The preceding day I had finally laid my faithful French Patrick touring shoes to rest. Unable to find a suitable replacement pair, I had bought a pair of cheap Spanish R-100 shoes with stiff soles and real cleats.
I set out northwards out of Jyvaskyla on road 637 with light traffic at a relaxed pace. Past Laukaa I stopped in Kuusa to admire the rapids and observe boat traffic at the locks of the new canal connecting the lakes Paeijaenne and Keitele, built by Russian contractors. I also had a pleasant rest stop at the canal coffee shop where I consumed some vital energy nutrition, i.e. soda, ice cream, etc.
From there ahead on road 642 through scenic farmland, roughly following the canal route. At the junction of road 69 I turned west and enjoyed the rollercoaster hills on my way, crossing over the new bridge erected by the aforementioned Russian contractors. At the junction of highway 4 I spent some good time at a friendly gas station consuming more vital energy foods and some newspapers. Filling up my bottles, I then proceeded west on the lonely road 631 through the woods to Uurainen where I turned south on road 630 all the way back to Jyvaeskylae without seeing much human habitation.
My new shoes were a minor revelation. I could use one tooth less in the rear with no extra effort and the improved foot interface seemed to lead to more effortless pedaling at fast RPM. I wonder what clipless would feel like!
Distance was 104 km. Time and speed have evaporated from memory. Anyway, I had a nice time.