A weather forecast of heavy thunderstorms around lunch time convinced us to get up and get going from our waters edge camp. With the tent so close to the water, I was slightly concerned that a rise in tide levels could envelope us during the night, but the day began with us still safely above the water margin by at least a meter. It meant that it was an easy to stumble out of the tent and into the sea for a wake up salt water wash! We were on the road by nine, stopping briefly to admire a few cool cars along the way. The Scandinavians seem to really love their classic cars.
A strong southerly wind meant that we had a headwind to contend with all the way back to Mariehamn.
As we wound our way through the countryside, the air was warm the sun shone and there seemed to be no sign of a storm just yet.
I was feeling pretty tired. A kind of hollow legs feeling and soon had to stop for more food down by a river. Getting going after the rest was even harder, but there was now a sudden sense of urgency as the wind had picked up even more and dark clouds were gathering! We pumped our legs and kept rolling...
As planned, we arrived in Godby at the same time as the rain was due to start. We sat out on the tarp with some food with one eye on the sky. The biggest clouds blew over, only shedding a couple of drops but before carrying on, we took a break in a cafe on a sofa with a cake and multiple free refill coffees to see me through the final leg to Mariehamn.
Pushing through the headwind was tough riding (or maybe I was just tired?). We took turns being in front as it is incredible just how much easier it is without the wind resistance; being behind the leader. We had though that we might wild camp when we arrived, but the desire to take a shower was too strong, so we checked into the town campsite and took on the rip-off €30.00 fee. With only a kilometre left to peddle to the ferry in the morning, the Åland Island section of the tour was drawing to a close.
Total Ride: 53km
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