S3D2 (Day 30) – The Baltic Way (Must-See History)

by

With 11 days notice, 2 million people – about 1/3 of the population – formed a 375-mile unbroken human chain (The Baltic Way) at a time (1989) with no internet or cell phones, and without violence … extraordinary.

Before launching into our typical cycling blogpost, we want to share with you a very unique event in history concerning the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia). If you have time for nothing else, we highly recommend this short (10 minute) documentary on the subject, Baltic Way 1989 Achieving the Unthinkable, by 6th-grader Kristine S. It is so well done; poignant and thought-provoking. This month marks the 30th anniversary of The Baltic Way, which was held on August 23, 1989 – the 50th anniversary of the German-Soviet pact of non-aggression of 1939 and its secret protocols mentioned in the film.

Stage 3: Vilnius, Lithuania to The Russian Border

It has been one month since embarking on our Napoleon Cycling Tour and today is the start of Stage 3 riding, the final leg in this epic journey. This week we will be cycling across three countries: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Below is a map of our route:

Map of our route from Vilnius, Lithuania to Altuatguse, Estonia
Mark and I (and Ride and Seek’s owner, Dylan) will take a taxi from Narva to Tallinn, Estonia to fly to Paris. None of the group actually cycles in Russia; bikes are disassembled at Narva and the group takes a coach bus into St. Petersburg for the final celebratory dinner.

Thankfully, the topographical features (or lack thereof) in the Baltic states, will have us circumnavigating huge inland seas as opposed to scaling mountain ranges. It’s a big week of cycling with a total of 498 miles in 6 days: 83, 100, 100, 86, 88 and 41 miles, respectively (Mark and I are adding 3 miles to the 3rd day to accomplish our first back-to-back Century rides). We are happy that the Baltic states provide flatland cycling-scape.

Vilnius to Anykščiai

  DAY #30 of 35   Lithuania   1,834 miles total

Our ride today took us north on rolling roads through more and more pine forests, interspersed with majestic big sky Lithuanian countryside. The absence of fencing or hedges on these rural landscapes only enhanced the impression of such uninterrupted views.


Good morning from Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. The start of our 5th and final week of our #Napoleoncyclingtour. It’s going to be an epic week with 5 long-mileage days in a row, so concentrating on today … 83 miles to our next stop. Gorgeous sunshine and cool temps … Yippee!

The square in Old Town was almost deserted on this quiet Sunday morning. We will definitely be back for a more extended visit in this historical and vibrant city.

We paused one last time in Vilnius beside the Neris River.

Cycling through the Bernardine Park – a city park in the heart of Vilnius.

Then along the extended cycle path that followed the Neris River.

Which was gorgeous in the morning sun as we headed East before turning Northeast. What a lovely ride on a Sunday morning.

The ribbon road unfurled before us.

With verdant fields and pastures on either side.

Who knew that Lithuania still had bears?

A Quick Spin through Anykščiai

Anykščiai is a ski resort town and a popular destination with domestic tourists as well, not just foreign visitors to Lithuania.

Trivia Fact:   The Roman Catholic Church of St. Matthias in Anykščiai is the tallest church in Lithuania — its twin spires are a staggering (for Lithuania anyway :)) 259 feet in height.

Anykščiai Church
The famous Anykščiai church is just a few minutes walk down the road from our hotel.

Spa Vilnius Anykščiai

Tonight we stayed a half mile from that historic and beautiful church, at Spa Vilnius, the first modern wellness and spa treatment center in Anykščiai. This tranquil spa is surrounded by the historical Anykščių šilelis national forest and Šventoji river.


After 83 miles that flew by, we arrived at the Spa Vilnius just outside Anykščiai.

All smiles – both because we had an exhilarating day of riding and the spa had two available spots for 30 minute leg massages before dinner.

View from Anykščiai observation platform
View from Anykščiai observation platform.

Our Route

Tonight is our final night in Lithuania, which we have enjoyed. Tomorrow we will be crossing the border into Latvia on another 100-mile day.

Next Stop:   Jēkabpils, Latvia

2 thoughts on “S3D2 (Day 30) – The Baltic Way (Must-See History)”

  1. Thanks so much, Shauna and Mark, for recommending the video on The Baltic Way. It shows the power peaceful people UNITED can have. And the video by a 6th grade student was excellent. Neither Jim nor I remember hearing about The Baltic Way in 1989 so we appreciate both the historical and political science lesson.

    Reply

Leave a Comment