===================================================================
How I go out and ride                                    2022-05-10
===================================================================

I was born in the '60s and grew up in the '70s and '80s. In other
words, I am definitely pre-internet and pre-mobile phones. When I
went out to play or ride my bike no-one had a clue as to where I
was, and at times neither did I. Imagine going out without
notifications from WhatsApp, email, and social media accounts,
without GPS-tracking and online maps... I explored most of the
Netherlands with only a physical map in my back pocket. I still
like it that way.

My current training rides are all in and around Pirkanmaa, and I
pride myself on the fact that I don't need a GPS or a map anywhere
between Ruovesi in the north to Hämeenlinna in the south, and from
Padasjoki in the east to Reposaari in the west.

I also often don't even take my wallet along, meaning that I have
neither identification nor money with me. Not carrying
identification is more of an consequence than by design, as my
wallet contains this item; leaving the wallet means leaving the
identification card as well.

There is a design factor behind the not taking money along,
though. No money, means that I am not tempted to buy sugary crap,
be it solid or liquid. For longer rides I may need to think a bit
ahead and make sure that I have enough food with me. I am a sucker
for simplicity, and on rides longer than 80km I'll carry watery
porridge with a pinch of salt (basically Victorian gruel), that I
can drink without the need for a spoon. On shorter rides I usually
carry a few muesli bars, and I always have a 'fruit smoothie'
packed away for 'emergencies'.

Water is a non-negotiable, I always carry water, about 1 liter per
50 kilometers; so if I ride 100km, I'll carry 2 bidons (I have the
liter sized). Water is also rather simple to come by. Most shops
here in Finland have their bottle return sections at the entrance
to the shop, and in about 8 out of 10 shops there will also be a
tap and sink where people can wash their hands, or where thirsty
cyclists can refill their bottles. Another great source for water
are graveyards, just stay clear from groundwater.

No GPS, no money, no phone... Imagine the freedom.