Operaatio Opossumi: Cyclomania

Cycling is different in Australia and Finland. In Finland it's completely normal to cycle to work in a suit. In Australia it's more common to sweat in spandex.

In Australia cycling is a hobby more than a chore.

It's a cool sport you get into and gang up to cycle for fun!

After a good cycle, you stop at a cycle cafe to drink coffee and talk about bicycles.

Which are usually of very high quality.

Cycling is especially popular in the morning and it's not unusual to see large conglomerates of cyclists at 6.30 am. Morning is good as it's light, not yet hot and there are less cars. I've calculated over 100 pairs of lock pedals in one morning during my 1.5 km commute.

Commuters on a road. The signs warn cars of cyclists.

Regardless of the length of the ride, proper cycling gear is essential.

Bikes are usually new and expensive.

Reid is a local brand of cheaper bikes.

Bikes are usually roadbikes or mountain bikes.

Fixies are for hipsters.

These are sold at supermarkets so they are much cheaper and popular with students.

A normal Finnish commute bike is called "a vintage bike" here.

They are good in parks.

Also old bikes can be found. Peugeot has a special place in Johannes' heart.

Bikes are parked allover city center.

It seems to be safe to leave lamps, helmets and expensive bikes everywhere.

There are free bike maintenance stations around the campus and also in the city!

Johannes bought an old speeder from a former pro-biker who after retirement had started collecting replicas from his old competition bikes from '70s and '80s as a hobby. This Europa-brand bike from early '80s he had gotten re-painted with the original pearl color and even had gotten custom-made new stickers made identical to the originals.