As over the ground we go

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The photograph was taken on May 24th while riding the bicycle from Porvoo to Helsinki.

(Posting title is from the poem Thanksgiving Day by Lydia Maria Child.)

Gravity or other acute angles as they evaporate

Underground

Going underground in Helsinki...

I commuted by bicycle today, and mostly it was ok, except in some places there was uneven ice on the road, and even the studded winter tires had trouble keeping straight. Some more snow is promised for the night, and it remains to be seen how the road conditions are tomorrow morning.

(Posting title is from the poem In a Station of the Metro by Dan Beachy-Quick.)

Change of vehicle (sort of)

Works, originally uploaded by jiihaa.

Train, originally uploaded by jiihaa.

Fence, originally uploaded by jiihaa.

Here is a change of vehicle, once again, as regards the subject of photographs. Would you believe that what you see in the first photograph is a construction site of "west metro" in Helsinki. In a few years, I'll be able to go to Helsinki via the metro... Can't wait for it to happen.

Then there is the train - end of line station, in this case. And finally, a self-portrait. You did notice me on the bicycle in the photograph?

Speaking of the bicycle, Dennis asked about the price of the bicycle repair.

Well, the bicycle repair (350 euro) was about half of the price what I paid for the bicycle originally, so he was right that it was expensive. The bicycle was made by Rossano in Finland, simple one but durable.

(One can get bicycles much cheaper, but I didn't want one which breaks easily. I did some additions to the bicycle later, such as lock pedals, odometer etc., but nothing big.)

Divided by five years, the costs are not too bad. And it was quite a job. I had to have the back wheel completely replaced (except for the gear hub), as the rim was completely worn out. And so were the tires, chain etc. In fact, the new tires were the biggest individual cost (after work), over 70 euros. Previously I had Continental Contact tires, now I have Schwalbe Marathon Plus. Have to see if there is a difference. Both should be extremely resistant to tire punctures. (I didn't have any with Continental.)

Seeing the sea

Metro train, originally uploaded by jiihaa.

We visited Meri-Rastila on Sunday, there is a nice forested area by the sea shore. Someone was collecting names at a crossroad of the paths. Apparently the area will be changed quite a lot - new buildings built etc. We couldn't sign the petition on this as we are not living in the city of Helsinki.