Woo, I made it Helsinki Gran Fondo 160km route on a mountain bike. Initially I wasn't sure if I would ride in a group or just wing it alone, but riding in a group did bring many benefits, like the obvious aerodynamic benefit, but also being pushed harder than I would have probably ridden my mountain bike otherwise. At times, on longer descents I had a hard time keeping up as I ran out of gears and no amount of pedaling helped 😅, but mostly it was fine and I could keep up with the 24km/h group (which ended up averaging to 26km/h in the end) pretty well. I didn't intend to participate with my mountain bike. Unfortunately my gravel-darling took a hit to the front brakes in a crash a week ago, and I only noticed it a few days ago.

Also bought my first ever bib for this event, and I love it! I've never had much luck with padded boxers as the ones I've bought never seem to properly fit or stay in place. This base layer bib I bought to wear under shorts is just perfect, going to be lots of usage for it for longer rides.

This was my first road bike and group ride event. so interesting also to see that. Crazy people, love it. Lots of annoyed car drivers speeding past the big group of cyclists often way too close and without a clear line of sight for incoming cars, that was a bit scary at times.

New personal distance record and also broke pretty much all my average speed records for various distances. I think my gravel is highly jealous now.

#helsinki #cycling