We are due to depart at 8.30 am and amazingly as the bus pulls away from the hotel the clock is showing 8.30 am, which is probably why our guide Vaida is smiling as we leave.
The first part of the bike ride is a long straight road along the edge of the fourth biggest lake in Europe, and worryingly close to the Russian border.
Since there is not much scenery and the road is very flat the pace of the group picks up. I'm quite keen to see if I can keep up.
Despite the hire bikes being heavy as lead town bikes the group rattles along at a brisk pace. The tete de la course are probably averaging 17mph. Gwyneth and I form the Pour Suivant group. We work together each taking a turn at the front and batter along at 16mph. Although we don't quite catch the leaders they are never too far ahead and we remain quite far in front of the peloton. This chase makes a long straight fairly uninteresting piece of road a lot of fun!
We have earned our lunch and enjoy two very traditional dishes in a lovely local restaurant. Soup and a fish onion pie.
The afternoon ride is much more interesting and we ride along Onion Street. With plenty of photo opportunities.
Every 20 yards along the street is an onion stall and a distinct lack of customers. I've no idea how all these onions get sold.
At the end of a lovely day's ride most of the group opt for an ice cream.
In the evening we arrive in Tartu, the second biggest town in Estonia. Throughout Estonia are several National Geographic frames, at positions of optimum photo opportunities. It would be rude not to!
A few of the sights of Tartu.
The restaurant for the evening is very fancy.
With food to match. And also the chance to sample the local liqueur Vana Tallin.
No comments:
Post a Comment