Author: kymdt

Yoyogi to Higashi-Nakano via Shimokitazawa

Posted on by kymdt

Horray for wi-fi on a plane. I planned this route on the way to Japan high in the sky JL52. I was using Strava to plan this route – but is quite surprising that a premium paid product is almost useless for route planning in Japan. I typed in Tokyo as a location and it kindly offers suggestions of restaurants in the United States. In any case, I persisted using a combination of Google Maps (very useful for street view) and Strava to plan this route. The goal was to start and finish at trains stations along to Sobu line – the line that is literally only a few steps from our hotel.

You can get this route from https://www.strava.com/routes/3419161344007497190

The route includes a the opportunity for many good coffees! We had one from Little Nap Coffee Stand, a ride around Yoyogi Park, Blue Lug (if it’s open!), Planet of Curry, some vintage shopping, great back street riding in some interesting areas, and a afternoon tea at Petite Patisseries Yuki. If you had more time you could add a ride through/to the old Olympics site, visit Harajuku and cat street and Nakano Broadway.

Here are some photos to whet your appetite. I have to credit these photos to our most excellent Social Media Manager!

Riding to traditional breakfast near Yoyogi park

Posted on by kymdt

Tokyo is a big city.. but many of the big cities within a city are actually quite close. Where we stay is about 3km from Tokyo Station and Marunouchi and just over 5km to Shinjuku. After many trips not actually getting to Shimokitazawa, known for its vintage fashion (and perhaps curry shops), we had planned an 18km route from Yoyogi Station to Higashi-Nakano station via Shimokitazawa. Both of those locations were on our local train line.

In the morning, instead of catching the train we decided to use the old “Compass” mode of Beeline with a single location plotted. That location was Tanbo a rice specialty shopping that indeed is closed during harvest time. Not too many wrong turns and few spots that demanded riding on the path.

It was certainly worth it. The rice was great and the toppings grilled salmon, pickles, egg and some nori were top notch. The MISO soup! WOW! Helen loves a good Japanese breakfast and is now trying to rearrange our holiday to visit again!

Just in case…

Posted on by kymdt

you thought this was looking like Weekend at Bernies – the rumours are not true. I am indeed alive and well in Tokyo. I too am enjoying the posts by the most excellent social media manager.

This picture is from an excellent little spot we happened across this morning. A wonderful breakfast with very yummmy rice.

If you are in the area then Tanbo Yoyogi Main Store 田んぼ 代々木本店 is the place to go.

202511 November 2025 Social Ride – Silver Brewing Co

Posted on by kymdt

Time11:00am
Sunday 23 November 2025
Add all rides to your calendar
LocationSilver Brewing Co
200-206 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000
Route25km – Adelaide, Mile End, Marleston, Plymton, Morphettville, Marion, Edwardstown, Keswick
https://www.strava.com/routes/3417363352115547378
GPX Route [to be provided]
Coffee StopOaklands Wetlands Reserve
Bring your own coffee in a thermos
Baked goods to be provided (let us know if you’d like to bake some baked goods for us)
RegisterPlease let us know you are coming…

October Adventure Ride report from the rear

Posted on by kymdt

The October 2025 Adventure ride ventured to the suburban frontier of Mount Barker. It is a ride that lived up to its name as we traversed wild lagoons, new frontiers of development, wagon wheels, forrest obstructions and inappropriately located temporary fencing. In total we rode around 22km and climbed 276 metres on the October Long weekend.

We all congregated in an unsuspecting semi-industrial car-park on the outskirts of Mount Barker, let’s just say the photo opportunities at the start were limited. One challenge all cyclists face when driving to the location of a ride – is remembering to bring everything you need (…I’ve done this myself in the past so I can claim no superiority). While you can probably get by without gloves (not ideal)… unfortunately by South Australian law – a helmet is definitely a required item, and thankfully we all had them! Especially when within the first kilometre we cycled past a Police breathalyser testing station – hooray for being legal.

It all started in 1999 with the construction of the Laratinga Wetlands as part of a waste water solution for the local area…. (thanks Kym for the informational update on Council services) now if this is what a waste water solution looks like – I say bring them on! There was some works underway (temporary fencing blocked our way), and thankfully we were able to still take in this view. We stopped for the obligatory Brompton photo – and it was indeed lovely to cycle through and see many groups of individuals and families enjoying their Sunday.

Rubber Ducks come in many forms and sizes … and this yellow one promoted the Wok the Duck. It’s a Thai restaurant that also does coffee, cakes and snacks. Opening hours are great, and the location was perfect for the ride, and it overlooks a waterway with ducks (no surprises there). As a plus, it was good to get out of the sun/cool wind for a half way stop.. and talk all things Bromtpon and cycling.

No obstruction would stand between us an our goal … getting to lunch! Across the path there was an exceptionally large limb down. Afterwards we did think we should have laid the Brompton’s around this devastation to match one of the riders pose in the photo. Although it’s probably not a good promotional point for future rides!

Earlier in the week we had heard the Council were undertaking some works in the area and some temporary fencing was blocking access for the main path just out the tunnel direct to the town… however it looked like a number of people had the same attitude we did, and went through the gap to reach the tunnel back towards the Prancing Pony for a well deserved lunch!

