Bromptoneering…

Posted on by helenhmk

Today was a public holiday in Japan, and we had an invite to join five Brompton riders in Chiba.

We caught a train out to the JR Abiko Station (couple of changes) to meet the other riders. Riding away from the station to Lake Teganuma we passed a public library – yes I did go inside for a quick look, it was open even though it was a public holiday!

Back on the Brompton we were cycling alongside the lake which is known for lots of bird life. As it was a sunny day there were a fair number of people about. We stopped a few times for photos, and to look at the Moa statue outside the bird museum.

We continued on.. and it was just a really lovely ride towards the end of the lake, where we stopped for an early lunch. We managed to beat the crowd and get in first… given there were seven of us.

We enjoyed curry, and Japanese hamburger (oh sooo tasty!). Back on the bike we continued on the route. The path was great as it is continual all around the lake a bit like alongside the River Torrens at home, but wider and better sight lines. We took a few photos and the next stop was a farmers market… oh this was a delight. There was a lot of produce from local farmers and producers. I wish I could shop here – there were so many items I would love to have taken home to my eat. As Chiba is home to peanut growing we also had to try the icecream, even a few other Bromptoneers had not had previously tried. The ice cream was simply devine- I don’t recall seeing this flavour at home.

Next stop was a doughnut and coffee shop which is associated with Brompton/cycling as they have an event on the weekend. I enjoyed my traditional cinnamon with a cold coffee, perfect energy pick me up to get us through the back streets to a railway station.

Todays ride all up was 28km and it was certainly was great day on the Brompton. The local Bromptoneers were great hosts and certainly know the area well – we really enjoyed the experience and hope to see them again.

Trains

Posted on by helenhmk

Catching trains in Tokyo is a delight. Especially on public holidays, as it’s not as busy! These photos were taken before 9am, when the train would be a little busier. Today we will be cycling along one of the many rivers with other Bromptoneers from Tokyo.

Not just street food…

Posted on by helenhmk

Takoyaki in Australia is pretty samey, ball shaped batter with octopus in side, cooked in small metal pan. When finished they are topped with Takoyaki and mayo and topped with bonito flakes. Generally seen as street vendor type food in markets. I’ve never had a variation on the flavour – until last night.

Following a day of cycling around Osaka, dinner was at a local bar called 極楽たこ望. Takoyaki was first created in Osaka around 1935 by a street vendor, so it seemed appropriate for us to be enjoying the style of food. As there was five of us, I was impressed there was table inside this small bar we all could squeeze around.

One of the delights in travelling with Japanese people is not having to read the menu with google translate even though we’re always willing to give it a go, and allowing others to choose. This is the added benefit when you are able to eat anything.

The first dish was otoshi, always served as a seat charge in a bar (generally) which was fish and tofu. Next up was fish served carpaccio, european style. The first style was your traditional take on the dish, with the second a curry flavour (amazing!!), the third was garlic and herbs, and the last was in a soup based dish…. the food was really enjoyable, and made more so as it was shared with company.

Like ships in the night…

Posted on by helenhmk

We caught an overnight ferry from Toyo Port to Osaka… but to get there we cycled from Imabari, which was 20km the direction route and 24 the non direct route through back roads.. guess which one we took? Yep back roads thanks to Kym’s cycling navigation app.

The ferry didn’t leave the port until 10pm, so we left Imabari at around 4:30. It was still pretty light… as we cycled our way through the back streets. For Japan this was pretty traditional, as it involved rice paddies, a mix of traditional old style houses and modern ones from 20+ years ago.

It was great until it got dark, and stated to rain lightly (many the forecast was not exactly what we were expecting- but it wasn’t too bad). Nothing more annoying than riding in the darkness, light rain (also involved riding through farmland) and seeing a car coming towards you. This was rather surprising given the frequency this occurred and what was around us. Fun times but we made it! Hooray.

The intent of this journey was to go from A to B, and the ship was a great option for us, instead of the usual train back from Imabari. The ship is used for transporting goods and people – and is very well organised. There is a restaurant for dinner and morning breakfast. There are ample food machines and comfy seats throughout. It’s quite impressive.

I was super tired (must of been the cycling) so managed to stay awake long enough to eat ice cream. The ship docks at 6am but you don’t have to get off until 9am, enabling you to not feel so rushed in getting up. It was pretty good option if you are riding the Shimanami Kaido and you have some time to spare in your itinerary, and what to have a different experience from the Shinkansen.