Last Weekend Before Winter

[Dotzler]

So here in Finland this morning I had to scrape the ice off my car before heading to work and the temperature was +1C.

I think that this weekend will be the last chance for a while to use my bike as the insurance changes from 'on the road' insurance to 'in the garage' insurance at the end of the month. As I'm away for a week from next week, I can't see too many opportunities now to go play.
This will bring to an end another very short summer made even shorter by having my wrist in plaster for 6 weeks and unable to ride for 3 months.

I've now got to look forward to almost 6 months of sub zero temperatures (I'm talking -30 at least!!) , 3 months of 24 hours darkness.

I think I will go and get drunk tonight.

[Black Knight]

Jeez, and I was complaining the other night that it was getting dark a 8pm!

Feel for ya mate, I hate winter weather with a passion.

But on the flip side, maybe you get to play with snowmobiles?
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Where does a turn end? 'Where you can do anything with the gas you want to, where you are brave again, where your attention is free from the turn, where you are sure you can do it better next time; that's the end' - Keith Code.

[Vespa]

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[Snake Eyes]

Ouch, 3 months of darkness and brass monkeys. Rather you than me I was thinking last night how suddenly at 8 its getting dark, gone are the days of coming home from work then going out for a blat till about 10:00 and still coming home in the light, those were the days
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**************Honda CBR 600 FR***********
Just another day in paradise - Enjoy it while it lasts
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[Dotzler]

I've been living up in Oulu which is 200km south of the Arctic circle for about 3 1/2 years now. I am English too. There are only 2 reasons why anyone moves to Finland. Women and Nokia. I've lived here twice now and have used up both excuses! Although I'm with neither now!!

The winters are quite tough here, but if you find plenty of things to do, then it can be quite a lot of fun. The slopes are only an hours drive away, there is a top quality ice hockey team here (Finnish National Champions) as well as snowmobiling! Although the downside is sitting in the works canteen and watching the sun rise and set in the space of about half an hour - Or missing the daylight completely because your too hungover having not left the bar until 4am!!

There is a guy at work here who rides an old Russian army bike with s/car and he brings it in occasionally during the winter. He's a mad Finn though

Autumn is a really nice time of year too. We are just heading into it now. Good for mountain biking in the woods!

[TOM M]

Cant imagine what it would be like to have 3 months of no daylight.

Are snowmobiles allowed to drive on the roads in finaland?
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Now owner of a 1200 Bandit

[Dotzler]

Snowmobiles aren't allowed on the roads, but there are designated tracks everywhere as well as the forests, rivers and even out onto the sea ice.

But you do need to drive your car with winter tires as the roads are covered in compacted snow/ice. Makes driving a car a whole lot more fun!! Handbrake turns, drifting round corners etc. Lots of fun!!

I find the lack of daylight tough in December, but as soon as the snow arrives, then thinkgs get better. You just have to try and ignore the fact that is fecking dark and cold all the time. Drink, is the generally antedote to most problems here

[White Noise]

[AcIdBuRnZ]

Sounds like like amazing fun! Bikes in summer - snowmobiles in winter . Can't imagine anything being better. Least your bike can be parked up all cozy in the garage and not get covered in salt and shite like ours do!!! And you can still have great fun all winter. Win-win situation.

I'm moving to Finland! Need a flatmate?
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Past: Honda NSR125R >> Kawasaki ER-5a2 >> Kawasaki ZZR-600e1 >> Suzuki GSXR-750Y >> Honda VTR 1000 Firestorm
"Chickity China the Chinese Chicken..."

[Dotzler]

Don't be fooled!! With all that fun comes difficult times!!

But if you want to come over to Finland, Acidburnz, then a warm welcome awaits you!! Although I've no room for a flatmate!! Don't forget that when driving in Finland you need to have Elk insurance! Believe me. That is no joke!!

[AcIdBuRnZ]