2023 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos

[Jeremy McCreary]

I know it's a video, but here's a pick you up compilation of me riding to a tune you'll never get out of your head

Apt choice of songs. You and that bike seem to have a pretty rocky relationship. When you ask it if it can ever love you again after throwing it off a hillside, what does it say?

Kidding aside, stunning video! Excellent camera work and editing. Really triggered my agoraphobia on those bumpy single tracks with high, steep drop-offs to the side.

Doubly daring to give the bike opportunities to throw YOU off the side.

 

[scrambler]

I know it's a video, but here's a pick you up compilation of me riding to a tune you'll never get out of your head

Gorgeous trips and masterful video
Congrats!

 

[dodgeman]

I rode 17 miles today. A mandatory barn picture and a chimney left standing where I’m sure was a house at one time. The dark object to the left of the chimney looks like an old wood or coal burning furnace.

I looked at Prairie Dogs pictures and videos and I didn’t realize that part of Canada had such a strong Japanese community. It’s almost like he’s in Japan

 

[Chargeride]

This is good to see.

 

[Chargeride]

I'm allergic to this article.

Biden admin plan to release 7 grizzly bears annually near rural communities faces widespread backlash: ‘Broad diet means they can harm anyone’

A wide range of advocacy groups are opposing a Biden administration plan to release grizzly bears in a Washington forest area near rural communities.

nypost.com

 

[Prairie Dog]

Yesterday’s ride would take us to new heights. I was looking forward to this day since my arrival in Japan after seeing my wife make the climb up to Lake Motosu with views of Mt. Fuji that were to die for. I simply had to see it for myself and I must confess that I was not let down. Weather conditions were ideal and a cloudless sky would provide us unobstructed views of a trip up to the lake.

Before we left, I swapped the bar off of Sai’s Trek for one that offered 5mm more rise and trimmed 50mm off each side. Ergon GP2 grips completed the modest upgrade as well as slightly adjusting the height of her seat post. Anything to make her ride a bit more user friendly.

Our first stop was a non-descript road station where passersby could stock up on local souvenirs and snacks before moving on to their respective destinations although I suspect most like us were destined to reach Lake Motosu. Our primary reason for visiting this rest stop was to get a closer look at a century-old thatched home located on the grounds.

It certainly was an eye opener to see such a fine example of Kayabuki Minka or thatched roof house. Thatched houses have existed in Japan for at least 5,000 years, but today they're found only in a handful of villages across the country. Houses of common people developed differently. Farmers in different regions of the country had houses that were adapted to local conditions.

A good time to stop for a cool treat. This has to be one if not the best ice cream sandwich that I’ve had the privilege of eating. The crisp waffle cookie keeps the ice cream from melting and making a mess of your hands. A crunchy dark chocolate layer inside adds sublime texture to this decadent hand-held snack.

Fall colors were still displaying brilliant foliage on the maple trees. Normally October would be the best time for fall viewing but with the warm conditions the vibrantly colored leaves continue to stick around.

Further up the Motosu Highway, Sai shows her approval of the view from the lookout.

One of the hairpins that we would encounter heading up towards Lake Motosu but would ultimately look forward to on the thrilling return leg descent.

We lost count of the number of tunnels that we encountered along the way there and back.

Another spectacular view of the southern alps further up the highway.

Atop at last and it couldn’t have come sooner as we were virtually spent after the 13km epic climb up to Motosu. The ultimate reward was sublime views of Fuji-san on a cloudless canvas. It’s not often that one is able to acquire a clear sight of this iconic mountain and of its pristine lake which can be shrouded by clouds on any given day.

Another view of Fuji-san further down the road. The vistas are stunning regardless of where you are.

On this day, a lone paddle boarder had the lake to him/herself. I wonder if this person was aware of the appreciate audience snapping photos from above.

We moved on as the crowds of visitors on this glorious Sunday were gathering around in hordes anxious to get perfect selfies with Fuji-San as a backdrop. A laid-back circumnavigation of Lake Motosu was in order and provided splendid views of the tranquil waters beside us.

It was all downhill from there as we were treated to a thrilling ride back down Motosu-michi. Fast, long sweeping turns and with a few hair pins thrown in made for an exhilarating descent. It felt great to be alive on this day!

We arrived back at the family home at 4:30pm as the sun, once again, disappeared behind the mountains. On this evening, Sai treated me to one of her specialties, a steaming pot of oyster nabe. What a way to end a spectacular day on the bikes one that I won't soon forget!

