02.06.25 Day 26 - Limbaži-Pärnu(EE) 🇪🇪. Another country, Eurovelo 13 and statistical laws.

What is the probability of 5 weeks of sunshine in Northern Europe? And what is the probability of 5 weeks of headwind? Neither are zero, but both are small. So after many days of sunshine, and a lot of headwind, today I had a nice tailwind. And rain all day. Moreover, I entered Estonia, and found back the Eurovelo 13, like meeting an old acquaintance.

Back on track

Ok, it also runs through Latvia, but there it is no more than a line on the map so far.

The moment I mounted the bicycle this morning, it started to rain. But the road was good and quiet, nice surroundings and good progress. That is, until the village of Korgene after 35 km. From here there is 15km of gravel road. It is cycleable, but often with 3-4cm stones quite bumpy. I discussed this yesterday - it is generally good, apart from these 15km. I do not know about the alternative of course. You can avoid the gravel road by continuing on the P12 to Salacgriva. But then you get 10km of the main road. Without bike lane, I'm sure, otherwise OrganicMaps would certainly have chosen it.

Finally coming to Ainazi I was worn out and cold, but found a small place with a nice keeper that had coffee, cake and a chair. He also offered to charge my phone, but that is not possible when it is wet. This is actually a limitation with charging on the bicycle also, so you have to be careful with using the phone on such days.

People have fun putting stickers on the country border sign. I find it a bit disrespectful

After Ainazi you pass the border to Estonia, and there is a nice parallel road to the heavily trafficked E67/A4 (changes number in Estonia).

The Eurovelo 13 continues on nice side roads, then has a short stretch along the E67 (on a good bike lane), moving on to Pärnu on very good new bike paths. I spent the night in a cheap kind of motel/hostel with shared bathrooms - but as I'm the only guest, I have it all to myself anyway 😀.

Summing up my experience with the road from Riga to Pärnu: perfectly doable without using the parts of the E67 without bike lanes. I largely like my alternative, apart from the 15km gravel road today. Try out the alternatives and share!

Red is today's ride, violet the Eurovelo 13 and blue my earlier rides

Sunshine on the beach in Pärnu in the evening

125km (longest stretch) in 8:15, active time 7 hours.

Total 2573km.

Here is a link to the GPX track.