1836 – second day of tenth expedition

I have never seen so huge group of enduro riders before in Latvia. Andris, leader from Krāslava, says that this is a working day that’s they are only 12. The group is joined by Vilnis Zeiza from Asūne. We met him in our previous expedition. Andris introduces us to this day’s route, made specially for us. We discuss the safety and riding instructions when riding in group. We have a spot right after the leader. I can put my maps and Garmin navigation aside for some time. We rode out from Naujene, and a hill already waits for us around the corner. Riding skills are very different, but we wait for every single one. Forest trails are wonderful, with river crossings and beautiful views. There is not a lot of time to look around because the speed is high and demands full concentration. An error could cost you a fall from a steep cliff. It’s not so dangerous as in the mountains but anyway it wouldn’t be fun. From time to time, we stop and count ourselves.

The day is very hot and we run out of water. We supplement our reserves from the well in the Old Believers villgae. We meet Matīss again by the well. He transports his boats again.

By using forest trails, we reach old Soviet army base. It is former fuel reserve warehouse for the Soviet army in emergency cases. The base was secret and well hidden. Now, we can see how nature takes control of an asphalt, building walls and roofs. Only the concrete bunker is still usable.

We explore the surroundings, this place tempts us with it’s secrets of the past. Open shafts, unknown chemical products. Mapo picks up and shakes an old filter from a gas mask and finds a badge.

We are elated by solidarity and helpfulness of the riders. One bike needs a repair job in a gas station. While it is being repaired, the other riders patiently wait. The team is very unique – different motorcycles, age, experience. Our huskies are the newest motorcycles around here but it doesn’t matter. Riding spirit, emotions and fun unites us. In a short poll about the best motorcycle ever, Honda XR400 wins the trophy.

It is getting late and some of Krāslavas riders are headed home, but we go to Varnaviči where we will meet Ed. He is an experienced motorcyclist, grew up and lived in this area, a colorful man and an authority. There are no borders for Latgalian hospitality, we have been offered a shelter and a dinner. Ed meets us with his Honda “Blackbird” and urges us to look at some interesting places. At first, we don’t understand how we will ride, because his bike, enduro and gravel roads don’t fit together. Then we have problems keeping up with him, Ed rides like on an asphalt. We find a place where Daugava in one half is owned by Latvia and other half by Belarus. Going back, Ed takes us to a forest and shows an ancient border stone. With such stones, borders were marked. We take a swim in the Šilovkas lake and head back to Ed’s home. We are greeted with a kingly dinner and we are joined by some motorcyclists from the local motorcycle club. We admire their riding skill on gravel.