Cycling

It’s amazing what you can see in an hour…

Posted on by helenhmk

We were aware of the relativity new Shinkansen from Nagasaki which – eventually will connect to Hakata… but for the time being goes as far as Tadeo-Onsen. we decided to take a ride in the morning before visiting fruit bus stops in the afternoon.

All Shinkansen stations have a similar look and feel – this does aid the traveler, as it makes them easy to navigate.

We had bought reserved tickets the previous night online and so after cycling to the station (bagging our bikes) we collected them from the machine at the station.

I love catching these trains as much as I love cycling… so with the Brompton it’s a perfect match. There was also enough leg room too. The journey was only 25 minutes- so it did not take long at all. We got to the station unpacked the bikes and set off.

Our first stop was a library – no surprises there.. but the library itself is one of those architecturally amazing libraries. It looks stunning.

The library itself has two buildings, one for adults and a separate one for children. The adult one features a bookshop (Tsutaya) and a cafe (Starbucks). Items in the bookshop also include products from the area (which Japan specialises in) and other books and magazines. There is a fairly comprehensive selection of books and products. The library itself is set over a couple of floors and the shelving is similar to Tsutaya book shop if you have visited. Wayfinding is simple and clear. RFID units and catalogue is built into the furniture- and if you are purchasing from the shop it’s all self done from the machine.

There are only two spots where you are allowed to take photos… which is completely understandable. I did spot a couple on the ground floor taking photos in between the shelves – hoping no one would see them.

Around the library were a considerable number of people studying and using the tables. They didn’t have much in the of soft furniture. The shelves were pretty full and they only had a few display areas. They also had a specific spot for local history collection and food could not be consumed in the area.

In the carpark they have a hot potato vending machine…. Perfect for cold days. If you are wondering what the opening hours are – it’s 9am to 9pm every day.

It’s really a fabulous library. Visiting these amazing public spaces in Japan it does make me wish for better investment for the community in our facilities in South Australia.

After the library we cycled less than 200meters to the Takeo Shrine – which also features The Great Camphor Tree of Takeo – which happens to be 3000+ years old, and still alive.

From here we cycled back ti the station to catch the train to visit fruit bus stops. while the route was pretty short – it was a really easy cycle.

Bus stops…

Posted on by helenhmk

On my list this trip was visiting the fruit bus stops in Nagasaki prefecture.

To get there we caught a local train from Isahaya. It was very much a local train. There were two carriages and the driver was also the person who took the fares – so when you got off you had to ensure you were in the front carriage to give him the fare – 380 yen (3.80 approx).

Unsurprisingly we were the only ones that got off at Nagasato. As you can see by the photo of the station – there is not much around. From here we got on our bikes to find the first bus stop which was about 2 minutes down the road – which was a watermelon.

The bus stops are made from concrete in the shape of fruit. Originally they were made for a travel expo in 1990… and then moved to their current locations. They are well maintained both inside and out. They certainly are a feature of the area – as there are a few tourists who seek them out.

The downside of these bus-stops is they are on the main road – which is one lane in each direction. Cycling on the road is a little unpleasant- so it’s really best to use the footpath given the large number of trucks and other vehicles. For this reason we used the footpath.

While we were enjoying it given the road conditions we decided to go back to Nagasaki early from Konagai station.

The best way to see these bus-stops is probably by car – but I’m still pleased we took the time and visited.

You can read more about visiting them here

Grand Cycle Tokyo…

Posted on by helenhmk

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!

… we did the yellow route on this map

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.

A long day on the bike…

Posted on by helenhmk

Well me made it to Imabari today – here is how today went.

Leaving our accommodation around 8:30 we headed off towards Imabari. The forecast for today was originally supposed to be to be around 16 degrees with some showers.

The first section towards the bridge we had to go over was fairly flat.. and as it was not raining, and breakfast was fuelling us we stopped for a few photos along the way.

The paths up to the bridges generally are not too steep – around 3-5% incline. They also tend to go in large loops.. making it easier. As it’s citrus growing area – there are a LOT of fruit trees and fruit themed seats in the area.

As you go along this bridge there are clap sticks part way through – this is the purpose of those sticks. They are at each tower.

“Beneath the main tower is a sign noting the “flutter echoes” (“dragon’s roar”). If you try facing the sky and clapping your hands, you’ll hear the sound of your hand clap echoed back.”

Half way the prefecture changes from Hiroshima to Ehime..