Puncture – 1 ; Bromptoneers – 11

Thanks to everyone who drove out to Mt Barker for the ride… and apologies for the delay in this ride report.

October 2025 Update

Posted on by kymdt

Brompton Adventure Ride in Mount Barker – Sunday 5 October

The route is now available from Strava or as a direct GPX file download. We leave 11:00am from the Prancing Pony car park. If you intend to ride this Sunday, please let us know through the registration link. The route and registration links are available from the 2025 Brompton Adventure Ride – Prancing Pony – Mount Barker post.

Travelling Adelaide Bromptoneers

Adelaide Bromptoneers were in Jeju Island, Munich and Canberra in the last month. Here are some photos shared with us.

Spring Clean

Richard has been having a bit of spring clean to free up some space. If you are interested in any of the items listed below leave a comment on this post and I can put you in touch with Richard to discuss the price etc. He can bring items requested to Sunday’s ride.

  • Superlight carbon extended length seatpost from T-line (will fit all Bromptons)
  • Advance mudguards with titanium stays (non-rack type) from T-line, I believe these will fit, or can be made to fit any Brompton without a rear rack.
  • B&W soft bag (non padded type)
  • 1 x Schwalbe One, 2 x Schwalbe Kojak, all have minimal wear.
  • Brompton beanie
  • Hobby Japan Brompton plastic kit

Favourite Rides

We did so much great cycling in 2024. I think, amongst my favourites were the three days we spent on Fukue Island (one of 140 that make up the Gotō Islands) near Nagasaki in Japan.

The photos show some of the highlights. If you’d like learn more about the routes (including Strava routes) we took you can read our posts about the ride here.

Where would you like to go in 2026?

We have begun planning the 2026 routes for Adelaide Bromptoneering. If you have suggestions about the routes leave a comment on this post. You can do this by replying to the newsletter or leaving the comments directly on this post on Bromptoneering.blog

November Social Ride

The next ride is a park ride along some of the popular bike paths in South Western Adelaide. The ride will be a little longer than the normal Adelaide Bromptoneering Social Ride but very flat!

Start/Finish LocationSilver Brewing Co
DateSunday 23 November 2025
Time11:00am – 2:30pm

September 2025 Update

Posted on by kymdt

SuperCycle Sunday Bonus Social Ride – 14 September 2025

The route is now available from Strava and as a GPX File. We leave 11:00am from Victoria Park. If you intend to ride this Sunday please let us know through the registration link. This allows us to inform Victoria Park Social Club how many to expect. The route and registration links are available from the September 2025 Bonus Social Ride – SuperCycle Sunday post.

The Inspiration for Adelaide Bromptoneering

Meet Mayumi-san the person who inspired us to start Adelaide Bromptoneering.

Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail

The Melbourne Brompton Club held a rail trail ride on the last weekend in August. There were a total of 15 Bromptoneers that took part. There were 3 from Adelaide, 1 from Geelong and 1 from Maryborough. That means 10 came from Melbourne. I arrived a day late after heeding the tornado warning from the BOM over the South Eastern Freeway on the Friday. I joined for the Sunday return ride to Warrnambool.

It was a good opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new Brompton friends. Here are some of my photos.

New Melbourne Route Library

I stayed in Melbourne for the week following the Port Fairy rail trail ride. I prepared and tested 5 new rides in Melbourne. They all follow the Adelaide Bromptoneering formula. That is a loop ride of around 20km (although there is one longer non loop ride) exploring the suburban backstreets, starting and finishing at a brewery with a coffee stop along the way.

This builds on the 4 pastry tour routes that I mapped out and tested last year. So when you visit Melbourne with your Brompton, the Adelaide Bromptoneering site has a library of 9 super fun rides. They all include Strava/GPX routes, commentary and photos. If you have any questions leave a comment on the relevant route page.

To make life easier, I have created a new page that brings together the Melbourne Route Library I’ve include some photos to whet your appetie.

October Social Ride

The next ride is an adventure ride around Mount Barker. There are more hills compared to the normal Adelaide Bromptoneering Social Ride. If you’d like to give it a go – don’t worry – please do. We will have a tail-end Charlie to ensure that no one is left behind.

Start/Finish LocationPrancing Pony, Totness
42 Mt Barker Road, Totness SA 5250
DateSunday, 5 October 2025
Time11:00am – 2:30pm

Footscray – The long way around to Southern Cross Station

Posted on by kymdt

LocationFootscray Station
Route35km one-way route to Southern Cross Station
Footscray, Maidstone, Maribyrnong, Essendon, Parkville, Brunswick East, Carlton North, Carlton and Melbourne.
Food StopGordon Street Bakery
142 Gordon St, Footscray VIC 3011

Keeper Brewing
122 Weston St, Brunswick East VIC 3057

Madeleine du Proust
253 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
Make a day of itNearby recommendations

Pipemakers Park
Melbourne Zoo
Take a deviation up the Upfield Line
Brompton Junction
Royal Exhibition Building
Hill of Content Bookshop
Helen’s Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🥑
GPX/Stravahttps://www.strava.com/routes/3397720026295237112
Date ridden6 September 2025
If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

Helen and Diane were joining us for the this Saturday ride. Helen had flown in the night before. Diane was going to meet us at Footscray Station on Saturday morning and return home from Southern Cross Station on Saturday night. It’s only a 6km ride between the to. But that’s way too direct for an Adelaide Bromptoneering Ride. Instead, we opted for a 34km route.

