Ruska - Ride across Finland 2018

Doesn't seem to be in the manual yet as there's no need yet but this was in an earlier email

Here are details I promised about Ruska rule updates for future
editions of the event. Exact way the new rules are to be dealt with
remains to be seen. Hence there is no need to think too much about how
they will be implemented. This is just an outline of what to expect.

Anyways. First the bad news. You can only finish Ruska 10 times.
Whether there will be alternative ways for you to spend your September
remains to be seen in the 2030's when first riders may hit the limit.

Then the good news. It won't be that easy. There will be a few new
rules that apply when you have finished 6-9 times.

For 7th and 8th any digital means to determine your location are
forbidden. Simply put, you are not allowed to use GPS or other
location systems. You can still use maps and cue sheets or whatever
you have prepared for yourself.

For 9th also maps and cue sheets are forbidden.

For 10th the map of the region will be completely burned into your
retinas. In addition to not having maps or cue sheets you will be
given an extra point, on a fair and relatively straight route, you
have to cross on the way to next control.

Here are some answers to FAQ I assume you may want to have answered.

Q: Why? In order to not make it much harder cycling-wise, but still
keeping it interesting and challenging for everyone. Also it will be
interesting for everyone to follow the different approaches people
will choose to face the extra challenges.

Q: But thats really hard! It should be. As always you can scratch at
any time and ride to finish using any help you wish. Some years will
definitely have a route that nearly none can finish 10th time except
with pure luck.

Q: What if I see a map? Well. There are few ways to avoid, for
example, seeing roadside city maps. Using permanent maps on roadside
is just fine, but you may not for example (9th/10th) browse a map book
at a gas station or ask a local show you the map.

Q: What about tracking and controls? Tracking works without revealing
the location to you so that isn't an issue. Participants will likely
get a "official" paper and digital map that they can use to navigate
the mandatory parkours. Between controls you are on your own. There is
still 3-5 years to figure out how exactly this part will be
implemented.

Q: What about safety? You can still have your phone, or whatever you
prefer to have with you, and use them in case of emergency.

Q: Why the extra points for 10th? There might be participants who
would prepare for later Ruska editions by riding the route
beforehands. Locals will, as always, have an edge over others, but
having a random route should keep it hard enough everyone.