 

[peterh_nz]

Yesterday’s ride would take us to new heights. I was looking forward to this day since my arrival in Japan after seeing my wife make the climb up to Lake Motosu with views of Mt. Fuji that were to die for. I simply had to see it for myself and I must confess that I was not let down. Weather conditions were ideal and a cloudless sky would provide us unobstructed views of a trip up to the lake.

Interesting report, spectacular landscape.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

What a trip, Art & Sai! Gorgeous views!

Meanwhile, I & @Brix fly to Helsinki (she from London Gatwick and I from Warsaw Chopin) today. It is a mild Winter now in the capital city of Finland. I was advised not to take the e-scooter for the daily commute to work due to snow & ice but I might take a risk

 

[JGcycle]

Yesterday’s ride would take us to new heights. I was looking forward to this day since my arrival in Japan after seeing my wife make the climb up to Lake Motosu with views of Mt. Fuji that were to die for. I simply had to see it for myself and I must confess that I was not let down. Weather conditions were ideal and a cloudless sky would provide us unobstructed views of a trip up to the lake.
View attachment 166749
View attachment 166748
View attachment 166750View attachment 166747

Before we left, I swapped the bar off of Sai’s Trek for one that offered 5mm more rise and trimmed 50mm off each side. Ergon GP2 grips completed the modest upgrade as well as slightly adjusting the height of her seat post. Anything to make her ride a bit more user friendly.

View attachment 166751

Our first stop was a non-descript road station where passersby could stock up on local souvenirs and snacks before moving on to their respective destinations although I suspect most like us were destined to reach Lake Motosu. Our primary reason for visiting this rest stop was to get a closer look at a century-old thatched home located on the grounds.

It certainly was an eye opener to see such a fine example of Kayabuki Minka or thatched roof house. Thatched houses have existed in Japan for at least 5,000 years, but today they're found only in a handful of villages across the country. Houses of common people developed differently. Farmers in different regions of the country had houses that were adapted to local conditions.

View attachment 166753
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A good time to stop for a cool treat. This has to be one if not the best ice cream sandwich that I’ve had the privilege of eating. The crisp waffle cookie keeps the ice cream from melting and making a mess of your hands. A crunchy dark chocolate layer inside adds sublime texture to this decadent hand-held snack.

View attachment 166758

Fall colors were still displaying brilliant foliage on the maple trees. Normally October would be the best time for fall viewing but with the warm conditions the vibrantly colored leaves continue to stick around.

View attachment 166759

Further up the Motosu Highway, Sai shows her approval of the view from the lookout.

View attachment 166767
View attachment 166768

One of the hairpins that we would encounter heading up towards Lake Motosu but would ultimately look forward to on the thrilling return leg descent.

View attachment 166773

We lost count of the number of tunnels that we encountered along the way there and back.

View attachment 166769
View attachment 166770

Another spectacular view of the southern alps further up the highway.

View attachment 166771

Atop at last and it couldn’t have come sooner as we were virtually spent after the 13km epic climb up to Motosu. The ultimate reward was sublime views of Fuji-san on a cloudless canvas. It’s not often that one is able to acquire a clear sight of this iconic mountain and of its pristine lake which can be shrouded by clouds on any given day.

View attachment 166775
View attachment 166776

Another view of Fuji-san further down the road. The vistas are stunning regardless of where you are.

View attachment 166777

On this day, a lone paddle boarder had the lake to him/herself. I wonder if this person was aware of the appreciate audience snapping photos from above.

View attachment 166778

We moved on as the crowds of visitors on this glorious Sunday were gathering around in hordes anxious to get perfect selfies with Fuji-San as a backdrop. A laid-back circumnavigation of Lake Motosu was in order and provided splendid views of the tranquil waters beside us.

View attachment 166779
View attachment 166780

It was all downhill from there as we were treated to a thrilling ride back down Motosu-michi. Fast, long sweeping turns and with a few hair pins thrown in made for an exhilarating descent. It felt great to be alive on this day!


View attachment 166783
View attachment 166784

We arrived back at the family home at 4:30pm as the sun, once again, disappeared behind the mountains. On this evening, Sai treated me to one of her specialties, a steaming pot of oyster nabe. What a way to end a spectacular day on the bikes one that I won't soon forget!

View attachment 166788
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Stunning views of the iconic Mt. Fuji.

