Gravel Roads of Latvia

Ron rolled into the lunch stop and announced “ At the risk of sounding overly critical, I’m really getting tired of these stretches of sucker pavement”  For the past two days our route has included 20 – 30 kms of gravel road which, at times, has been corrugated and rough.  On today’s route every two or three kms of gravel was interrupted by 200 or 300 meters of pavement.  This often led to a feeling of relief or elation amongst the riders (especially Ron) but a great sense of disappointment when they realized how short the paved stretch would last.  

Today we crossed into Latvia from Estonia on a small, little used road that also serves as part of the Euro Velo bike path.  The border crossing couldn’t have been easier.  No checkpoints, no border guards, just a simple sign that said Latvia.  If you paid close attention you did notice a subtle change in the housing styles and design of the street signs.  Last evening brought heavy rain and the residual cloud cover has made the day windy and cool, a nice change from the heat of the past week.  The Euro Velo continues to impress with beautiful curving, tree lined streets almost devoid of traffic.  The route is punctuated with café’s and coffee shops that offer cold drinks and cakes as well as a chance to relax and do some people watching.  In two days we reach Riga, the port capital of Latvia for a rest day.