Chargeride
Well-Known Member
This is good to see.
2023 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos
- Thread starter Saratoga Dave
- Start date
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
I'm allergic to this article.
nypost.com
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
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
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!
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!
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Interesting report, spectacular landscape.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
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
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
Two-Wheeled Shaker
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Saint John
Stunning views of the iconic Mt. Fuji.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
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
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.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
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
Dave's not here. Cheating since 2018
- Region
- Canada
Outstanding again!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
What a treat! Thank you very much for sharing!
DaveMatthews
Dave's not here. Cheating since 2018
- Region
- Canada
That descent was magical!
RabH
Well-Known Member
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!
Attachments
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
That is amazing, and I've never seen a video of anyone biking in Japan.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
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
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
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.
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!@Prairie Dog Another fantastic video of what was a truly epic ride with views to die for, that descent was just incredible!
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.
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.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
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.
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Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Greetings from the 60°N
It's dark.
It's cold.
It"s stormy.
It's dark.
It's cold.
It"s stormy.
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Chargeride
Well-Known Member
It's warmish here, hasn't raine..,.oh hang on.
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
It reached 16 C here in Nagano. No riding but we did visit a 16th century castle that blew my mind.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
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!
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!
Last edited:
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
It's windy today, at least it's blown the rain away
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Back at our homes. The most funny part of our trip was we reached the Vantaa Airport together and each of us got their home (London and Warsaw) at the same moment (of course, not at the same o'clock!) All because of the time zones, different departure time, different flight duration, and different time needed to travel home from destination airports
The local weather in Poland now is rather cold, windy, and with heavy raining.
The location of the hotel. I was told I could be invited for another training to Oulu (65th degree North, that's more north than Reykjavik!) Excited but I would not come there in the cold season! Oulu is only 100 miles away from the Arctic Circle!
The view on the Grass Bay (Ruoholahti) in the background -- the westernmost quarter of Helsinki with the West Harbour -- and with the Sandy Bay (Hietalahti) in the foreground. Our hotel (Radisson Blu Seaside) was located within the City Centre limits. The harbour canal is full of cruise/party ships in the warm season but it was almost empty now in the late Autumn.
Helsinki is known for fan rallies, especially related to "techno" subcultures. Here, a participant of the Tonttoappro (or, "Elf-Worthy") rally to happen in North Karelia (north to Helsinki and near to the Russian border) this weekend. Clans of young people wearing trousers of different colour with multiple patches sewn into the pants were roaming the city on Tuesday. They wore Elves-hats, often with lights sewn into the rim. To me, the "Elves Hat" looked like a short St. Claus hat!
Yet another was a fan rally called "The Clash Fest 2023". Would you believe fans pay money and travel for a world championship in a computer game only to watch how the competing teams play the online game? (I'm too old to understand it!)
At the One Pint, a craft beer pub located just 300 m away from the hotel! The pub had American, Belgian, Scandinavian, Finnish and Estonian ales and stouts. See the glass of Delirium Christmas Belgian ale (from the Delirium Tremens Brewery). Notice the pink elephants instead of the usual reindeer! The other ale is a very strong Rye Wine brewed by two Finns in Tallin, Estonia (both cities are only separated by the narrow Gulf of Finland!)
Finland limits alcohol content in beverages found in general stores to 5.5% abv, and that is also relevant to wine! Stronger alcohol can only be bought at restaurants/pubs (and it is very expensive, such as 16-18 EUR for a can/bottle of strong beer), or, at Alko state monopoly stores. I picked up the book and was surprised how good my understanding of written German was! (I could read: 'Worries of Wagner about the future of the religion in the areligious world')
I do not recommend travelling to Finland in the cold/dark season to anyone!
Our Monday night walk in Helsinki.
All because of the time zones, different departure time, different flight duration, and different time needed to travel home from destination airports The local weather in Poland now is rather cold, windy, and with heavy raining.
