In this edition of Weekend Snapshot, we spin the globe and land in three corners of Europe, where readers take us along for rides in France, Ireland, and Finland. Find a little inspiration in our latest trio of reader-submitted scenes and use the form to share a shot from one of your recent trips here…

We showcase another all-European edition of Weekend Snapshot this morning, sharing vistas from three scenic corners of the continent. Find vignettes from low-key overnighters in Finland and Ireland and a shot from a big day ride near the iconic summit of Mont Ventoux below, then continue scrolling to find some related posts from our archive and a quick form you can use to share a scene from one of your getaways on two wheels.

Rathlin Island, Ireland

Weekend Snapshot

By Colin Tuff

Last month, my wife and I took a trip to Rathlin Island for her first bikepacking overnighter. It was a resounding success from start to finish. After the short ferry crossing from the mainland we set about exploring every corner of the island on our bikes. Our first stop was the East lighthouse (built in 1856), which gave us crystal clear views across to Scotland and a chance encounter with a buzzard soaring high on some thermals. We then made our way to the RSPB Reserve at the opposite end of the island, where we scored sightings of nesting puffins and tens of thousands of guillemots. We left our search for a campsite to the very last minute and really lucked into the incredible location shown in the photo. The beautiful vista across to the famous cliffs of Fair Head (formed by volcanic activity some 60 million years ago) left us both in awe and the 10+ seals on the shoreline near our tent kept us amused with their curiosity as the sun set.

France

Weekend Snapshot

By Jason Liebert

I don’t know how many times I’ve ridden up Mont Ventoux in Provence, France, including various cycle routes, several gravel tours, at night or, as I did over a recent weekend the weekend, an MTB tour on a gravel bike. Around the summit there were such heavy gusts of wind that I had to push the first time downhill. Otherwise my bike and I would have flown away!

Uusimaa, Finland

Weekend Snapshot

By Andrei Turro

A Sunday overnighter to a local spot. We were the only ones at the site. Pekka and I just enjoyed nature, a refreshing swim in the lake and woke up 4 a.m. to see the sunrise and enjoy the golden hour. It was also a stoveless trip, so dinner was a fresh pita filled with herbs, cheese, vegies, pesto, and cold cuts. Morning coffee was cold instant coffee that was surprisingly good. We packed our camp at 6 a.m. and rode back home in time to start the work week, stopping on the way for breakfast at a small bakery.

Send Us Your Weekend Snapshot

We’ll be selecting three photos per week to feature in Weekend Snapshot. Send yours along for consideration, and if it’s selected, we’ll be in touch! Note: We prefer 3:2 ratio landscape-oriented photos.

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