… so there is time for one last bike ride before we pack the bike away.
We used our free breakfast tickets this morning, which were due to staying at the hotel previously… and it was quite enjoyable.
The weather is going to be a very cool 12 degrees, but the sky is perfectly blue. Great cycling conditions… looking forward to seeing what today brings.
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.
With the onset of winter it’s chestnut season. Best way to consume these is with a Mont Blanc in yanaka ginza
The store is Waguriya and it is the only place you should eat them. In the centre is meringue (not sweet) and over the top is creamy chestnuts. The second chestnut dessert is freshly made upon ordering and is warm when provided… guaranteed not to last long.
Don’t read the reviews online about the shop – negative ones are from tourists expecting over sweet desserts who have no appreciation for this timeless classic.
You will likely need to queue to get in.. but it was worth the 30 minutes we waited.
… yes they are also in Melbourne.
Once we left the cycling path we headed up a slight hill towards Tamako (lake – man made reservoir). The view was spectacular..!
The area had walkers, cyclists, and dog walkers. Also a great spot to watch the autumn leaves….
From here we went towards the baseball field… and the path/road continued up – as it often does in Japan, and we continued up towards a temple.
… and one of the great advantages in temples… is food. Mayumi had planned our lunch stop at a hand made udon noodle place on site. The dish featured fresh vegetables, meat and a warming meat broth, which matched with the noodle was heaven!
After we headed back down the hills through a few tunnels (used in making the reservoir) an headed back towards Kichi-joji and there around 5:30ish and headed to Yakitori for dinner.
It truely was a delightful ride. We did approximately 40.3km… thanks to Mayumi for taking us in her favourite route!
Back on the cycling path we came across more local farms. These also have stands/vending machines where locals can buy the amount of food they need. As we were cycling along we saw many people pushing trolleys and carrying bags with veggies.
We stopped along the way at Kodaira folk house village – which is owned and run by the local council highlighting Japan old living – and a real delight.
There are many buildings in Tokyo where the owners have gone all out architecturally – the Mori Group is one high profile company in Japan of this type. They produce high end buildings which combine office complexes, residential, and high end shops. They usually are connected with the train system and have public elements to them which encourages customers, such as galleries and museums.
The building we went to for the Team Labs boarderless experience was at the bottom in Azabudai Hills. as you can see – not you run of the mill square building you see in Adelaide.
While in the depths of this building we had a wander around the supermarket… which had many amazing things we wanted to bring home – that customs would definitely not allow.
Later in the day we also went to Rappongi Hills which has the Mori art museum, city view and galleries.
If you are a lover of coffee in Japan you can go the next level… by ordering your preferred green beans then select how to have them roasted at the mini roaster which takes approximately 15 minutes. This is not a one- off as in the same complex there were places where this was offered.
We just ordered their standard house blend coffee- which I must add was very good.
