Ahhh…We are so enjoying a rest day in Tallinn Estonia. First and foremost, our bikes arrived! They traveled from St Petersburg, Russia to Helsinki, Finland and then on to Tallinn, Estonia where they were delivered to our hotel. A bit battered and travel weary, but actually intact.
We are really looking forward to riding our touring bikes: our bodies are more accustomed to that riding position and my “sit-upon” is certainly looking forward to a woman’s saddle.
Our riding so far has been very tough. The countryside has been quite flat and we anticipated easy riding. The weather-gods however, had something else in mind. We have had several days of pouring rain and 20-30mph headwinds most of the time. Needless to say, we have been grateful for every piece of bad weather gear that we packed along.
Today, however, is sunny and beautiful as we rest, repack and sightsee in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. This is such a beautiful country. I am sorry that I have not taken very many photos (primarily due to the inclement riding conditions) but the forest, wildflowers, Baltic sea and farms along the way have been gorgeous.
Tallinn is a lovely city. We had lunch at a vegetarian restaurant in a building built in the 1300’s
Now we are prepping to resume the ride tomorrow. We are hoping for some sun and tailwinds, but realistically we are carrying all of our raingear.
We will be heading south now through Estonia and on to Latvia. Our next rest day is in Riga, the capital of Latvia. Wish us luck with the weather or at least fortitude with the wind and rain. See you later!
oldfolkswithbikes 
So glad you got your bikes! Hopefully the rain and wind will let up. Jim looks very stylish in his rain gear!
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Enjoying your posts as I tag along. Glad you’re the ones dealing with those strong headwinds. Also enjoyed your comments regarding why you’re taking the trip. Rather reinforced the reasons I enjoyed back backing in my earlier years, and now enjoying ‘slack packing’. Hopefully with the bikes finally arriving, that ‘sit upon’ of yours will be much more comfortable :).
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Hallelujah! Back on the trail again with your “bum’s” (apparently) much happier on your own saddle.
Thanks for the update.
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Hello Barb and Jim,
We now have 2 of your descriptions and it sounds as though things are not going your way. But what a relief to get your own bikes back, I am glad for you . I would love to see Estonia and Latvia, but not your way!!! We just got back from a comparatively mellow trip to the former east Germany with friends. It was great to see it, to see how it has been improved by massive doses of Euros from the former west Germany. Due to lack of funds, many medieval towns were not razed even though the houses were falling apart. So now they look very real and have indoor plumbing and electricity behind their old facades. Tallin looks a little bit like what we saw. Stay healthy, may the wind be behind you! Love, Jutta
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Great to hear the lost bikes have been found. Hope for great weather ahead for you. See everything you can and be safe.
Dad is enjoying hearing about your adventures.
Tom and Marlene
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Hi Barb and Jim, I just reviewed some of your posts from last year–what an adventure! It’s great that your own bikes made it to you. We enjoy this year’s blog very much. Know that we think of you often and appreciate learning about your experiences and adventures. Warmly, Margy and Dick
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Hi Barb and Jim,
Good to know you have “your” bikes in hand. Hope the weather improves.
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Hey Barb and Jim
I am just catching up on your blog. What a challenge! As if the ride itself were not going to be enough you had to start out with untested bikes and inclement weather. Just think how much fun it will be to tell this story to your grandson one day. Barb, I loved reading your thoughts about why you are doing this trip.
Have fun!
Jane
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