As a cyclist you want to cycle in cities in far off places. You hear about major public rides and you want to experience them. Cycling on the Rainbow Bridge with our Brompton was one of these experiences.

When the opportunity came up while in Japan we crossed our fingers we could participate. For the chance to do this we had to enter a ballot – and for this we thank our Tokyo Brompton friend Mayumi who thankfully also wanted to do the ride and we registered as a group with her. Most importantly we were lucky enough to get selected.

The package for people cycling included a 16-page plus booklet on the ride (all instructions), and your participation number sticker for helmet and back.

The ride was held on 1 December, and started in Odaiyba. To get there for us involved either a 50 minute train ride (with changing) or 48 minute ride. We choose the ride – nothing better than cycling through the streets of Tokyo early morning. Regardless of choice we had to set off at 6:45 – yes you read that time correctly. Naturally we took a little longer as towards our destination the route was blocked by the ride barriers as people had started earlier.

After meeting fellow Bromptoneers we went to the gathering area for all riders where we began to join the line up – and I mean line up.

Organisers also provided opportunity for people to do the ride with rented bikes (including e-bikes) – so there was a large number of these at the beginning where people were provided with bikes and helmets.

Like all large organised rides there was a lot of walking to the beginning- as they only let 100 people go at a time to ensure there were no bunch-ups. If you’ve ever done a community ride in Australia you would have experienced this… it’s largely frustrating.

Okay I will acknowledge we walked for at least 2km before actually cycling.. as we winded around the paths to the start. On the bright side through this process we saw Mt Fuji. It’s amazing how large it looks – whenever and wherever you see it.

Looking at the photos you can see it was perfect weather. No clouds.. and the temperature was due to be 17 degrees, and not much wind – perfect!

When we got on the bikes.. within the first 300 meters you begin to go up to the middle of rainbow bridge which is an elevation gain of approximately 50 meters within half a kilometre. Like all good bridges there is a middle point (weph)… and a little after that there was the u-turn to go back down the other side and towards the Tokyo Harbor Uminomori Tunnel.

The tunnel was quite dark (given it’s designed for cars it’s not surprising. However there were colourful lights flashing and some music at the mid- way point. At this point I was behind a parent and child who was not cycling to straight, so it was easier to stay behind them until getting out of the tunnel (yes another short hill). The route them took us to the Around Uminomori Waterway – which is where the rowing events occurred for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics – and the Tokyo agate Bridge can be seen in the distance. This was a brief rest stop where small refreshment and snack was provided.

Getting back on the bike it was over the same route (through the tunnel) and back to the start at Odiaba.

After parking the bike we lined up for the free soup and attempted to buy lunch. Ended up with a chicken/rice dish which was satisfying. Like any large event there were a number of food trucks- but slightly complicated as they predominantly took paypay (Japanese online payment system). There were also an umber of stalls selling bike parts, clothing and cycling gear.

I also want to highlight the portable toilets were the cleanest I’ve ever had the pleasure to use – and this was at the end of the event. I recognise this might seem weird – but credit where it’s due.

Overall it was a great event and I’m pleased to have participated on my Brompton. Huge thanks goes to Mayumi for registering us in the lottery in the hope of getting a ticket and being the fabulous organiser who also delivered the attendance package to our hotel.