MTB Adventures: Discovering Kirkkonummi
After moving from Vaasa to Espoo, I decided to take full advantage of the opportunity to explore new mountain biking trails. One trail that consistently came up in recommendations was in Kirkkonummi. With a mix of excitement and a bit of nervous anticipation, I loaded up my mountain bike and set off for my first ride in this highly praised area.
The Plan and the Weather
Originally, my plan was to tackle a 30km route. I had heard that this trail could take several hours to complete due to its challenging nature and varied terrain. Realizing I might need to ease into this new environment, I adjusted my goal to 21km. As the day unfolded, dark clouds started to roll in, threatening my adventure. Not wanting to risk getting caught in the rain, I decided mid-ride to cut it down even further, ultimately riding 17.5km.
The Terrain: A Delightful Challenge
The trails of Kirkkonummi did not disappoint. The terrain was a thrilling mix of smooth rock sections and traditional Finnish forest trails. Coming from Ostrobothnia, where the landscape is flat, the elevation differences in southern Finland are still something I’m getting used to. However, the climbs, which I initially thought would be daunting, turned out to be quite enjoyable. The varied landscape kept the ride interesting and engaging, providing just the right amount of challenge.
The Experience
As someone new to the region, the beauty of Kirkkonummi’s trails was a delightful surprise. The smooth rocks offered a unique riding experience compared to what I was used to, while the forest trails provided a serene yet exhilarating backdrop. The mix of terrain kept me on my toes and made every kilometer a joy to ride.
Despite the weather forcing me to shorten my ride, I felt a great sense of accomplishment by the end of it. It was a perfect introduction to what I believe are some of the best mountain biking trails in southern Finland.
I would not recommend this trail for complete beginners, due to the climbs and how technical certain sections are. However, any average or more experienced rider will enjoy this one! The terrain is suitable for those looking to have fun, and also for endurance type of riders.
Looking Ahead
This ride in Kirkkonummi has only fueled my desire to explore more. The experience was so positive that I’m already planning my next visit. My goal is to complete the full 30km trail one day, perhaps turning it into a long Sunday ride once I’ve built up a bit more stamina.
For now, I’ll continue to train and explore other nearby trails, but the trails of Kirkkonummi have set a high standard. If you’re in the area and looking for a great mountain biking adventure, I highly recommend giving it a try. Just be prepared for those climbs – they’re as rewarding as they are challenging!
Until next time, happy riding!