 

[Prairie Dog]

What a trip, Art & Sai! Gorgeous views!

Meanwhile, I & @Brix fly to Helsinki (she from London Gatwick and I from Warsaw Chopin) today. It is a mild Winter now in the capital city of Finland. I was advised not to take the e-scooter for the daily commute to work due to snow & ice but I might take a risk

Thanks Stefan. The video would have included more content but the SD card in the action cam Sai was using had been corrupted. No idea why.

We were almost out of water on the way back but since there are vending machines on almost every corner, we really weren’t that concerned. We’ve had great weather here so far and the forecast when we return back to Canada looks promising too. We're off to Nagano on Wednesday for an overnight trip with Sai's brother.

Enjoy your time in Helsinki!

 

[DaveMatthews]

Yesterday’s ride would take us to new heights. I was looking forward to this day since my arrival in Japan after seeing my wife make the climb up to Lake Motosu with views of Mt. Fuji that were to die for. I simply had to see it for myself and I must confess that I was not let down. Weather conditions were ideal and a cloudless sky would provide us unobstructed views of a trip up to the lake.
View attachment 166749
View attachment 166748
View attachment 166750View attachment 166747

Before we left, I swapped the bar off of Sai’s Trek for one that offered 5mm more rise and trimmed 50mm off each side. Ergon GP2 grips completed the modest upgrade as well as slightly adjusting the height of her seat post. Anything to make her ride a bit more user friendly.

View attachment 166751

Our first stop was a non-descript road station where passersby could stock up on local souvenirs and snacks before moving on to their respective destinations although I suspect most like us were destined to reach Lake Motosu. Our primary reason for visiting this rest stop was to get a closer look at a century-old thatched home located on the grounds.

It certainly was an eye opener to see such a fine example of Kayabuki Minka or thatched roof house. Thatched houses have existed in Japan for at least 5,000 years, but today they're found only in a handful of villages across the country. Houses of common people developed differently. Farmers in different regions of the country had houses that were adapted to local conditions.

View attachment 166753
View attachment 166752
View attachment 166754
View attachment 166755
View attachment 166756
View attachment 166757

A good time to stop for a cool treat. This has to be one if not the best ice cream sandwich that I’ve had the privilege of eating. The crisp waffle cookie keeps the ice cream from melting and making a mess of your hands. A crunchy dark chocolate layer inside adds sublime texture to this decadent hand-held snack.

View attachment 166758

Fall colors were still displaying brilliant foliage on the maple trees. Normally October would be the best time for fall viewing but with the warm conditions the vibrantly colored leaves continue to stick around.

View attachment 166759

Further up the Motosu Highway, Sai shows her approval of the view from the lookout.

View attachment 166767
View attachment 166768

One of the hairpins that we would encounter heading up towards Lake Motosu but would ultimately look forward to on the thrilling return leg descent.

View attachment 166773

We lost count of the number of tunnels that we encountered along the way there and back.

View attachment 166769
View attachment 166770

Another spectacular view of the southern alps further up the highway.

View attachment 166771

Atop at last and it couldn’t have come sooner as we were virtually spent after the 13km epic climb up to Motosu. The ultimate reward was sublime views of Fuji-san on a cloudless canvas. It’s not often that one is able to acquire a clear sight of this iconic mountain and of its pristine lake which can be shrouded by clouds on any given day.

View attachment 166775
View attachment 166776

Another view of Fuji-san further down the road. The vistas are stunning regardless of where you are.

View attachment 166777

On this day, a lone paddle boarder had the lake to him/herself. I wonder if this person was aware of the appreciate audience snapping photos from above.

View attachment 166778

We moved on as the crowds of visitors on this glorious Sunday were gathering around in hordes anxious to get perfect selfies with Fuji-San as a backdrop. A laid-back circumnavigation of Lake Motosu was in order and provided splendid views of the tranquil waters beside us.

View attachment 166779
View attachment 166780

It was all downhill from there as we were treated to a thrilling ride back down Motosu-michi. Fast, long sweeping turns and with a few hair pins thrown in made for an exhilarating descent. It felt great to be alive on this day!


View attachment 166783
View attachment 166784

We arrived back at the family home at 4:30pm as the sun, once again, disappeared behind the mountains. On this evening, Sai treated me to one of her specialties, a steaming pot of oyster nabe. What a way to end a spectacular day on the bikes one that I won't soon forget!

