Bikes on trains…
Rain was on again and off again.. so we moved on via the local train.
To roll your bike on the train costs extra – but the view is delightful.
2023 – Japan
It’s raining again…
We’re at Huge Shimenawa at it’s wet
Next level coffee supplies…
For the first night of our ride we are staying at a traditional ryokan called the ‘Moonlit Rabbit Inn’.
While it has delightful rooms, comfy futons, traditional bathhouse and great food it also has a commitment to coffee – which is the next level…
Thankfully I have on hand an expert in grinding.. and coffee making. 👏☕️
Review: The beans were a more darker roast… and the biscuits were a perfect match. Ah… Japan.
Only in Japan…
At our brief stay at the Hotel Metropolitan at Haneda Aiport… the most welcome sign after a long bike ride was the roof top foot spa. It also came with a view of the airport. If you didn’t have a towel- don’t worry there was a vending machine for that too… ah perfect ending to a perfect day!
Riding continued…
On Saturday the riding continued with our friends after the Brompton in Palace event. We went to a place which did handmade udon noodles. Ah the taste was fantastic….
We then continued down the Tama river (same route we did on Tuesday)… which is a high embankment which enables you to see great views along the river (flood plain) and into the distance. Along the way we stopped for some coffee and doughnuts.
The little shop was in between a bunch of residential houses (planning laws in SA would never allow it – but it’s 🥰). It certainly was a good way to warm up.
We did around another 10km, said goodbye to our friends who went home… and continued for another 10km or so until they left us at Futako – Tamagawa station… and we continued onto the airport.
It was interesting to see a local ignore the signs we spent time attempting to translate… thankfully we managed to walk down the embankment despite the lack path or steps.
The path to the airport was similar after the train station… however it’s a little like there path is done by one council on one side and a different on the other. In some places it was just crushed rock… and maybe the dirt bike would have been better for that couple of KM’s.
As we were cycling along we passed usual Saturday activities such as baseball, soccer, and golf practice. Baseball seemed more popular… while you can’t see it from the photos there were a lot of dog walkers, and kids on bikes.
The final destination was the airport as we had an early flight the next day.. we ended the ride having done 46km. while long it certainly was very satisfying!
Saturday Cycling
Bromptoneers of Tokyo come together every two months – and we were lucky to be able to attend this month’s event. It is called Brompton in Palace.
The event was number 69… and surprising 69 riders turned up! It’s always great to see other people’s bikes… and what fancy gear they have (including the bikes!). Additionally, at the event there was also a talk on bike maintenance. All things such as pumping tyres, how to clean your chain.
Afterwords there is always the photo of al bikes and riders which turned up for the event.
Here are the photos
It’s always a great event to attend – and it was good to see familiar faces we had not seen in 4 years.
Huge congratulations to Mayumi who organises the event every couple of months – as we know how much work goes into putting it all together. 🙌👏. You can read more about the event here.
If anyone with a Brompton is ever in Adelaide please look up Adelaide Bromptoneers on Facebook… as we also organise a catchup every two months on a Sunday which involves a 20km ride and a stop at a local brewery/coffee shop. 🚲
We ride rain, hail and shine!
Excellent day riding – it started with rain, had great sunshine and finished with hail. But, when your on your bike you got to keep riding to get to your destination.
I apologise for the lack of hail pictures, you don’t really think of taking photos!
In the suburb of Hitari I enjoyed conversing with local high school students at the local market. I was surveyed about the average age of persimmon farmers in the area (67.3) and received a free persimmon sandwich as a gift. It was delightful.
Our riding companions from across Tokyo are tough and well spirited. We very much enjoy their company.
Below is a photo dump some are mine but probably most are Helen’s.
Morning train vibes..
Saturday morning… Ah…
Knight and his lady friend
Enjoying the atmosphere at Brompton in Palace…
Great food continues…
It’s great to catch up with individuals you have not seen in a while… last night we did this at a famous Kichijoji iseya koenten. It has a high reputation in the area due to its longevity. If you are vegetarian/vegan you may want to look away.
… and after we went to another famous local for a coffee and cake… which also did not disappoint. Ah… it’s great to be able to enjoy the variety of Japanese food.
The tall drink was coffee jelly with sweet cream on the top… the other two cups were coffee… and nuts. ❤️
