Only One Week to Go! Better get packing.....

 
May 17, 2018   

 

 

Following last year's voyage of discovery around the amazing and varied Balkan nations, I figured I should tick some more countries off my list.....

 So where am I going?
A: The Baltics as I have never travelled North-East beyond Poland's frontier. The route will take in France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia (incl. Saaremaa island).

 Why?
A: Never been there before so needs to be done. Also don't have a lot of time for planning (as is often the case these days) so have chosen a nice and easy EU route. Who knows, it might actually be good? Will also take the opportunity to visit some friends / family in Poland and to check-out the village where my dad was born.

 How?
A: My ancient Yamaha Fazer (FZS1000) that lugs me up and down the M4 into work every day - rain or shine. 135hp of bouncy (comfortable) fun with a fruity exhaust note.

 Who?
A: Just me and my tent - flying solo again. Might have to write a book - "The loneliness of the long distance rider" but the title has probably already been taken and the book would be dull.

What's the plan?

A: Ferry to Calais followed by a dull but necessary blast down to Germany (ideally Magdeburg or beyond) - as fast as my bike / body will allow. I have then promised to pop-in to a family function in Poland the next afternoon to sustinate my belly. After that, I'm heading East and hope to zig-zag my way across Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Whilst I will pop-in to see some of the bigger cities - this is not really what I desire. Countryside and the open road, camping everywhere possible - this is what my heart yearns for.

Time?

A: Always my enemy - can I retire yet? Got 15 days again to cover ~4500 miles) so it's not my longest trip, but it's probably gonna be rushed as always, especially if I suffer any mechanical dramas on my carb fuelled old-timer......