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Mountain Bike
· Vuokatti-Sotkamo
Challenging 18 km mountain biking route at Ohravaara, Vuokatti
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Ainola Kota and Lean-to Shelter, VuokattiPhoto: Arto Heikkinen, Outdoors Kainuu
The Ohravaara mountain biking route, following the eastern slopes of the Vuokatti ridge, offers its rider not only athletic challenges but also magnificent forested valley landscapes.
As a mountain biking route, the Ohravaara route is moderately challenging due to elevation changes. The route follows a wide illuminated ski track all the way. The route, mostly running through forest, is relatively easy to ride, but especially after rains many sections become difficult to pass. Occasionally, the route also passes near valley settlements.
The first kilometers of the profile are mainly gentle climbs. The most challenging ascent is just before the top of Ohravaara (Heikkilä farm). A long, fairly steep climb and uneven surface cause many riders to dismount. Overcoming the steep uphill is rewarded, as from the top of Ohravaara, part of the Vuokatti ridge, wide views open to the east, where the center of Sotkamo and the surrounding large lakes can be seen. From Ohravaara to Rekikesti, the terrain is flatter. On the return from Ohravaara begins a downhill-dominant section.
Overall, the route profile is varied and challenging.
Author’s recommendation
Those seeking additional challenges can detour from this route to the so-called competition tracks of the valley.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- The route has some challenging climbs and descents.
- In forecast rain or wet weather, the terrain surface becomes muddy and slippery.
- The route is not marked as a mountain biking route on the terrain, but it is easy to follow as long as you just follow the illuminated ski track. However, be careful as many other trails and ski tracks intersect in the area.
- It’s also recommended to bring a first aid kit and a water bottle.
- If you get into trouble during your trip, call 112 and make an emergency call.
Tips and suggestions
- Alternatively, you can return from Rekikesti to the starting point by road.
Ohravaarantie 4 km – Nurmestie 0.1 km – Laukkalantie 2 km – Nurmestie 1.5 km – Vuokatinhovintie 1.5 km
When returning by road via Laukkalankylä, it’s recommended to take a map with you.
Roadbook
The route following the ski track base starts behind the sports hall of Vuokatti Sports Institute after the ski track bridge. On the information board, the route is marked as Vaaran illuminated route. The route starts left after the bridge and continues mainly uphill for about 2.3 km to the Käkinotko junction. The Vaaran illuminated route continues to the left, and at the same time a steeper uphill section about 500 m long begins. From the top of the hill, there is half a kilometer of flat terrain past Ainolan kota shelter to the Pyykorpi junction. At this junction of four routes, note that the route continues gently to the left as a one-way path. The return of the Vaaran illuminated route merges here with the outbound track. The Ohravaara mountain bike route continues through pleasant forest terrain with gentle slopes for 1.7 km, including two small road crossings. After crossing the halfway point, a 1 km climb begins to the top of Ohravaara, rewarded with magnificent views. The route passes through the yard of Heikkilä and continues as an idyllic, downhill forest trail for 2.8 km to the old Rekivaara school, which in winter serves as the Rekikesti ski café. The return is via the same route back to Heikkilä, where the path continues behind the house along the edge of a field and is downhill the entire return trip to the starting point. The return route passes through high terrain, along field edges, spruce forests, and birch groves. After Kettumäki, the descents are fast and require skill from the cyclist but quickly bring you to the Pyykorpi junction, where the route is again two-way to the sports institute.
Route lengths:
Vuokatti Sport – Heikkilä farm – Vuokatti Sport = 13.5 km
Vuokatti Sport – Rekikesti – Vuokatti Sport = 19 km
Vuokatti Sport – Rekikesti – Laukkalankylä – Vuokatti Sport = 18 km
Lehmilampi hut, Vuokatti Finland
Ainola hut and lean-to-shelter, Vuokatti Finland
Heikkilän Pirtti Ski Café, Vuokatti Finland
Kettumäki hut, Vuokatti Finland
Pöllylampi hut, Vuokatti Finland
Public transport
- Bus traffic between Kajaani and Sotkamo passes next to the starting point (Vuokatti Sports Institute).
- You can find the local bus SotKatti route map and schedules here.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
- Follow the signs/guidance of Vuokatti Sports Institute.
Parking
- Free parking is available at the Vuokattihalli parking area.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
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A mountain bike/Fatbike and helmet and equipment suitable for mountain biking are recommended, as the route is quite uneven in parts.
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You can rent mountain bikes, for example, from Vuokatti Ski Service (sports institute area).
Localization
Related Offers
Vuokatti Ski Service offers high quality mountain bikes for rental!
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions