Information about trips
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The opening race of the Sorahiisi weekend will take place on Friday evening, August 14.
The sunset drive begins in the village of Koli, winds along the shore of Lake Pielinen to the opposite shore at Vuonislahden, and returns by boat as evening falls. The route passes through stunning scenery: along the Koli lakeside road to the magnificent lake views of Ahveninen and through the equally breathtaking Vornan Museum Road to the village of Vuonislahden and the shores of Lake Pielinen.
The total distance is about 60 kilometers.
Key facts at a glance:
You can ride into the sunset either on your own or as part of a group ride.
You may choose your own departure time between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The mass start will begin at 5:00 p.m. and proceed at an average speed of approximately 20–22 km/h, depending on conditions. There will be a stop at a service station along the route, and we are aiming to arrive at Vuonislahden around 8:30 p.m.
You should arrive at Vuonislahden by 9:00 p.m. at the latest to ensure you make it to the ferry on time.
In the village of Vuonislahden (less than a kilometer before the route’s endpoint at the harbor) is Kestikievari Herranniemi, where you can buy refreshments. You can also buy refreshments and snacks on board the boat.
Before heading back to Koli, the Sorahiisi 320 adventure race will kick off at the Vuonislahden harbor. Come join us to give the heroes a hero’s send-off into the night!
Important Notes - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:
The route is not marked. Always bring a navigation device with you—at the very least, a phone. Keep this in mind even if you are participating in a group start.
This route is clearly more challenging than its length suggests. The climb totals nearly 700 meters, and the ascents are spread out in notably long stretches. The steepest sections along the Koli coastal road and in the village of Kelvä are genuinely grueling. Set out early, be well-prepared, and approach the ride with respect!
Be sure to bring a bike headlight. You won't need it on the actual route, but by the time you finish the return trip, it will already be completely dark at the port of Koli.
Be sure to pack warm clothes for the return trip. Even if the evening sun is still warm during the drive, night will fall during the ferry ride and the temperature may drop to near freezing.
Transportation is available for those who have to drop out along the route. Bikes and riders will be transported back to Koli if the ride is interrupted before reaching a service point. If you withdraw after this point, transportation will be arranged to the port of Vuonislahden (and from there, a ferry back to Koli). Be prepared for long wait times and try to withdraw only at the aid station whenever possible.
The participation fee does not include insurance. Be sure to arrange your own insurance coverage in case of injury or equipment damage.
What is included in the participation fee:
A hand-picked route through stunning driving scenery, complete with a route file for navigation.
Opportunity to participate in a mass start at 5:00 p.m. (time to be confirmed closer to the event).
One refreshment and snack stop about halfway along the route.
Transportation along the route back to Koli or the Vuonislahden harbor if the trip is cut short.
Photographing the drivers upon arrival at Vuonislahti Harbor.
The return trip for you and your bike from Vuonislahden Harbor to Koli Harbor aboard the charming M/S Marival II.
Evening coffee at Marival.
Follow Sorahiisi on social media: @sorahiisi is on Instagram and Facebook.
Welcome to the most beautiful gravel adventure of the summer!
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NOTE: Changed start time!
The Sorahiisi 160 race, taking place on Saturday, August 15, is taking a completely new direction!In previous summers, the main route of the event has run entirely around Koli, but this year the route heads into the wilderness on the eastern side of Lake Pielinen, though it ends, as usual, on the summit of Koli.
The trip includes some wonderful highlights, such as the Kontiovaara Ridge Trail, the Vornan Museum Trail, the lakeshore scenery of Lake Pielinen, and two national parks.
The journey begins at the port of Koli, where you board the M/S Marival II.
This scenic boat ride departs at 7:30 a.m. and takes you to the port of Vuonislahden on Lake Pielinen. From there, the adventure of taming the port’s gravel pit begins.
The route heads east toward Patvinsuo National Park. There, you turn back and join Route 320 toward Kolia.
The exact route will be finalized in early summer 2026, once the condition of the roads has been inspected. As usual, the distance is about 160 kilometers. There will certainly be plenty of elevation gain.
Please note! The Koli-Vuonislahti ferry has a capacity of about 50 bicycles, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance.
Key facts at a glance:
All listed times are subject to change prior to the event.
The Koli-Vuonislahti ferry departs at 7:30 a.m. Boarding numbers will be assigned in advance at the port and on board.
Group departure from Vuonislahden at approximately 8:30 a.m.
There are at least three food and drink stations along the route.
The finish area in Koli opens at 3:00 p.m. and closes at 6:30 p.m.
Important Notes - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:
The route is not marked. Always bring a navigation device with you—at the very least, a phone. Also make sure your devices have enough battery power. We recommend bringing a backup power source.
The route is challenging. The exact elevation gain will be confirmed in early summer, but there will definitely be plenty of climbing. Pace yourself and approach the route with respect!
There is transportation available for those who drop out along the route. If you are unable to complete the ride, your bike and you will be transported back to Koli. Be prepared for long wait times, and try to drop out only at a service station, where waiting is more manageable and you can also travel back with the support team.
There is no timing for this route. Please note that Sorahiisi 160 is not a timed event.
The participation fee does not include insurance. Be sure to arrange your own insurance coverage in case of injury or equipment damage.
What is included in the participation fee:
A hand-picked route through stunning driving scenery, complete with a route file for navigation.
A one-way trip for you and your bike from the port of Koli to Vuonislahden Bay aboard the charming M/S Marival II.
At least three refreshment and snack stops.
Morning coffee on the boat and a meal in Koli at the end of the trip.
