Estonian Admiral Johan Pitka was born 153 years ago today. He is often called "the Spirit of the Estonian War of Independence." He organizied the Estonian Defence League when Estonia was occupied by Germany in WWI, and helped build the Estonian Navy during Estonian War of Independence against the Russians. After Estonia gained its independence, he led Estonian emigration to Canada, but returned to fight for Estonia against the Russians again in WWII and died by suicide to avoid capture. The Soviets occupied Estonia until it again gained independence in 1991. I found the front tire flat again on the bike rack. That distracted me, and I didn't find I had forgotten my helmet until I got to the top of Pearl. I went home to get my helmet and then had a nice ride up Pearl and Barrington. No fun crossing Sunset Boulevard twice, but, OK.