Whilst in Tallinn, I spent a disproportionate amount of time in my hotel room – specifically, my bed. I’ve talked before (week 5) about how important rest and recovery is as an ‘athlete’. So, between arriving on the Tuesday evening and the race on the Saturday, my plan was to avoid as much unnecessary exertion as possible. I went for a ride to loosen my legs and recon the course, but I didn’t see much of the city until the two days following the Ironman – when I could hardly walk.
Thankfully, Tallinn isn’t actually very big, and I still managed to cover most of it in the short time that I had. I really enjoyed just strolling around the old town, although I do think we got lucky with the crowds since it was the end of the summer and there was a world-wide pandemic happening.
We climbed the bell tower of the town hall (not something that my legs thanked me for), but I think I’d struggle to point to anything else specific that stood out. If you’ve followed my blog in the past, you’ll know that waxing lyrical about the joys of exploring a new city is not a forte of mine… so I can only apologise.
We rented electric scooters on the following day, and they were amazing. Although I’m not sure I’d recommend using them somewhere like London, they’re becoming more and more prominent, and with good reason. Not only were my legs grateful of the rest, but they allow you to cover a lot of distance and they’re much cheaper than taxis. Also, they’re good fun.
Below are some pictures of the city that I posted on my Instagram a couple of weeks ago. It’s not big, but I’m really glad I’ve been to see Tallinn. The food was great everywhere we went and the people were all very friendly (in a very non-British kind of way).
Would recommend for a short visit.
Tom
Tom Davies RTW 
Hi Tom
You probably won’t remember me – I’m an old (being the operative word) friend of your Dad – Law Soc Rugby and cycling thereafter. I don’t get out at weekends much, these days – I do a 35 mile a day commute and am generally knackered by Friday evening, necessitating a two day recovery!!
I last saw you a few weeks after you returned from your world trip, when we were out as a group in the Surrey Hills. Chatting to you on that ride I was amused when you mentioned that you were about to go off to Italy (I think) on a cycling ‘holiday’ with some mates; as if you hadn’t done enough that year, already! I did, though, appreciate the difference in mentality between the world challenge and the holiday.
Anyway, I finally got round to buying your book a month or so ago and have just finished it. I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it and, strangely, the passage of time since you completed it has made reading the book that much more nostalgic, in terms of bringing back memories of reading your blogs each day!
Also enjoyed your blogs during the recent summer/autumn, too. Keep at it – although I know it can become a chore!
One of life’s coincidences recently – my son is at Reeds School in Cobham and one of his mates is the son of the Head of Maths at the school. In conversation with the dad last week, he mentioned that he had previously taught at what I recalled as the school you attended and I asked him if he knew you. Said he did! His name if Johnny White. Ring any bells?
Have a great Christmas (are you at home with mum and dad – if so, say hello from me and Hellie) Your dad will refer to me as Lobbo, probably (don’t ask!)
With best wishes Mark Vernon
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Hi Mark,
I absolutely do, and I remember the ride itself as well!
Thank you so much for reaching out, that’s very kind of you to say. It means so much to me to receive positive feedback about the book.
Very glad to hear that you’ve followed the blogs as well. I’m sorry there haven’t been any new ones lately – I hope to change that soon.
I hope you’re well, and thank you again.
Merry Christmas!
Tom
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