Transportation back to Koli along the route if the trip is cut short.
Photographing the riders upon arrival at the summit of Koli.
A Sorahiisi souvenir for all participants. The gift can be picked up at the finish line.
Follow Sorahiisi on social media: @sorahiisi is on Instagram and Facebook.
Welcome to the most beautiful gravel adventure of the summer!
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The premier event in Finnish gravel cycling is now divided into two parts:
The adventure kicks off on Friday, August 14, as usual, just before midnight.
The race will start early Saturday morning, August 15.
SORAHIISI 320 - Adventure Departure
The itinerary for the adventure cruise is largely the same as in previous years. The adventure begins at the Koli harbor at 8:15 p.m. First, we board the MS Marival II and cross Lake Pielinen as dusk falls. On the opposite shore, at the port of Vuonislahden, we set off. The route leads to the center of Lieksa, then northward all the way to the eastern border. As the morning brightens, a succession of stunning landscapes unfolds: the Ruunaa rapids, magnificent ridge roads and wilderness lakes one after another, Patvinsuo National Park, the Vornan Museum Road, the Koli Lakeside Road, and finally Finland’s most spectacular serpentine climb up to the summit of Koli. Upon arrival, an unforgettable sense of euphoria awaits!
All the facts about the adventure trip at a glance:
All times listed are tentative and are subject to change prior to the event.
You can bring your own gear box or bag along on the route. They will be available at two designated aid stations (one just before nightfall and one in the morning).
More detailed schedules and instructions regarding the drop-off of equipment boxes and the pickup of race numbers and timing chips will be announced closer to the event.
The Koli-Vuonislahti ferry departs at approximately 8:30 p.m.
There are five food and drink stations along the route. In addition, hot food is available at the finish line.
The goal area at Koli will close at 6:30 p.m.
All riders will have a timing chip attached to their bike that measures their total time. In addition, there will be live tracking of the event online.
Important Notes - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:
The route is not marked. Always bring a navigation device with you—at the very least, a phone. Also make sure your devices have enough battery power. We recommend bringing a backup power source.
The route is challenging. Pace yourself and approach the journey with respect!
Be sure to bring a bike headlight. You won't need it on the actual route, but by the time you finish the return trip, it will already be completely dark at the port of Koli.
Be sure to bring warm enough riding gear! Even if it’s still warm at the port of Koli, it will be cool by the time you start riding. At night, the temperature can drop to around freezing. Be prepared for this!
There is transportation available for those who drop out along the route. If you are unable to complete the ride, your bike and you will be transported back to Koli. Be prepared for long wait times, and try to drop out only at a service station, where waiting is more manageable and you can also travel back with the support team.
The participation fee does not include insurance. Be sure to arrange your own insurance coverage in case of injury or equipment damage.
What is included in the participation fee:
A hand-picked route through stunning driving scenery, complete with a route file for navigation.
A one-way trip for you and your bike from the port of Koli to Vuonislahden Bay aboard the charming M/S Marival II.
Five refreshment and food stations.
Evening coffee on the boat and dinner in Koli at the end of the trip.
Transportation back to Koli along the route if the trip is cut short.
Photography of the riders during the trip and upon arrival in Koli.
A Sorahiisi souvenir for all participants. The gift can be picked up at the finish line.
SORAHIISI 320 - Race Start
The race starts directly from the Vuonislahden harbor on Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m. The route is the same as that of the adventure race that began the previous evening: It runs through the center of Lieksa, then northward all the way to the eastern border. As the morning brightens, a succession of scenic views unfolds: the Ruunaa rapids, magnificent ridge roads and wilderness lakes one after another, Patvinsuo National Park, the Vornan Museum Road, the Koli lakeside road, and finally Finland’s most spectacular serpentine climb up to the summit of Koli.
How does entering the competition work in practice?
You can make your own way to Koli and leave your car there (there is free parking in downtown Koli and at the harbor). Book accommodation for Friday night (August 14) in Vuonislahden and for Saturday (August 15) in Koli—we’ll post additional instructions on booking accommodation shortly.
Racers are welcome to join the Koli–Vuonislahti ferry on Friday evening at 8:30 p.m. Bring your bike, riding gear, a gear box or backpack for the route, and overnight gear. Your gear box and personal overnight gear will be transported along the route on Saturday and can be picked up in Koli at the end of the ride.
Follow these directions to get yourself and your belongings to Vuonislahden, and you can leave your car in Koli.
A summary of the facts about the Sorahiisi 320 race:
All times listed are tentative and are subject to change prior to the event.
You can bring your own gear box or bag along on the route. They will be available at two designated aid stations.
More detailed schedules and instructions regarding the drop-off of equipment boxes and the pickup of race numbers and timing chips will be announced closer to the event.
The Koli–Vuonislahti ferry departs on Friday, August 14, at approximately 8:30 p.m.
There are five food and drink stations along the route. In addition, hot food is available at the finish line.
The goal area at Koli will close at 6:30 p.m.
All riders will have a timing chip attached to their bike that measures their total time. In addition, there will be live tracking of the event online.
What is included in the participation fee:
A hand-picked route through stunning driving scenery, complete with a route file for navigation.
A one-way trip for you and your bike from the port of Koli to Vuonislahden Bay aboard the charming M/S Marival II.
Five refreshment and food stations.
Evening coffee on the boat and dinner in Koli at the end of the trip.
Transportation back to Koli along the route if the trip is cut short.
Photography of the riders during the trip and upon arrival in Koli.
Prizes for the top three finishers.
A Sorahiisi souvenir for all participants. The gift can be picked up at the finish line.