Day 13

 Day 13. Sunday Aug 24.

Vilnius to Alytus (Lithuania)

113 km.

Weather: Light rain on and off during the day. Wind from the west as I cycled westwards. The headwind much stronger during the last 60km.

Road conditions: All on paved road except 1.3km. Road surfaces excellent. I knew this was to be the toughest day re ascent.

Set out at 7:30 with a light headwind and the threat of rain.  Immediately up a hill and through the University district.

Pulled in to a petrol station to don all rain gear as shower got heavier. All off again at 19 km as the day brightened.

The one section of off-road today occurred at 9km just out of town. A  near invisible turn off to the left brought me on to an unlikely track. It developed into a cobbled road from long ago. And this was the first of Garmin's climbs as it lasted 1.3km. Cycling wasn't an option so I walked the lot.

I exited the greater Vilnius area at 18km and it was here that most private house building was happening. It was much the same as I came to enter the greater Vilnius area on Friday last.

Landscape was rolling and as I approached Trakai (30km)...... some beautiful lake scenery was waiting. The town steeple at one end to my left and Pilis Castle across. Tourist groups were just arriving but sailing craft all still at anchor.

I had the road all to myself  as it rolled over the landscape with regular glimpses of the lake to my right.

At 46km I pulled into a shop in Semeliskes for a coffee. Wind was picking up at this stage. At the coffee machine my eye caught Irish Cappuccino. 'I'll have one of those' says I.. Back outside with my roll I tasted my Irish Cappuccino......Drinking Chocolate. But I was glad of the hot drink.

 A guy coming in asked me how I liked the countryside. Unusual. Turns out he had lived in Dublin for 15 years and had seen my tricolour. After chat I told him of the Irish Cappauccino on offer inside. 'Ah, that's a fake' says he. The first Lithuanian that has initiated a conversation.

From then on the headwind strengthened and occasionally heavy showers swept across. I stood in to shelter from these, but there were raindrops flying at me in that headwind for the remaining 60km. I knew today was the day with most ascent (+1024m) and the wind just made those hills tougher.

Kept the head down and when 100km popped up on the Garmin, it gave me a boost. Nearly there !. And the 10km descent  and sheltered cycle path into Alytus was just what I needed.

Pulled up to the hotel at 4:30. I had been out for 8.5 hours (7 hours cycling). Nice accommodation right in the centre.

Went shopping (for breakfast) and for dinner down in the centre where a car event (rallying yesterday and drifting today). Lots of noise.

Now to rest up (heavy rain and thunder outside) and prepare for what tomorrow will throw at me.

Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.