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MAKING THE MOST OUT OF THE NORDIC SUMMER

Gravel Inspiration > Travel Gravel
22 July 2021
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Gravel Culture: Making the most out of the Nordic summer

Posted By Gravel Union On 22 July 2021

Shimano Gravel Alliance rider Henna Palosaari lives in the far north of Finland. When summer arrives with its 24hours of daylight, she wants to make the most of it, so is heading out to ride the Nordic Gravel series.

Imagine ‘nightless’ nights, endless gravel roads, happy Nordics and good vibes. The Nordic Gravel series is a series of gravel riding events around Finland, Sweden and Norway showcasing the best of the Nordics. If you haven’t experienced the Nordics yet, then NGS is definitely one of the best ways to do it!

Whether you’re a ‘party pacer’ or a racer you will have fun at the Nordic Gravel Series. I’m definitely more of a party pacer which is why I’m thrilled that there are events which are not all about racing. Before I joined the Nordic Gravel Series I considered cycling events scary as I had only done the bikepacking style of cruising by myself or with my friends. I thought there wouldn’t be events that could offer anything for my type of rider but I was wrong. When the event is based on community building and having fun, it definitely has something to offer for everyone!

There are two things you can be sure of when joining the Nordic Gravel Series. First, the route will be top notch. Last year we couldn’t stop repeating “Ahhh - it’s so beautiful here” and as Finns, we are used to the amazing scenery already. The routes of the Nordic Gravel Series are always well thought through and made by locals who know the secret trails in the area, offering the best possible experience for the riders. This summer’s NGS events are held all over the Nordics and they all offer unique scenery. It will be hard to choose only one so I recommend joining at least a couple of event weekends to get a good grasp of what the Nordics have to offer.

Second, the people. It is important that the route is amazing and offers some challenge for all levels of riders but eventually what you remember is the people. What I remember from last summer was smiling people everywhere. Everyone was warm and welcoming. Finns are known as less chatty, but maybe it is the gravel riding that makes even Finns open up and chat to everyone! And let me tell you, that is something you don’t want to miss!

For the racers out there, you will find a group of hardcore riders in Nordic Gravel Series so if you want to come and ride fast, you can. The Duo Challenge format will provide you just that. At five of this year’s events, you’ll be able to go “full-gas” for three timed segments in six different categories (gender and age). Take it easy in between so you can enjoy the views of course! Share the experience with your riding partner and other duos for the day.

To prepare you for the Nordic Gravel series and the Finnish summer, I thought I’d give you little Finnish homework to do, so you can crack a smile on Finns’ faces right when you meet them.

  • Hey/Hi = Moi (sounds like moy)
  • Bye bye = Moi moi (sounds like moymoy)
  • Thank you / Please = Kiitos (sounds like kee-toss)
  • How are you = Mitä kuuluu? (sounds like meeta-cool-oo)
  • I have a flat tyre on my bike = Minun pyöränkumini puhkesi (sounds like meenan purr-ankumini puck-ayesi)
  • My bike chain fell off. Where can I get help? = Mulla lähti ketarit irti. Mistä saan apua? (sounds like muller laartee ketarit irty. Mister saan apuar)

Henna Palosaari

Henna is from the far north of Finland, but she is not usually too long in one place. She lives for the outdoors whether it’s gravel riding and bikepacking in the summer and fall, backcountry snowboarding in the winter or surfing in between. For her a gravel bike is most of all a tool to explore and experience new places the best possible way, to go on an adventure that wouldn’t be possible any other way. Bikepacking has offered her some of her most unforgettable experiences and broadened her idea of what she is capable of last time on a bikepacking and snowboarding trip through the Dolomites.