Four capes, one set of tyres – Part 1: East Cape
Can you reach all four geographical extremes of mainland Europe on the same set of tyres? We’re taking on the challenge with the Bridgestone Battlax T33s, mounted on a Kawasaki Versys 1100. In part one, we depart from Belgium and head for the easternmost point of the European Union: The East Cape of Finland, in Ilomantsi. We crossed seven countries, braved snow, cobblestones, and endless plains. A journey full of contrast, speed, and… silence.
The plan was simple: take one bike and one set of tyres and ride to the four capes of the European mainland. Executing this plan wasn’t that easy at all. Depending on the itinerary we would have to ride almost 15.000 kilometers. Starting the adventure in May, meant that it could still be extremely cold in some parts of Finland and Norway and getting to the South cape in Tarifa, could mean riding in scorching hot weather. Would the tyre keep up? What about the rider? We weren’t worried about the Kawasaki. The 1000 cc version took the Bridgestone T32 through 15 countries in one day in 2023, setting a world record. And last year, mounted on the A41 road adventure tyres, we rode it all the way from Brussels to Dakar. This is one of the best travel adventure bikes. The other problems or doubts? Time would tell…
German Asphalt and Kawasaki Power
The first day? Easy. We started from Belgium and rode East. ‘We’ that is your humble servant on the Kawasaki and photographer Manu in a camper. We would meet on certain locations for the photography and share the camper to sleep. The German Autobahn is heaven for any rider with a sporting soul. Just past Cologne, the traffic cleared, and the tarmac beckoned. Time to let the Versys run free. The four-cylinder engine growls contentedly as the speedometer flirts with its upper limits. The Bridgestone T33s clearly thrive at high speeds: stable, predictable, and with grip to spare. Adrenaline gives way to satisfaction. Mission one: accomplished.
Polish Coastline and Full Jerrycans
In Poland, we opted for a toll-free route along the coast toward Gdansk. The scenery was pleasant, the road smooth, and best of all: cheap fuel! We topped off our ‘just in case’ jerrycans – one 5-liter, the other 10. You never know, especially when you’re heading into the Finnish void. We bypassed Gdansk; true adventure lies ahead.
Lithuania: One Long, Straight Line
The Lithuanian border greeted us with chaos: roadworks that hinted at a future-forward checkpoint. Then… nothing. An endless, monotonous ride with no stops. Just gray skies, straight roads, and empty fields for miles. But even here, the T33 shone. Its comfort and stability on these expansive stretches turned even the dullest roads into something enjoyable.
Riga: A Surprise in Latvia
The Latvian capital Riga appeared on the horizon just as the sun began to set. We didn’t hesitate: time for a well-deserved break! The city charmed us with its vibrant atmosphere, impressive architecture, and cozy alleyways. We parked the Versys in the heart of the city. Good food, a local beer, and a surprise city break in the middle of our expedition. Great!
Tallinn and the Crossing
In Estonia, we arrived in Tallinn ahead of schedule. Time enough to explore this medieval city with its cobbled streets and towers. Then it was onto the ferry to Helsinki. The adventure now moved to Scandinavia. We suspected that the past days were just a prelude, and the real adventure was still to come. The future would prove us right…
Helsinki: Rain, Darkness and… Cobbles
Finland greeted us with rain and gloom. Helsinki is busy, chaotic, and riddled with cobblestones. Not ideal for a fully loaded motorbike. But the T33s kept biting, no matter the surface. We decided to escape the city and head for calm. We camped under a bridge by the water for the night. It was cold, wet, but peaceful. Could be worse…
Imatra: Asphalt with History
The next day, we headed for Ilomantsi with a must-stop in Imatra. Every motorsport fan knows the town from the IRRC championship. We found time to ride two laps on the open road circuit. The main straight with chicanes is closed for traffic, but the atmosphere is unmistakable. We took a few photos at the starting grid by the lake, feeling like real racing heroes. Locals waved and cheered. Motorcycling runs deep in Imatra.
The End of the Road
From Imatra, the road winds to Ilomantsi. Rolling asphalt, perfect for the Versys and the T33. Both were in top shape. The sun began to set as we hit the final 25 km on a trail toward the East Cape. What started as manageable gravel quickly turns into a snowy path. The temperature dropped again. Just 2 km from our goal, we got stuck! The bike was sliding on the icy trail. No way we could continue riding. But the goal was the East cape that was just a couple of kilometers away. So, we continued on foot – through the snow and leaving the Versys behind.
The Ultimate Point
The ‘most eastern point’ lies at a frozen lake, accessible via a boardwalk. Info panels in multiple languages and silence all around. On a tiny island stand two boundary markers, both symbolic and literal ends of Europe. A wooden outhouse on stilts and a few benches are the only signs of human presence. We watched the sunset paint the ice in shades of pink and orange. There is nothing there, and that’s what made it all magical.
The Return Begins
Getting back was tougher. The bike struggled up the snowy incline. We pushed, pulled, and slid, but hurray, didn’t fall. Euphoria! We rode on to the nearest town, 50 km away. The sun dropped slowly. The sky burned in every shade of fire. By the time we arrived, temperature was down to five below zero. The camper’s heater never felt so welcome.
The End is the Beginning
Sometimes it’s not about the destination but about the journey. In this case, it was both. The East Cape of Finland may not be a typical motorcycle destination, but standing there alone – on Europe’s edge, between ice and silence – proved unforgettable. What began at Autobahn top speed ended in hushed awe at a frozen lake. A much-needed silence, to prepare us for part two: the infamous North Cape.
