By Dennis

Getting out of Dodge – Paldiski – Haapsalu – 76km 19.1km/hr

We could not get out of Paldiski quick enough on Sunday morning after listening to the electro-trance music until 3am. We both tried ear plugs to no avail, the bed was vibrating with the bass with the boom-boom-cha-cha beat in every tune. Agg, what a night! It seems that Saturday is the night to party, but not for two tired cyclists. The ride was mostly on flat roads through farmlands and some forests with the wind on the nose, but it also rained intensely a couple of times. Not much fun. We were glad to reach Happsalu mid afternoon and stay at the Koidu Homestay where we had a whole house to ourselves.

Going to weather while loaded with buckshot – Haapsalu to Parnu 115km 19.7km/hr

Well this is what my panniers felt like after our first century (100k) ride with a 15-20km wind on our nose. I researched the prevailing winds before leaving and they promised north westerlies but we had south easerlies all day on the nose. Seems like the weathernen here are not different from at home, or maybe it is the effects of gloal warming. We did get a little reprieve on the curves with a ‘close reach’ from time to time but at least it did not rain. It was our second day in a row with no coffee shops for a morning break, but it was another day wih beautiful farmlands and forests. Imagine that in Canada! Over 200km with no coffee shops, out RVYC riding group would rebel!

A most pleasant ride – Parnu to Salagriva 82km 19.3km/hr

Today made up for yesterday and the day before with a pleasant ride through farmlands, forests, small villages and along the seashore. The ride was mostly on country roads except for about 15km on the a main highway with many big transport trucks and a narrow shoulder. A white knuckle ride at times as we were buffeted by the passing trucks. We are staying in an air bnb accomodation – a condominium in a soviet bloc style building (i.e. a box) next to the highway. It will be ear plugs tonight! The accomodation is circa 1950’s soviet style with arborite cupboards and other dated furnishings. Not to worry, we are getting an authentic taste of old Russia! At least it had a one burner hot plate (induction no less!) so we cooked in tonight as reastaurant meals are getting boring with not much variety.

Salavgriva is in Latvia and we crossed the border from Estonia about 15km north of here. 1 country down and 8 to go!