The Iron Curtain Trail

 Crossed the Arctic Circle 3 times today!

First time in Sweden when I  took a wrong turn and was going way off route on a little used road .... the marker was sadly in a state of dire neglect ... turned round and crossed it again.

The 3rd crossing was in Finland... as planned ... with a better, though sadly more commercial sign. 

 Now truly in the land of the Midnight Sun!

The Iron Curtain Trail

 Although I've already ridden 1620 miles and trip proper doesn't really start til I get to the Norwegian/Russian border some  930 miles hence I'm seeing some fascinating things and meeting some wonderful people.... last night stayed in Moliden, Sweden in a cottage built in 1890 and part of which was at one time used as a country store. 

The owners expanded their business in 1938 to include a gas station. When the road they were on and the village got bypassed in 1968 both businesses shut down.

The gas station has been kept as it was on the day the very large cash register gave its final Kerching!  Sven, my host for the night had the key and let me have a look.... a petrol head paradise!

The Iron Curtain Trail

The idea and inspiration came from 2 books, Tom Moore's The Cyclist Who Went Out in The Cold and Mlchael Cramer's Guide to The Iron Curtain Cycle Trail. The section I'm hoping to do is the Norwegian and Finnish section ...1780km ... on a motorbike. You cyclists have my respect!

Sent on the move.

The Iron Curtain Trail

Planning to follow the EuroVelo 13 Cycle route... on my motorbike... along the Norwegian/Finnish/Russian Border. 

Sent from my Galaxy

A new experience

A new experience.... setting off on a trip to Spain on Monday to watch MotoGp final race in Valencia. The new bit....going with a friend... all my other trips have been solo!

Watch this space .....

Sent from my Galaxy

Nearly Home ....

Arrived in Canterbury and wonderful reception at the Cathedral, thank you. 3016 miles done,  350 odd to go. And in lovely English sunshine  ....

The End of the World - - Cabo Fisterre

Got a bus back to Sarria yesterday and picked the bike up. Today rode out to Cabo Fisterre (or Finisterre depending on your language).

The Romans thought that this was the earth's westernmost point and therefore that the world ended here. 

Not as atmospheric as some Capes I've been to but still a beautiful place.

It's about a further 90 km walk on from Santiago de Compestela and lots of Pilgrims were adding it on to their route. Remember what I said about respect.  

So glad to be back on the bike!  1733 miles done so far, time to turn round.