On the other side of the bridge is the cyclist rest stop (also highway stop for cars) which has a wide range of produce from the region. As a cyclist you can pick up a wide range of “shiminami gear” and take a break. We enjoyed mochi and mandarin juice – mum it reminded me of your mandarins!

Given the weather.. (the sun was out by this stage) we were enjoying ourselves but Kym as route leader reminded us we had a way to go and we wanted to avoid the weather so we got back on the bikes.

Kym had been doing research the previus night for a place to stop for lunch – and found Fuu, which means wind. It specialises in okonomiyaki. They had different styles available (Kansai/hiroshima and green onion style) and you could choose the style of toppings. We also chose to have miso soup.. given the ind was cold. The food was the perfect antidote for being on the bike for the morning. While we were the first ones in – it really filled up with the local workers for the lunchtime crowd.

We got back on our bikes and headed towards Imabari.

Ideally we wanted an afternoon coffee – but when you are riding mid-week you are not always fortunate in what is available – but we did find this van. Kym of course ordered a curry bread roll (oh it was super tasty) and we all had coffee and watched the other cyclists ride past… the. It began to rain. Out came all the wet weather gear.. again and we pushed on to our destination.

When it’s raining you just want to get to the end, especially when the wind is blowing. However it began to clear up / and this always puts cyclists in a good mood as you begin to enjoy yourself again and want to do other things – today was no exception. We decided to go up Kiro-San. Kym and I had done this before and to be honest we should have remembered what it was like.. but let’s just say it was steep.

As we were going up, the weather experience was similar to “four seasons in one day”. It was fine, then sunny… rain and when we were very near the top hail started (could it get worse..?).. and very, very cold wind. We stayed there long enough to look at the view.. and the. Get back on the bikes to go down and onto the final bridges Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges, as there are three segments.

We did not take a lot of photos on the final bridge section as the wind was that strong, at one point it nearly stopped us cycling – in addition to the noise from the wind vibrating through the bridge cables. Oh it was so loud, after about 30 minutes we were pleased to have made it to the other side given the high winds. From there it was a criusey ride into Imabari, where we made it before the next lot of rain – hooray!

This is the third time Kym and I have done this route – and it is a true delight (even despite the wind). The scenery.. the light and the way it transforms how the mountains around the region look.. even despite the wind and rain it was truly worth it… and so glad we made the effort to do the ride again. There are always things we think – if only we had more time to explore the other islands.. or places along the way (as there is quite a lot here if you choose to explore) we have well and truly left something for next time 🇯🇵❤️🚲😉

Made it.. to accommodation

Posted on by helenhmk

Well today was certainly wet. It started fine… but as soon as the ferry landed at Mukaishima Island the rain started – and out came all the wet weather gear we had in our bags but internally we had been complaining as it was taking up room (knew there was a reason we carted it around).

But hey it’s only water… and we have to ride in it to get where we need to our accommodation on Ikuchijima Island. The morning rain was light (more annoying and lingering), while after lunch it was persistent.

We managed to fine a couple of good coffee shops and lunch stops that kept us going. First up was Seabridge (near the large white dinosaur) – come here for the view and the lemon pound cake and orange juice, it’s fabulous. There are also a large range of books for all ages (yes largely in Japanese).

Next up we stopped at Manda that specialise in fermenting vegetables. The garden features a range of produce… koi fish and a foot bath (not great in rainy conditions). We stopped here for lunch. The root museum is a room where you can look at the roots of vegetables they have planted – impressive!

Next up we stopped along the way at a temple especially for cycling. Which given my incidents in failing off the bike this year I felt I needed a change in luck. It was amusing (probably only to me) it stopped raining when we arrived and started again when we got back on the bike.

Made it across the last bridge for the day… and thought we would revisit a coffee shop we had been to before – but no such luck as it was closed (you really need to pick your days carefully if you do this ride – if there are places you want to visit and they are closed during the weekday). Thankfully all was not lost as there was a coffee shop open at the end of the Shinomachi shopping street. Here we enjoyed a coffee and a delicious lemon pound cake.

Thankfully it was only 7+km to our accommodation along a largely flat road.. as by the time the rain as “atmospheric conditions” was starting to wear thin.

Tonight we are staying in accommodation with home style experience where we get dinner and breakfast included with the cost. Can’t wait to see what the food is like!

Here is a map of the ride today – approx 53+km (depending on what device you want to believe) with an elevation gain of 243meters.