Mountain biking in Finland

[gesb]

What's the mountain biking like in Finland? I have a couple different bikes and would like to meet others interested in the sport with hopes they can show me around the local trails in Greater Helsinki and surrounding area. I have a geared bike, single speed bike, down hill bike and road bike. My favorite riding style is free riding then cross country then road.

Thanks in advance for your assistance

D

[rob34]

What's the mountain biking like in Finland? I have a couple different bikes and would like to meet others interested in the sport with hopes they can show me around the local trails in Greater Helsinki and surrounding area. I have a geared bike, single speed bike, down hill bike and road bike. My favorite riding style is free riding then cross country then road.

Thanks in advance for your assistance

D

I'm in the Tampere region.

I haven't found any trails that resemble what I would call "mountain biking trails". They are usually quite wide and meant for pedestrian use.

Looks like there's a forum: http://ridefree.fi/forum/

They seem to talk a lot about:
http://www.kalpalinna.com/bikepark/fin/index.php

[Bubba Elvis XIV]

I haven't found any trails that resemble what I would call "mountain biking trails". They are usually quite wide and meant for pedestrian use.

I'd say it's either wide (for nordic walking sillyness) or tiny, tiny, little paths, which are usually very short...I think you need to head east to find good DH MTB.

There's very few bike parks here...you really need to talk to the locals and ask where they ride. Try a bike shop. Some have maps and info.

[seth2011]

I recommend that you visit either The Mountain Shop or Camu in Helsinki, the day you arrive, and go buy the Suomen Kalliokiipeilyopas 2003. It is about 35€, but it has driving directions and route names, grades and locations on the cliff nicely drawn. It includes pretty much everything you need to know to climb at any crag in the book, which includes pretty much all the good destinations for roped climbing. Boulderers can find information on the internet or find someone to show you around, since the best boulders are not in the topobook. Slouppi is a good place to start, use their forums to locate people in the areas you want to visit, or are staying in.

http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/Europe/Finland/