The location of the hotel. I was told I could be invited for another training to Oulu (65th degree North, that's more north than Reykjavik!) Excited but I would not come there in the cold season! Oulu is only 100 miles away from the Arctic Circle!
The view on the Grass Bay (Ruoholahti) in the background -- the westernmost quarter of Helsinki with the West Harbour -- and with the Sandy Bay (Hietalahti) in the foreground. Our hotel (Radisson Blu Seaside) was located within the City Centre limits. The harbour canal is full of cruise/party ships in the warm season but it was almost empty now in the late Autumn.
Helsinki is known for fan rallies, especially related to "techno" subcultures. Here, a participant of the Tonttoappro (or, "Elf-Worthy") rally to happen in North Karelia (north to Helsinki and near to the Russian border) this weekend. Clans of young people wearing trousers of different colour with multiple patches sewn into the pants were roaming the city on Tuesday. They wore Elves-hats, often with lights sewn into the rim. To me, the "Elves Hat" looked like a short St. Claus hat!
Yet another was a fan rally called "The Clash Fest 2023". Would you believe fans pay money and travel for a world championship in a computer game only to watch how the competing teams play the online game? (I'm too old to understand it!)
At the One Pint, a craft beer pub located just 300 m away from the hotel! The pub had American, Belgian, Scandinavian, Finnish and Estonian ales and stouts. See the glass of Delirium Christmas Belgian ale (from the Delirium Tremens Brewery). Notice the pink elephants instead of the usual reindeer!
The other ale is a very strong Rye Wine brewed by two Finns in Tallin, Estonia (both cities are only separated by the narrow Gulf of Finland!)Finland limits alcohol content in beverages found in general stores to 5.5% abv, and that is also relevant to wine! Stronger alcohol can only be bought at restaurants/pubs (and it is very expensive, such as 16-18 EUR for a can/bottle of strong beer), or, at Alko state monopoly stores. I picked up the book and was surprised how good my understanding of written German was! (I could read: 'Worries of Wagner about the future of the religion in the areligious world'
) I do not recommend travelling to Finland in the cold/dark season to anyone!
Our Monday night walk in Helsinki.
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Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
We hope to be back in the saddle today after two blissful days touring Nagano prefecture. It was a wonderful time spent soaking in the sights of this region of Japan and scouting routes for possible future rides.
Memories of Nagano
Visit to an original Edo period Post Town in Narai. This road and the structures were once used by travelers to rest during their journey from Tokyo to Kyoto. Many of the old buildings are now occupied by businesses and residents.
A 400-year-old residence owned by the Tezuka family and based in Narai for 22 generations. It was designated as an important cultural property by the minister of culture back in 2007 and once hosted the Meiji Emperor 140 years ago.
Images of the Suwa-taisha shrine (one of four) located near the shores of Lake Suwa and also one of Japan’s oldest shrines.
How cute is that?
Streetscapes of Suwa City.
A 300 year old sake brewery and museum designated by the distinct sugidama (ball) hanging in front.
Mount Yatsugatake which borders Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures.
@Stefan Mikes – You’re likely looking forward to the warmer temps back home after your visit to Finland. I’m afraid we may be in for an unpleasant welcome home as well as we’ve heard that 5cm of snow has fallen overnight.
Memories of Nagano
Visit to an original Edo period Post Town in Narai. This road and the structures were once used by travelers to rest during their journey from Tokyo to Kyoto. Many of the old buildings are now occupied by businesses and residents.
A 400-year-old residence owned by the Tezuka family and based in Narai for 22 generations. It was designated as an important cultural property by the minister of culture back in 2007 and once hosted the Meiji Emperor 140 years ago.
Images of the Suwa-taisha shrine (one of four) located near the shores of Lake Suwa and also one of Japan’s oldest shrines.
How cute is that?
Streetscapes of Suwa City.
A 300 year old sake brewery and museum designated by the distinct sugidama (ball) hanging in front.
Mount Yatsugatake which borders Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures.
