D

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/667/20716713842_70144b893c_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5705/20732866241_67216fd9a9_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5772/20538015180_2e2c0a9397_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5692/20726007155_d79f8ab35c_c.jpg

Gordon Steadman
20-08-2015, 14:30
During the summer salvaged one old Nishiki Trim Master racer that was cracked and then repaired but decided to be no good. Used some old and recycled parts and have been riding it happily as a townie fixed gear bike.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5768/20538070788_22b791bf3a_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5754/20538027440_51c2f7ac95_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5630/20716722692_c2d00e20e3_c.jpg

Yikes,

I know it's fixed gear but I would still like the comfort of some brakes. I'm surprised it would be allowed on the road without! Elf and safety would be up in arms in the UK or France I would have thought.

Mika K
20-08-2015, 14:31
Legally it's not allowed here in Finland either. However I've been having one or more brakeless fixed bikes in my use more or less ten+ years without any issues or problems. Of course if something bad happens you might be fined or even cut from the insurance company side but so far so good..

wiicrackpot
20-08-2015, 16:40
Always great when pics are posted, the reconnaissance shots looks unlike Glentress Forest here,
damp and boggy and spooky in places, glad to see your wee fella is a chip of the old block. :cool:

Love you re-cycled bike, brakes are over rated where you are, you're more likely to kiss the arse of an Elk than a double decker bus,
giggled at your 'Elf and Safety' quip though it would be 'Elk and Safety' where you are. :D

Weather has been horrific here, according to the beeb, it's been the coldest and wettest summer since the 80's, (for us in the west anyway),
though southern part of the country escaped most of it and even caught some of the heatwave from Europe.

Mika K
20-08-2015, 17:00
Yeah, same here with the weather. I think last summer was the hottest in 30 years or something having more than 20 hot days in a row. This year we have had three in total I think, so..

wiicrackpot
20-08-2015, 17:13
Mika, forgot to ask in my last post,what model is that Carradice?,
thinking of one when i put my Surly back together again after stealing the flight deck and drive train for my Dahon Hammerhead project.

Mika K
20-08-2015, 18:02
It's Barley with the original Bagman support..

http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&product_id=43

wiicrackpot
20-08-2015, 19:17
Nice one, will look into that set up in due course.

P.S. been trying off and on for the last year to try and put pics in this thread, i finally enlisted Grant's help,
so there's a selfie of me, then my Surly before i stripped bits off to complete my Dahon,
in hindsight i shouldn't have done it as my Crosscheck has been laying broken for a year. :doh:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/910/lhm0vZ.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/538/RTnBOm.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/913/Ox04mD.jpg

struth
20-08-2015, 21:11
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/20/53e73aecdaae2e9f388db447601ce656.jpg
Posted for Andy

wiicrackpot
20-08-2015, 22:12
Thanks Grant, you're a star. :)

Wee question, is it my camera or the host setting that my pics are a bit huge?. it'd be better in keeping with Mika's size.

struth
20-08-2015, 22:19
Thanks Grant, you're a star. :)

Wee question, is it my camera or the host setting that my pics are a bit huge?. it'd be better in keeping with Mika's size.

I can size them smaller or larger as your camera gave a decent pixel count. That would likely have been large, as thats my default, and not full size. it can be reduced in increments. I use Imageshack pro. its not especially expensive(quite cheap really) and I get unlimited space and a reasonable speed. They are well better than photobucket in my estimation. the last one was done via tapatalk on my phone so may be smaller

wiicrackpot
21-08-2015, 15:50
I can size them smaller or larger as your camera gave a decent pixel count. That would likely have been large, as thats my default, and not full size. it can be reduced in increments. I use Imageshack pro. its not especially expensive(quite cheap really) and I get unlimited space and a reasonable speed. They are well better than photobucket in my estimation. the last one was done via tapatalk on my phone so may be smaller
Que????, i'm lost already, i am with Dropbox but still doesn't work,You're really clever and then some with this posting pics malarkey.

Yes, about the size it is now is nice, less shouty. :)

struth
21-08-2015, 16:18
dropbox is a cloud service not a hosting service Andy. if you want to try a free one then photobucket is still free. if you use a mobile phone then if pics are on the mobile devi e then you can use the tapatalk app which is free i think to view the site and you can post a pic straight in without a host service. the host service gives a link to paste into your post a bit like linking a web page.

its not difficult once you have done it a couple of times...like riding a bike;)

Mika K
31-08-2015, 08:12
Didn't make it to the kendo practice yesterday, so decided to enjoy the beautiful summer evening at the trails and woods of Oulu. Now the randonneur bike has 35mm cx tires, so that can still broaden up the possible places where to visit during the autumn.. :D

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5657/20838362228_2652ff51e8_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5651/20838184630_75ff65dd84_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5717/21000009586_852f40478d_c.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5772/20403618684_b560ae0837_c.jpg

Jimbo
31-08-2015, 09:40
Hi Mika,

always like your random bike shots, great photography, what camera do you use?

My girlfriend has just got back in contact with a Pen friend who she used to write to in Finland back in the 1970's. She lives in Porvoo, do you know the town?

We may try and come over later this year or early next. Will be my first time in Finland and love the look of the unspoilt countryside. I can see from your photos you have great cycling routs and singletrack.

