1836 – FIRST DAY OF THE FIFTH EXPEDITION |

2016-09-07

On a sunny afternoon of September 1st we gather at Renārs’ parents house in Alūksne. Here we will start our motoring journey in Latgale direction. Our bikes have new shoes, maintained and taken care of by Renārs father Aigars. Our huskies are shining in motorcycle mecca – Aigar’s garage.

Aigars and two locals, Jānis and Artis, will join our trip for one day.

Matīss Karro has joined us for this stage. He has started rehabilitation process after his knee surgery. Matīss, as promised, now has a motorcycle license and can legally join us in our off-road trips.

Forest trails are wonderful on our way to Zeltiņi. Huskies are rejoicing with their cross tires on damp and muddy roads.

While Latvia was behind Iron Curtain, several Soviet military bases that still hold secrets were located in our fatherland. One of such objects is Zeltiņi rocket base that now is a strong magnet, attracting tourists with various intentions.

At Zeltiņi rocket base we find a big statue of Lenin’s head. During Soviet times it was located in Alūksne’s central square. When Latvia regained freedom it was dismantled and moved to rocket base.

At the Ilyich’s head we meet film studio’s “Robyworks” creative team working on their new project.

When darkness falls we roll into museum of Ates open-air museum where we are celebrating the beautiful sunset and stars in the sky.