We took the train to Footscray Station – our meeting point. Helen was in desperate need for a fresh pastry. Our first stop was designed to meet that desire. Gordon Street Bakery had two shop fronts with nearly all of its space dedicated as a kitchen. It had a limited but very high quality range of options. My chocolate and almond croissant was still warm. It was irresistible.

Shortly after Gordon Street Bakery we came across a memorial to the Korean War and some fine views of the city. I just hope that by the time you arrive the temporary fencing is removed.

We rejoined the Maribynong River Trail for a few kilometres. I had plotted a route on the side of the river that I hadn’t ridden before. Unfortunately, it was a very busy Saturday morning with a bonus rowing regatta and sausage sizzle. Fortunately for you, I have adjusted the route to the quieter side of the river taking advantage of the cycling bridge instead of the road bridge.

To get to where we needed to be, we had to leave the river trail and climb up out of the valley. This is done on Afton Street. I am pretty sure you’ll be hiking the bike. At its maximum the gradient is 16%! After that, there is a pleasant ride through the suburbs of Aberfeldie and Essendon.

We then joined the Moonee Ponds Trail. It certainly gives a different perspective of the Melbourne entry statements that most Adelaideans see when they drive into Melbourne. It was a lot of fun!

At the intersection of the Capital City Trail and the Moonee Ponds Trail we took the Capital City Trail towards Brompton Junction. Just before Brompton Junction we took a few Brunswick back streets to get to our lunch destination, Keeper Brewing. They had a flatbread special on Saturday. We took them up on their offer.

We travelled through the delightful cycling streets of Carlton North to our desert stop. I first discovered Madeleine du Proust on my 2024 pastry tour. I go back whenever I can.

We had some spare time. So, we didn’t take the direct route back via Little Collins Street. Instead we hiked our bikes through the Botanic Gardens. While the Strava route doesn’t show it, it is pretty easy to get there by following the continuation of Exhibition Street. We said farewell to Diane and her Brompton at Southern Cross Station. She took the V-Line back to Castlemaine where her car was waiting. A truly multi modal day.

The route taken is shown below.

Heidelberg – Beer and Art Loop

Posted on by kymdt

Location3 Ravens Brewery
1 Theobald Street, 260 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071
Route23km circular route
Thornbury, Ivanhoe East, Buleen, Heidelberg
Coffee StopHeide Kitchen
7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen VIC 3105
Make a day of itNearby recommendations

Heide Museum of Modern Art
Artiga Specialty Coffee
Darebin Parklands
Banksia Park
Moondog World

Mary’s Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🥑
GPX/Stravahttps://www.strava.com/routes/3397720026295237112
Date ridden5 September 2025
If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

The weather was looking a bit better than the previous day’s ride. We started our ride at Thornbury, as that was the closest microbrewery to the Heide Museum of Modern Art. We were all keen to see the Man Ray and Max Dupain exhibition – a comprehensive exploration of these leading 20th century photographers.

This route connected parts of main Yarra Trail with the Darebin Trail to make a loop. We started out at 3 Ravens Brewery headed down the side road to connect in with the Darebin Trail. But we didn’t get very far until we had an urgent need for coffee. Fortunately the locals, Mary and Caroline, were all over this and took me to Artiga Specialty Coffee. We located ourselves outside near our bikes. This outside area was soon to be used for the local story time. An ideal location for story time. But we didn’t stay as we needed to get a wriggle on to see some art.

After traversing the Darebin Parklands we deviated from the Darebin Trail to make our way over to the main Yarra Trail. I can advise that there is a large and healthy population of kangaroos out that way.

We had an early lunch at the Heide Kitchen before visiting the Heide Museum of Art. There are not many crossings of the Yarra. To get to the Heide Museum of Art requires you to leave the main Yarra Trail and to cross the Yarra. This is done over the Banksia Street Bridge – a busy road bridge without separate cycling infrastructure. We chose to take the footpath across the bridge and the use trail that avoids some sharp bends (this is the route on the GPX). The area is also subject to some tunnelling road works. So, take it slow and carefully – the conditions are likely to change over time.

After our cultural reflection, we continued on the main Yarra Trail for a few kilometres. To get back to the start we headed into the suburbs of Heidelberg and Heidelberg Heights. As I planned this route I could not help myself from taking a deviation into the Warringal Cemetery. Upper Heidelberg Road, after the cemetery, is quite busy. So I have re-routed so you are closer to the nearby traffic lights.

After a few more suburban blocks, we found ourselves back on the Darebin Trail coasting towards a rewarding post ride beer at 3 Ravens Brewery. Melbourne’s oldest microbrewery!

The route taken is shown below.