View attachment 166788
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View attachment 166786

Outstanding again!
What a treat! Thank you very much for sharing!

 

[DaveMatthews]

That descent was magical!

 

[RabH]

Sunday was a bit of a mixed bag weather wise but certainly rideable, unfortunately I was feeling a bit iffy and decided to have a lazy day to recuperate! The forecast was looking good for Monday though but I wasn't sure if I would be fit to ride? When I woke I still wasn't feeling great and it was very misty, so I decided to go for a walk to get some fresh air in the hope I would rally! The walk certainly helped so I waited until late morning and made the decision to go for it! I stepped out the door to see leadened skies to the north and the south, looked at the forecast again and it was showing less than 5% chance of rain...yeah right! Minutes after I set off it started raining, not heavy rain but enough to make the roads wetter than they already were!

I was heading east as it looked the most promising, it turned out to be the right decision and it soon dried up! I knew it wouldn't stay that way as the sky was looking really threatening! I used the back roads to West Calder where I turned south and stuck with the back roads to Auchengray where the rain returned and it was getting heavy, I think it was a blessing though as it seemed to refresh me and I was actually feeling stronger! I continued on the back roads through Yieldshields and then into Carluke and down into Braidwood where I enjoyed the awesome descent down towards the Clyde Valley! I didn't go right down into the valley though, turning back towards Carluke to take the back roads to Law Village!

I was actually feeling stronger as the ride went on, the weather was changing constantly though but luckily I managed to avoid the worst of the rain as I'm sure it was torrential in some parts! My plan was to do a 50 miler but as I was tackling the big climb up through Law Village I made the decison to go for another metric century! So I used the main road to Newmains before turning off to take the back roads through Bonkle and on to Allanton before heading up the big climb towards Kirk of Shotts, turning just before the top of the climb and enjoying my favourite local road to Hareshaw which is just sublime since they resurfaced it!

As I passed through Hareshaw I reached 60 miles and had around 5 miles to go, it was spitting with rain but it didn't bother me in the slightest! I didn't take any photos today due to the conditions and I was glad I didn't as it would have been dark before I got home, I had about 15 minutes of daylight left which was just enough time to give the bike a good wash as it was proper filthy! The forecast was way off but I had another awesome ride, I really didn't expect to go so far today!

@Chargeride I really loved your video, you take that thing places I wouldn't even attempt to walk!

@Prairie Dog Another fantastic video of what was a truly epic ride with views to die for, that descent was just incredible! I wish I could teleport myself over there...

@Stefan Mikes I hope you and @Brix have a lovely time in Finland!

 

[Chargeride]

Yesterday’s ride would take us to new heights. I was looking forward to this day since my arrival in Japan after seeing my wife make the climb up to Lake Motosu with views of Mt. Fuji that were to die for. I simply had to see it for myself and I must confess that I was not let down. Weather conditions were ideal and a cloudless sky would provide us unobstructed views of a trip up to the lake.
View attachment 166749
View attachment 166748
View attachment 166750View attachment 166747

Before we left, I swapped the bar off of Sai’s Trek for one that offered 5mm more rise and trimmed 50mm off each side. Ergon GP2 grips completed the modest upgrade as well as slightly adjusting the height of her seat post. Anything to make her ride a bit more user friendly.

View attachment 166751

Our first stop was a non-descript road station where passersby could stock up on local souvenirs and snacks before moving on to their respective destinations although I suspect most like us were destined to reach Lake Motosu. Our primary reason for visiting this rest stop was to get a closer look at a century-old thatched home located on the grounds.

It certainly was an eye opener to see such a fine example of Kayabuki Minka or thatched roof house. Thatched houses have existed in Japan for at least 5,000 years, but today they're found only in a handful of villages across the country. Houses of common people developed differently. Farmers in different regions of the country had houses that were adapted to local conditions.

View attachment 166753
View attachment 166752
View attachment 166754
View attachment 166755
View attachment 166756
View attachment 166757

A good time to stop for a cool treat. This has to be one if not the best ice cream sandwich that I’ve had the privilege of eating. The crisp waffle cookie keeps the ice cream from melting and making a mess of your hands. A crunchy dark chocolate layer inside adds sublime texture to this decadent hand-held snack.

View attachment 166758

Fall colors were still displaying brilliant foliage on the maple trees. Normally October would be the best time for fall viewing but with the warm conditions the vibrantly colored leaves continue to stick around.

