-
Autumn colours in Finland and Northern Norway: Ruska ride 2026
“Ruska” is an unsupported bikepacking event across Finland (and Norway) from south to north which takes place in mid September since 2017. The Finnish word “ruska” stands for autumn foliage.
Organiser Mikko Mäkipää just shared the “route” for next year’s ride: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1MHAodUFzVwO1BpBl53m9u7O–yBkjxA
Participants must create their own route along the controls and parcours (see map). Usual length is 2000 to 2200 km, and the ride ends after about 8 days.
Control 3 is near Slettnes fyr, Norways northernmost lighthouse, and finish is just around the corner from the border at Nuorgam, which means that a huge part of the ride will take place in Finnmark.
You can find all the details and stories from previous rides on their website: https://www.randonneurs.fi/
I followed some riders on their way up north last month, and I really love both the concept and the spirit. Maybe I should start training now to have a chance to survive daily rides of 275 km next year? What do you think about such events?
2 Comments-
It’s very interesting to track the different route choices of each participant in this video: https://sportrec.eu/gps/ruska-2025
-
200pus K’s for 8 days…. In my dreams! All power and glory to the riders of the event. Outstanding!
-
