Day 6.

 Day 6. Sunday Aug 17

Tuja to Riga (Latvia)

82 km

Weather: Rain during the night and forecast for a rainy day. Heavy showers on and off till 10:30 (40 km done). Then sunshine. Wind from the NW that helped.

Road Conditions: 9km of 'gravel'....that could mean anything. Some hairy off road early on and a sandy passage through a Nature Park.

A heavy shower had just passed as I set out at 7:15. Had all rain gear on...prepared for the worst.

Straight into gravel which quickly deteriorated after crossing a bridge and turning left. Things improved before I joined the A1 at 7km. It was quieter than yesterday though bikers were out early for a spin.

Another heavy downpour but availed of a welcome bus shelter. A parking area gave me another glimpse of the Baltic....or should I refer to this section of the Baltic as the Gulf of Riga. This is my last day to by cycling by its edge.

Distances to Riga were dropping (on the  A1) but one turn-off of mine had me negotiating a LEVEL-crossing. Yes?

Now at 40 km the sky brightened as I took another gravel trip through a Natural Park. The forest floor was covered by Common Cow Wheat and Star-Tipped Rheindeer Lichen, a beautiful lichen peculiar to Arctic and sub-Arctic climates.

But soon the trail turned to soft sand giving the loaded back-wheel no chance. Another stretch of walking. 

A fallen tree across my path didn't thrill me much either, but I managed.

Back out on open-road I faced into people engaged in Sunday morning activities. A large crowd of orienteers were keenly eager to locate controls...some keener than others.

A short while later skaters had a circuit set up for an event. Juniors were in the middle of a race while seniors were warming-up for their race. The smooth road surfaces made all this possible.

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At 57km I had a final chance to bid adieu to the Baltic. Just 2km down to a boardwalk to view (and listen) to the crashing waves. My downloaded route would have me cycle 2km along the beach by the waters edge. Yeah, right. Nice idea, but no thank you.

With about 20 km to go I was welcomed into Riga. I passed through the usual industrial and car- dealerships before getting to the heart of the city. 

I passed through a park wih a magnificent stage for music events and a sloping area for the fans.

More Sunday activity near the centre...a basketball match was  a big attraction and all the action covered on the big screen. (Ice-skating and basketball are the two most popular sports in Latvia.)

In time I entered the Old Town (location of my accommodation) but old- town cobbled streets are far from cyclist friendly.

Safely in at 2:30 although I spent some time at the wrong door of Hotel Justus. Checked in and headed for a hot shower.

I'm here in Hotel Justus for 2 nights...tomorrow is a Rest Day.

Did some washing to avail of the heated towel rail in the bathroom.

To a small supermarket for provisions ( noted that alcohol is not sold after 6pm on Sundays).

The city centre could be any European capital on  a Sunday evening...crowded, tourists, music, outdoor eating etc.

I dropped into Paddy Whelans for a Guinness...no Irish on staff. A good end to the day. Viewed the first half of Liverpool v Arsenal there.

Had my dinner in Queens...burger and local pint and viewed the 2nd half.

Off happily to bed at 10pm.

Tomorrow is Rest Day, so I'll only post items cycle related.

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