View attachment 166759

Further up the Motosu Highway, Sai shows her approval of the view from the lookout.

View attachment 166767
View attachment 166768

One of the hairpins that we would encounter heading up towards Lake Motosu but would ultimately look forward to on the thrilling return leg descent.

View attachment 166773

We lost count of the number of tunnels that we encountered along the way there and back.

View attachment 166769
View attachment 166770

Another spectacular view of the southern alps further up the highway.

View attachment 166771

Atop at last and it couldn’t have come sooner as we were virtually spent after the 13km epic climb up to Motosu. The ultimate reward was sublime views of Fuji-san on a cloudless canvas. It’s not often that one is able to acquire a clear sight of this iconic mountain and of its pristine lake which can be shrouded by clouds on any given day.

View attachment 166775
View attachment 166776

Another view of Fuji-san further down the road. The vistas are stunning regardless of where you are.

View attachment 166777

On this day, a lone paddle boarder had the lake to him/herself. I wonder if this person was aware of the appreciate audience snapping photos from above.

View attachment 166778

We moved on as the crowds of visitors on this glorious Sunday were gathering around in hordes anxious to get perfect selfies with Fuji-San as a backdrop. A laid-back circumnavigation of Lake Motosu was in order and provided splendid views of the tranquil waters beside us.

View attachment 166779
View attachment 166780

It was all downhill from there as we were treated to a thrilling ride back down Motosu-michi. Fast, long sweeping turns and with a few hair pins thrown in made for an exhilarating descent. It felt great to be alive on this day!


View attachment 166783
View attachment 166784

We arrived back at the family home at 4:30pm as the sun, once again, disappeared behind the mountains. On this evening, Sai treated me to one of her specialties, a steaming pot of oyster nabe. What a way to end a spectacular day on the bikes one that I won't soon forget!

View attachment 166788
View attachment 166787
View attachment 166786

That is amazing, and I've never seen a video of anyone biking in Japan.
How nice that they drive on the correct side of the road, and that's why there's so many imported Japanese cars in the UK

 

[Prairie Dog]

That descent was magical!

That and the views at the top were the proverbial icing on the cake after the arduous climb up. High fives when we reached the bottom.

@Prairie Dog Another fantastic video of what was a truly epic ride with views to die for, that descent was just incredible! I wish I could teleport myself over there...

Thanks RH. Not sure what the Missus has planned for the remainder of our time here but the views up at Motosu will be tough to beat. I see that you still rode even when the conditions were not the best. Well done!

That is amazing, and I've never seen a video of anyone biking in Japan.
How nice that they drive on the correct side of the road, and that's why there's so many imported Japanese cars in the UK

Speaking of videos, I brought the drone with me but restrictions on where one can fly are pretty tight. Further out in the countryside I don’t think anyone would really care or even notice. Hope to get some decent footage on the next ride. I’ve been driving a cute Mitsubishi minicab that belonged to my father-in-law who passed away a few years ago. My wife would love to bring it back with us as checked baggage but customs might question the bulge in her suitcase.

I looked at Prairie Dogs pictures and videos and I didn’t realize that part of Canada had such a strong Japanese community. It’s almost like he’s in Japan

Each time I return for a visit it feels a bit surreal compared to life in Canada. If language wasn’t so much of a barrier I would move here in a heartbeat. We’re more laid back at home and as Canadians we might have the edge when it comes freedoms/rights. I’ve noticed that the quality of service, high level of efficiency and public cleanliness in Japan is beyond reproach. Everything runs on time and food is top notch regardless of where you eat even at convenience stores. When it come to biking, it’s lagging behind here when it comes to infrastructure. Ebikes are starting to catch on in popularity but no where near the level that we’re accustomed to.

Vancouver might be the closest to the real McCoy but the cost of living would likely shock even the most well to do Japanese citizens.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Greetings from the 60°N

It's dark.
It's cold.
It"s stormy.

 

[Chargeride]

It's warmish here, hasn't raine..,.oh hang on.

 

[Prairie Dog]

It reached 16 C here in Nagano. No riding but we did visit a 16th century castle that blew my mind.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Last Wednesday in Helsinki was marked with a strong gale. It was as strong as it was blocking the automatic swinging door of the hotel!

The wind speed of 77 km/h.

All e-scooter companies removed their vehicles from the city because of dangerous conditions and also suspended their apps. Finns were still cycling or e-biking though!

 

[Chargeride]

It's windy today, at least it's blown the rain away