We want to offer participants the best gravel routes in Pelkosenniemi and the surrounding areas, as well as an autumn adventure. To avoid excessive asphalt riding, both the 100-mile and 50-mile routes include water crossings.
The most important thing during the crossings is the safety of each cross-er. So please carefully read the instructions and follow the guidelines provided by the organizers at the crossing points.
Secondly, maintaining a spirit of adventure and being considerate of other participants is essential to ensure that the autumn gravel ride in Pelkosenniemi becomes a fun experience for every Fellscape rider.
50-MILERS
On the 50-mile route, you will cross the autumnal Javarusjoki river by wading through it at approximately 28 km point. The crossing point has been chosen with both riding enjoyment and safety in mind.
The arrival bank at the crossing point is also the first support station for the 50 miles (Kurkiainen). So, enjoy some snacks first and prepare calmly for the crossing.
On Thursday, September, 5th the water depth was knee-high.
Please note that the route involves crossing a flowing river, where the safety of each participant is paramount. If you think that your race performance will be affected by a slight slowdown from the crossing, it’s best to arrive first for the crossing 🙂
A support rope will run from bank to bank, which must be held onto during the entire crossing. You can carry your bike on your shoulder or push it using the lightweight wading raft provided. There will be members of the Fellscape team on both banks as well as in the river to assist and encourage you.
Each participant must wear a flotation vest provided by the organizers and securely fasten its zipper and straps. You MUST NOT attempt to cross the water without having the flotation vest properly worn.
Only one person may be in the water at a time. Please wait patiently on the bank for your turn and only begin the crossing when you receive permission from the organizers.
The organizers will provide Crocs-shoes and durable bags, allowing you to transport your shoes, socks, phone, and other valuables dry over the river. After crossing the river, towels will be available to dry your legs or yourself.
There are several styles of crossing you can choose from in advance or based on the feeling when you arrive. Here are a few examples:
Water Beast
If you’re feeling speedy and wet socks don’t bother you much, put on your flotation vest, throw your bike over your shoulder, and wade across the river while holding onto the rope. Then pedal hard ahead!
Even though the racing vibe is strong, please wait patiently for your turn: one person at a time in the river! According to the gentleperson’s rule, wait for the fiercest competitor before speeding away.
Dry Socks
If dry socks are key to your success or race mood, ask the organizers for a durable bag when you arrive at the crossing, where you can take off your shoes, socks, or even go completely naked. However, put on your flotation vest and, if desired, slip on your Crocs. When it’s your turn to cross, lift your bike onto your shoulder or let the organizers transport it over on a small raft. Hold onto the rope the entire time!
Queen Elizabeth
If wading isn’t your style, you can also cross the river on a raft pushed by the organizers. In this case, wearing the flotation vest is also mandatory. Please note that the royal ride is clearly the slowest mode of crossing, and your bike will be brought separately.
If there is a (long) queue at the crossing point, waders have priority.
100-MILERS
What would a hundred miles be without a sauna raft? Nothing! On the 100-mile route, the Kemijoki River is crossed on a sauna raft at about 95 km.
The crossing of the Kemijoki River takes place in Tapionniemi, where the second aid station is located. It is approximately 500 meters from the aid station to the riverbank where the raft departs.
The raft ride across the Kemijoki takes about 8 minutes, and it can carry 15 people at a time. The raft operates nonstop with departures aimed to be every 20 minutes at minutes: 00, 20, and 40.
The first raft ride will depart as the leaders arrive.
A skilled captain operates the sauna raft. Flotation vests will be provided for each person crossing, and we recommend using them.
Of course, the bike will be taken onto the raft as well; please follow the organizers’ instructions for loading the bikes!
The route continues on gravel roads immediately at the eastern bank of the Kemijoki.
Sauna boat, setting sail!