@Stefan Mikes – You’re likely looking forward to the warmer temps back home after your visit to Finland. I’m afraid we may be in for an unpleasant welcome home as well as we’ve heard that 5cm of snow has fallen overnight.
Jeremy McCreary
Bought it anyway
- Region
- USA
- City
- Carlsbad, CA
By design, yesterday's Coast Highway ride turned home at South Ponto Beach just before sunset.
South Ponto looking NNW from my first vantage — a bluff about 60 ft above the south end of the beach. Thanks to the gentle, balmy Santa Ana winds of the last week, the air was the clearest I've ever seen it here.
So clear, in fact, that I saw somethind I'd never seen from this part of the coast — Santiago Peak (upper center, 5,689 ft), some 46 mi away.
This was especially exciting for reasons explained at the end. Meanwhile, note the high, steep gravel beach berm and the lack of visible sand at water level.
The tide was high against my next vantage on the berm, about 10 ft above the water. The swell was low, the water was also crystal clear, and its surface glassy. My horizon was razor-sharp, but thin clouds beyond dimmed the direct sun a bit as they sent gloriously orange light skimming across the water.
Under these conditions, the horizontal orange light becomes the star of the show as it plays on the breaking waves and the glassy water in between.
Had wet sand been showing, it would have gotten in on the act as well. Example from La Jolla Shores Beach in April, 2022.
It pays to watch the spray closely in this light, even in low surf. Such beautiful chaos!
Never tire of the breakers' backlit orange spray, but it also pays to watch the over-steepened wave faces just before they collapse. At this point, the waves become lenses that project orange light on the still-glassy water just ahead. (See the 1st surf shot for another example.)
Another shot from the bluff: From here, Saddleback Ridge (1,342 ft, 20 mi) is usually just a dark featureless hulk on the NW skyline. But in this air, I could see dark green scrub above brown grassland on its seaward SW flank. Camp Pendleton sprawls along its base.
Santiago Peak — a special place in the landscape
To a geographer, a "prominent" feature is one that stands well above its surroundings on most if not all sides. Despite an elevation difference of over 4,000 ft, Santiago Peak (upper center) and Saddleback Ridge (upper left) are both prominent in this sense. Less prominent Santa Margarita Peak is at upper right.
Santiago peak from Aliso Viejo, some 14 mi to its SW. At 5,689 ft, it's the highest point in the Santa Ana Mountains, where the Santa Ana winds got their name. Also the highest point in southwest Southern California (SWSC), which I think of as south of LA and west of I-15. Palomar Mountain and the Laguna Mountains to the SE are over 6,000 ft, but they're in a significantly different geologic setting east of I-15.
Mountainous SWSC hosts quite a few prominent highs, and most are held up by the oldest and toughest rocks around — a group of highly resistant Early Cretaceous lavas, ash falls, and pyroclastic flows known collectively as the Santiago Peak Volcanics (SPV). These rocks were first described in the English literature from fieldwork at Santiago Peak — hence the name.
SPV boulders atop Double Peak, another SPV-supported prominence some 8 mi east of South Ponto. Fresh surfaces like the ones behind my bike are usually dark green — often with large whitish crystals of plagioclase feldspar. Exposed surfaces weather to the tan or cream color at right.
Geologic map showing SWSC and adjoining Mexico, from Herwig and Kimbrough, 2014. SPV outcrops are in dark green. The arrow at top left marks Santiago Peak. South Ponto Beach is about 2/3 of the way to the US border from there.
The SPV were erupted in a Japan-like plate tectonic setting 128-110 million years ago. Subsequent plate motions carried them far north to their present locations, and they're now headed NW on the Pacific Plate.
SPV outcrops form a discontinous belt some 160 mi long from Santiago Peak to the northern Baja Peninsula. These outcrops are mere remnants of a much larger SPV volcanic field, but they still manage to add prominent highs to the modern landscape.
