Day stages of around 65 km are short enough for average skater to travel in about 5 hours including breaks leaving time for sightseeing and having fun as well (skating is also fun but anyway...). For fittest skaters there will most likely be a chance for a bonus stage (around 150 km) on the following day of the event.
Route starts from Turku, the oldest city in Finland. It travels parallel to the southern coast passing through city of Salo, the home of Nokia mobile phones. To get to city of Forssa we will skate through Torronsuo National Park. Next up is city of Riihimäki not so far from capital Helsinki. On the way to Lahti, the business city of Finland, we cross the hills of Salpausselkä. By the time we reach city of Kouvola you understand why Finland is called a country with thousand lakes.
We will skate among normal traffic. In Finland skaters are regarded as pedestrians and use left bank of the road. As long as it seems reasonable and safe we skate even if it rains. In case of heavy rain or total exhaustion one may have to resort to public transportation at their own cost.
We lodge in comfortable hotels where breakfast and dinner is served. In case of minor location a motel or holiday village may be only choice (this isn't the case this year). You don't have to worry about reservations during the event. We will take care of them for you. On final destination there will be a Farewell party.
FinLine is organized by non-profit making organization, skating club Katukiitäjät ry (Street Gliders). To attend you must be over 18 and you need to become a member of club by simply paying the annual fee 25 euros. For FinLine there's also a registration fee of 50 euros covering services provided by service car (transportation of luggage, sports drinks, snacks, basic First Aid). You also get a FinLine T-shirt. Naturally all local skaters are there to help and guide you.
Transportation from Helsinki to starting location and from target location back to Helsinki are organized at a special rate but they are not covered by registration fee. Nor meals and hotel rooms (2 to 4 persons per room) are covered by registration fee but these are paid directly to hotel reception by each participant. A travelbudget of around 50 euros per day should cover these expenses.
Do you still hesitate? For reference, all FinLiners are able to skate marathon (42.195 km) under two hours. Our tours are skated in smaller groups according to skaters' physical abilities. Depending on the group average skating speed will vary from 15 km/h to 20 km/h. Short breaks are held atleast once in a hour and one longer break for sightseeing or lunch. We skate in tight queues and make "trains" in downhills while max speed may reach even 70 km/h.
Helmet must be worn. Participants must have a valid accident insurance covering possible injuries. Skating club Katukiitäjät ry (Street Gliders) cannot be held responsible for any accidents.
Make sure that your name transfers to us with payment. Address, phonenumber, year of birth and email address should be emailed to info...katukiitajat.fi no more than two days after the payment has been submitted.
FinLine 2003 registration time is coming to an end! To register or request further information contact kati.koota...katukiitajat.fi or janne.eklund...katukiitajat.fi ASAP, not later than June 6, 2003.
All rights reserved.