I am a big cyclist myself switching between road bike ( Giant Carbon Defy) and my mountain bike ( Titanium Cove Hummer). Will try and post some pics when I sort my computer out!

Mika K
31-08-2015, 10:11
Thanks James! As camera I use Panasonic LX-3/5, or then Canon 5D FF body with older Zeiss manual primes. However the pics from the latest bike trips have been taken with the LG mobile phone. It is surprisingly capable tool if only the light conditions are good :)

I have been once in Porvoo, it is really nice town located at the south-east Finland. Please check this out http://www.visitporvoo.fi/en if not already done..

Jimbo
31-08-2015, 10:20
Thanks James! As camera I use Panasonic LX-3/5, or then Canon 5D FF body with older Zeiss manual primes. However the pics from the latest bike trips have been taken with the LG mobile phone. It is surprisingly capable tool if only the light conditions are good :)

I have been once in Porvoo, it is really nice town located at the south-east Finland. Please check this out http://www.visitporvoo.fi/en if not already done..

Thanks Mika, thats a great link.The restaurants look superb!

Mika K
31-08-2015, 10:43
Yeah, despite the opinion of Gordon Ramsay I think the food is here pretty good as it's not that much processed than in many other parts of modern Europe.. :D

Mika K
23-09-2015, 20:27
One autumn seven years ago four friends started to organize few open Wednesday cyclocross events. It started with 5 participants and one of the local bikeshop owners had some concerns how to move on. Why are you arranging these he asked? Today our unofficial "club" is still small with six persons interested of doing/arranging something for the cycling community and we're still having these Wednesday events, as well as one of the biggest MTB events in northern Finland during the summer.

Anyway, it seems the cyclocross scene here in the northern Finland has grown pretty well as tonight we had 106 participants riding their hearts out for 45mins in one start including some top notch elite riders and green newcomers. Singlespeeds, fixies, carbon race machines all mixed up! We're also having some sponsors and realtime electronic systems for time/laps. Not bad for a few daydreamers thinking what to do while drinking beer I guess :D

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5789/21632940566_4e319cf344_c.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/743/21647630742_5d2738663d_z.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/623/21472267619_e612e37829_c.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/650/21038126133_c210d2eb9e_c.jpg

Mika K
27-09-2015, 18:25
This weekend was at the Hossa Wilderness area at eastern Finland with my friend. Packed our bikes and bikepacking gear to car Friday after work and made it to the first public cabin before the midnight. During the next two days did approx. 100kms at really wonderful trails and sceneries..

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5719/21771466641_06b2547be7_c.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5632/21761949445_d0e2bd0079_c.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5804/21575128049_565258007c_c.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/657/21574245578_d71e5252a6_c.jpg

All pics can be found from https://www.flickr.com/photos/63111529@N03/albums/72157656839762464

Mika K
29-12-2015, 08:48
Long time no pics, so here is bunch before the year changes. First few from the local CX season taken in October..

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/651/21656639680_09eb505743_c.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5652/21901571250_da8c6af877_c.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5628/22124871068_54356fe57e_c.jpg

And then some fat bike ones from November and December. Today its -15deg of C here, so yes, winter is coming.. :)

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5648/22152135603_1bda8c1e9f_c.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/656/22759730792_b2bb4d1a79_c.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1597/23399427203_9e16d6161d_o.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5700/23055071973_b0bc9c9ba0_c.jpg

struth
29-12-2015, 08:52
Great pics Mika...nice mood to the last few

Mika K
17-01-2016, 08:40
Winter is still here! Some really nice fat bike rides and also commutes during the holidays and beginning of this new year.. :)

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1710/23321577564_bb68e84eb0_c.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1446/23557332069_3333a5002a_c.jpg

Also visited sport resort Ylläs at Lapland to check the official fat bike routes they have opened there:

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1539/24140808216_2a9ac13768_c.jpg

Yesterday evening almost three hours of the backyard trails and ice at the frozen sea to check the ship wrecks at nice -17 deg winter weather. Some wind chill at the ice but had some hot cranberry juice with me and stopped for a while at the fireplace where others had stayed short while ago. Unfortunately did not have any sausage or bratwurst with me to have a small nice snack :) Saturday evening fun fun fun nevertheless...

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1712/24323571272_a44042128b_c.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1698/24323563832_ce9717dbf7_c.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1633/24405634916_f4c365ee77_c.jpg

AlfaGTV
17-01-2016, 09:04
Great images Mika!
Do you use flash also or is it just the headlight of the bike?
Your shots really gives a full impression and i get chilly just by looking at theese! ;)

Mika K
17-01-2016, 09:15
Thanks Mike! No flash in use, so the lighting at the pics just is as it is :)

AlfaGTV
17-01-2016, 09:37
Nice! Havent thought of that but of course the LED lights of today are sufficient lighting! The picture of your daughter in the cart, is that digitally tweaked or are you using a tilt-shift lens?
And, keep posting images, they are very inspiring!

Mika K
17-01-2016, 10:11
That christmas tree pic is taken with my LG mobile and using some sw filter for the tweak.

Jimbo
17-01-2016, 10:32
Hi Mika, are you still using a Zu 103 and which SUT,s are you using?

Mika K
17-01-2016, 11:00
Yes the other TT has Zu DL-103 grade 2 still in use. I like it very much despite should soon send it to retip. The SUT I have is the Denon version of the Auditorium 23..