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This route has caught my eye – anyone done anything similar (or even a part of this route)? Will take loads of planning (I need to work out how persuade my boss to let me take 3 or 4 months off work, for a start), but I'd love to hear of your experiences.
I can’t imagine the Russian section makes for the most relaxed cycling so might bypass Tallinn – Helsinki, but also intrigued to visit Russia. No idea about practicalities. I wouldn't be aiming to bash out 200km days - I'd like to enjoy the trip. At this stage I’m thinking a mix of wild camping / hostels / the odd night in a B&B or similar. Are there any alternatives (anything akin to bothies)? Any practical advice would be most welcome.
It’s a mind exercise at this point, but something I’m really keen to do. What do you reckon?
It is on my 'list'. It really does look like a brilliant trip - relatively flat, woods, beaches, islands etc.
Apparently the Lithuanian and Russian legs are on a few awkward roads at times.
Estonia I really liked - amazing beaches, great forests, lovely welcoming people, top beer. The place has sleeping shelters complete with BBQ/fireplace every 10-20km across the country - ideal for a tour.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/1747/27774415367_8dbd91d98f_h.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/1747/27774415367_8dbd91d98f_h.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/Jjk93t ]TMO Estonia trip[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/matt_outandabout/ ]Matt[/url], on Flickr
They took me swimming in a bog 😎
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/1729/41925020394_4ed1f8db93_h.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/1729/41925020394_4ed1f8db93_h.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/26SLFVd ]TMO Estonia trip[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/matt_outandabout/ ]Matt[/url], on Flickr
In 2008 I cycled down through the Baltic states, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, to Istanbul. Bored the piss out of me, most tedious bike trip I've done, nearly put me off riding bikes.
Tim Moore's The Cyclist Who Went Out In the Cold is relevant, and a good read.
I want to do something similar on my motorbike. Start from home (Stockholm-ish) and go up the coast to Kalix, then down the other side. Will miss Russia, but I really would like to visit Talinn and have friends in both Latvia and Lithuania.
Taking my time, I think it would take three weeks or somehting.
I have cycle toured in Sweden, Denmark, German Baltic Coast and a bit in to Poland.
Wild camped about half the time in Sweden.
Have thought about another trip to follow the Baltic coast up through Poland, through the Russian enclave of Kalingrad and then through the other Baltic States.
Looks like getting a Visa to cross Kallingrad can be done simply now, 10 years back when I last investigated it was tricky.
I would take my backpacking bike if I went again rather than a traditional touring bike as more scope to take tracks etc.
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com is a good source of info.