Skid marks or a crochet rest music symbol? Whichever way we look at it, where this car tyre rubber meets the asphalt, it look likes notes of a motion musical score.
The world, forever in flux, mirrors our own transient existence. Life embodies perpetual movement, a ceaseless waltz that sways, veers, and twirls in all directions. Certain beings, like the indefatigable sharks, never halt their motion, even slumbering whilst in constant locomotion. But this is not a tale of slumber; it's a celebration of life's vivacity and the allure of the open road—a symphony of yearnings, a craving for the journey. Some possess it in abundance, embracing various modes of transit, from cars as classic as the Buick and Cadillac to the intimate connection of a handcycle, as Ajmal Samuel prefers.
A 1960's Chevrolet Bel Air running the sun dappled asphalt between Merikarvia and Närpes along the forested coastline abutting the Gulf of Bothnia.
There, supine, he commands the road with the graceful power of his arms.
For others, the allure lies in the simple act of propelling forward, be it by e-bike, gas or the boundless rhythm of a carefree stroll.
The path one treads rests on the mood and the collective spirit of the journey—be it companionship shared with friends, lovers, or loyal four-legged companions. But how one moves, and in what, unveils a unique story.
1967 Ford Fairlane with real nodding dog. On the road between Pori and Merikarvia
As for us, the compass points northward, beckoning to Sweden, further to the reaches of Norway, though for now, the bliss of the road between Nerpes and Vaasa captivates our hearts.
We're not alone in this sentiment. Fellow travelers roll down their windows, their visors wide, inviting the crisp embrace of late summer's warmth and the caress of fresh air.
Harley Davidson Electra Glide. Road to Narpes.
Chevrolet with vintage red Airstream. Road to Vaasa.
Even those who toil, the farmers nurturing their lands or reaping the bounty of wheat, wear contentment on their sun-kissed faces, finding solace in these landscapes that cradle the soul.
Wheatlands south of Vaasa
Samuel, the maestro of these streets and lanes, composes a symphony that accompanies his latest grand opus—a road trip in perpetual motion. He's here in transit, not the impersonal shuffle of mass transit, but a nimble voyage for a man who knows no use for his legs. Those carbon fiber wheels spin with joy, akin to giddy spinning tops, their fervor contagious in the pursuit of boundless motion-induced happiness.
Ajmal ahead running the road past the forests of Takanebacken, and Energiequelle wind turbines.
High above, jet contrails etch patterns across the opulent sky—a reminder that forward is the only way. Those who stagnate risk forever immobilizing their souls. Can you fathom the perfection of cycling through this land, this Finland? It feels so wondrous, so extraordinary that we yearn for it to extend endlessly.
Today, we trace the waters of Vaasa, with the promise of tomorrow ferrying us across the Gulf of Bothnia to a wholly different realm. By boat, we'll sail to foreign shores, for boats are brethren of motion, and we, we cherish them like old friends.
Kayakers on the Fjärdsminnet
Ajmal Samuel says ;
'1,000Km of the Inclusivity ride done and dusted
Yesterday (8th September 2023) I completed the first 1,000 Km out of my 3,000 Km handbike ride through the Baltics and Scandinavia. This I am undertaking as part of my inclusivity rides in order to raise awareness and to spread the message of inclusivity all over the world and especially in Hong Kong. It has been quite a momentous ride for me and my support team alike.
We experienced each and every type of challenge which could be thrown at us but suffice to say the camaraderie and the team spirit made it look insignificant.
On this expedition I am very fortunate to have Richard as our official photographer who has been chronicling my journey through photographs and blogs. Special kudos to Richard for e-biking for 1,000Km as well.
Carol Cheung Mark Berger and Rimantas Navickas thank you for all the support and being there at all times.
Following are some fun facts from the first 1,000km :
Total distance covered to date = 1014.59km Total cycling days = 14 days Total time in hours biked = 54:09 Total elevation gained in 14 days = 5481 meters Average distance covered per day = 72.47km
Join the expedition, follow updates, and tag along on this inspiring adventure."
ASF has carefully chosen Resolve to be the beneficiary for 2023: Resolve is a charity founded in 2017 that helps create change makers in our community to drive a more inclusive city. Their signature program is a Fellowship that has so far supported over 70 emerging community leaders from diverse walks of life. There have been five cohorts of the fellowship on racial equality, ending gender-based violence, disABILITIES and empowerment, wellbeing and health and (E)quality Education for all.
Visit the following URL in order to support the "I Resolve Challenge" and give:
TOTAL DISTANCE COVERED: 1,094.40 KM (11 September 2023)
Day 21- Rest Day Vaasa
Day 20 -Narpes to Vaasa 79.8km
Day 19- Merikarvia to Närpes 93.76 km
Day 18 -Pori to Merikarvia 52.8km
Day 17- Rauma to Pori 57.9km
Day 16 -Uusikaupunki to Rauma 47.4km
Day 15 -Turku to Uusikaupunki 73.5km
Day 14 -Helsinki to Turku (Car)
Day 13 -Tallin to Helsinki (Ferry ride)
Day 12- Tallin Rest & Recharge
Day 11- Märjamaa to Tallin 72.17
Day 10 - Pärnu linn to Märjamaa 64.1km
Day 9- Pärnu Rest & Recharge
Day 8 - Salacgriva to Pärnu 75km
Day 7 - Riga to Salacgriva 104.4km
Day 6 - Riga Rest and Recharge
Day 5 - Plieņciema kāpa to Riga 60.14Km
Day 4 - Kuldiga to Plieņciema kāpa 108.59Km
Day 3 - Liepāja to Kuldīga 97.34Km
Day 2 - Sventājato Liepāja 62.11Km
Day 1 - Klaipeda to Sventāja 42.89Km
Join the expedition, follow updates, and tag along on this inspiring adventure."
ASF has carefully chosen Resolve to be the beneficiary for 2023: Resolve is a charity founded in 2017 that helps create change makers in our community to drive a more inclusive city. Their signature program is a Fellowship that has so far supported over 70 emerging community leaders from diverse walks of life. There have been five cohorts of the fellowship on racial equality, ending gender-based violence, disABILITIES and empowerment, wellbeing and health and (E)quality Education for all.
Visit the following URL in order to support the "I Resolve Challenge" and visit the following URL in order to support the "I Resolve Challenge" and give:
