📑 Expedition Report: Orivesi → Tampere (First Ride)

Ali Serbest
5 Eki 2024
2 dakikada okunur

Güncelleme tarihi: 21 Eyl

1. General Information

Date: 05.10.2024
Start: Orivesi → by train at 07:20
Finish: Orivesi campus at 21:00
Total Duration (gross): ~13 h 40 min (whole day)
City ride: Easy cycling in Tampere until 14:00
Return: At 14:00 direct ride from Tampere city center to Orivesi campus without stops

2. Distance and Route

Measured Distance (Google Maps): 77.6 km
Real Distance: With city riding and small detours, over 85 km
Elevation:
- Ascent: +433 m
- Descent: -412 m
- Lowest point: 87 m
- Highest point: 144 m
Main points on the route: Lentävänniemi, Kangasala, Naapila, Orivesi

3. Bicycle and Equipment

My bicycle: 3-gear city bike, thin tires, back-pedal brake (limited performance).
Friends:
- One with a mountain bike (Vietnam)
- One with a racing bike (Myanmar)
Difference: Same route was done with three very different bikes, which influenced performance.

4. Environmental Conditions

Weather: Normal daytime, but darkness after sunset made it harder.
Difficulties:
- All drinks finished; first tried to get water from a church (closed), then got water from a house on the road.
- Darkness reduced visibility and orientation.
- The mountain bike rider was very tired, which slowed the group.
Risk factors:
- We worried about wild animals, so we pushed hard until Naapila village.
- After reaching a safe area, we rested for a long time.

5. Performance Data (qualitative)

Total distance: 85 km+
Average speed: Not recorded (variable because of city ride and group differences).
Net riding time: Google Maps estimate 4 h 23 min (one way), real time longer with stops and detours.
Elevation profile: Many small climbs and descents, increasing fatigue.
Energy cost: Around 1500–2000 kcal (estimated, 300–400 kcal/hour).

6. Findings

Endurance: More than 85 km in one day shows strong physical and mental resistance.
Equipment disadvantage: Riding with a 3-gear city bike was much harder compared to mountain and racing bikes.
Group dynamics: One rider was struggling, so teamwork and speed control were important.
Environmental adaptation: Problems with water, darkness and fear of wild animals were managed successfully.

7. Conclusion

This expedition was not only about distance. It was also about equipment limits, group management, and environmental challenges. Riding more than 85 km with 400 m of climbing, on a simple 3-gear city bike, and during a full-day trip (07:20–21:00), shows strong discipline and high endurance capacity.