9. Halfway to Helsinki.

I was still a bit sick when I woke up this morning, but I had to leave the hotel. All hotel rooms in Jakobstad are booked since a long time for this evening, because Deep Purple and Uriah Heep are coming to play.

Some of Deep Purple's older songs are just magical, but looking at setlists made me realize that they will probably not play any of them... (Anthem! Sweet Child in Time!). So I made the tough decision to leave town before the concert and continue biking instead. The band members are just approaching 80, so maybe I get to see them someday before they are 100?

I was planning to take it easy today since I was still having the sweats, but the wind picked up in my favour and I did 80 effortless km. Barely had to use the pedals. I really needed an easy day, and I got it!

Now I have set up a forest camp on a hill 30 km before Vasa. Tomorrow I'll go the rest of the way there and look for better bike wear in town. After Vasa it is time to continue south on the second half of the finnish ride: Pori-Turku-Helsinki.

I expected Finland to take 21 days in total, and I'm at the halfway point after 10 days (including rest/sick days). Right on time. Feels good!

And extra thanks to those of you who sent your wishes for a speedy recovery. It worked!! 😀