In SWSC, these include Santa Margarita Peak, the San Elijo Hills (including Double Peak, Mount Whitney, and Franks Peak), and Black Mountain. Can't figure out why Saddleback Ridge is so prominent, but no SPV or active faults involved.
South Ponto looking NNW from my first vantage — a bluff about 60 ft above the south end of the beach. Thanks to the gentle, balmy Santa Ana winds of the last week, the air was the clearest I've ever seen it here.
So clear, in fact, that I saw somethind I'd never seen from this part of the coast — Santiago Peak (upper center, 5,689 ft), some 46 mi away.
This was especially exciting for reasons explained at the end. Meanwhile, note the high, steep gravel beach berm and the lack of visible sand at water level.
The tide was high against my next vantage on the berm, about 10 ft above the water. The swell was low, the water was also crystal clear, and its surface glassy. My horizon was razor-sharp, but thin clouds beyond dimmed the direct sun a bit as they sent gloriously orange light skimming across the water.
Under these conditions, the horizontal orange light becomes the star of the show as it plays on the breaking waves and the glassy water in between.
Had wet sand been showing, it would have gotten in on the act as well. Example from La Jolla Shores Beach in April, 2022.
It pays to watch the spray closely in this light, even in low surf. Such beautiful chaos!
Never tire of the breakers' backlit orange spray, but it also pays to watch the over-steepened wave faces just before they collapse. At this point, the waves become lenses that project orange light on the still-glassy water just ahead. (See the 1st surf shot for another example.)
Another shot from the bluff: From here, Saddleback Ridge (1,342 ft, 20 mi) is usually just a dark featureless hulk on the NW skyline. But in this air, I could see dark green scrub above brown grassland on its seaward SW flank. Camp Pendleton sprawls along its base.
Santiago Peak — a special place in the landscape
To a geographer, a "prominent" feature is one that stands well above its surroundings on most if not all sides. Despite an elevation difference of over 4,000 ft, Santiago Peak (upper center) and Saddleback Ridge (upper left) are both prominent in this sense. Less prominent Santa Margarita Peak is at upper right.
Santiago peak from Aliso Viejo, some 14 mi to its SW. At 5,689 ft, it's the highest point in the Santa Ana Mountains, where the Santa Ana winds got their name. Also the highest point in southwest Southern California (SWSC), which I think of as south of LA and west of I-15. Palomar Mountain and the Laguna Mountains to the SE are over 6,000 ft, but they're in a significantly different geologic setting east of I-15.
Mountainous SWSC hosts quite a few prominent highs, and most are held up by the oldest and toughest rocks around — a group of highly resistant Early Cretaceous lavas, ash falls, and pyroclastic flows known collectively as the Santiago Peak Volcanics (SPV). These rocks were first described in the English literature from fieldwork at Santiago Peak — hence the name.
SPV boulders atop Double Peak, another SPV-supported prominence some 8 mi east of South Ponto. Fresh surfaces like the ones behind my bike are usually dark green — often with large whitish crystals of plagioclase feldspar. Exposed surfaces weather to the tan or cream color at right.
Geologic map showing SWSC and adjoining Mexico, from Herwig and Kimbrough, 2014. SPV outcrops are in dark green. The arrow at top left marks Santiago Peak. South Ponto Beach is about 2/3 of the way to the US border from there.
The SPV were erupted in a Japan-like plate tectonic setting 128-110 million years ago. Subsequent plate motions carried them far north to their present locations, and they're now headed NW on the Pacific Plate.
SPV outcrops form a discontinous belt some 160 mi long from Santiago Peak to the northern Baja Peninsula. These outcrops are mere remnants of a much larger SPV volcanic field, but they still manage to add prominent highs to the modern landscape.
In SWSC, these include Santa Margarita Peak, the San Elijo Hills (including Double Peak, Mount Whitney, and Franks Peak), and Black Mountain. Can't figure out why Saddleback Ridge is so prominent, but no SPV or active faults involved.
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