Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
A lovely weather indeed!
2024 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos
- Thread starter Saratoga Dave
- Start date
RabH
Well-Known Member
Thanks PD! That part of Japan is just incredible, it looks like you are both having a real blast!We took today off and spent the day with friends of Sai’s but here’s my trip report from Saturday’s ride.
Once again, we rode our bikes from homebase but on this occasion 73 km and back to the Rakuza road station in Fujikawa.
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At one point, the temperature reached as high as 28C and humidity was 81%. We needed to rehydrate badly and as on past rides we’re able to count on finding vending machines even this one in what seemed like the middle of nowhere.
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This was the only drinking companion that we came across along this deserted road hopefully praying for cooler conditions.
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We cross the border into the adjacent Shizuoka prefecture. A first by bike for Sai also.
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The quiet solitude of the Fujikawa River.
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Our arrival at the Fujikawa road station and the first time I’ve seen a Ferris wheel featured in such an obscure location. It was akin to a carnival atmosphere with families and people of all ages gathering in attendance.
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While there, we were able to see a rare view of Fuji-san peeking out from the clouds.
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With enough time spent at the road station for a bite of lunch and ice cream we pushed off for the return leg home. A more turbulent view of the outflow of the Fujikawa tributary.
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We hit the backroads heading home avoiding the busy traffic along the main hwy. It was slightly cooler in the shade but the humidity level was still intense.
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A brief stopover at this small waterfall to cool off and soak our headbands was just the ticket that we needed to complete the climb.
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We could see crabs frantically scattering back into their small nooks where they took shelter just below the falling stream of water.
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Then it was back onto the quiet rural roads that we so loved to ride on. With few vehicles and gorgeous scenery to gaze upon, it’s tough to beat. Now I know what it’s like to be riding with @RabH.
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Another underground domon but this one was short and sweet.
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More scenic eye candy to take in as we head for home.
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One last hydration stopover at a convenience store and were good to go.
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It was lovely ride despite the warm and humid weather and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I need to give full credit to the missus for guiding me throughout our rides around Yamanashi up to this point. She’s such a capable rider and I couldn’t ask for a better companion.
We are in the midst of preparing for a three-night road trip with our bikes next week by bullet train to the town of Onomichi to ride the famed 70km Shimanami Kaido, a crossing of the inland Japan seaway via six bridges spanning as many islands below. We will stay a night in Onomichi, do the crossing in one day, and spend another night in Imabari at the conclusion of part 1 of the ride. Then the next day we’ll ride another crossing, the Tobishima Kaido, the shorter 30-50km outing (depending on the route) over seven islands but it should still provide a feel for real life of the Japanese countryside. I think that I'm quite familiar with that feeling already. After that, it's one more night in Hiroshima cycle touring and then back home to Minobu.
Transporting bikes onto the trains requires a bit of effort in breaking them down and carrying them aboard special containment called ‘Rinko’ bags. The bikes will have to be reassembled at the station upon arrival. We will need to take everything with us in either in a compact backpack or racks/trunk bags/5L panniers. We’ll decide closer to the date of departure. By any means it will require as minimal packing as possible.
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@BlackHand , @Saratoga Dave – Congrats on the recent acquisitions, boys. Sweet rides. Dave, I saw the same Stance at a LBS last year in that striking paint scheme. I was certain that it wouldn’t be on the showroom floor for long.
@RabH – Just one word to describe your achievements. Wow!!
All the best with your trip, looking forward to reading about it!You are officially insane...
You wouldn't be sitting on a bike where I am, you would be on the deck for sure!
Storm Ashley is battering us at the moment, I fear for the people living on the west coast!
MTO
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
It’s sad and frustrating, what is happening to our countries.Yes, but Im backed up by the locals, it doesnt actually look too bad now Ive posted it, but rates of social discourse are going through the roof.
Many people in Torbay experience significant poverty – Torbay is ranked as the most deprived local authority in the south west region, with high proportions of children living in poverty and in contact with care services.
Crimerate.co.uk describes Torquay as the "most dangerous medium-sized town in Devon" and states it is among the top five most dangerous overall out of Devon's 403 towns, villages and cities.
One shopper described how heroin users descend daily "like a flock of seagulls" in a desperate bid to score their first fix of the day.
The highest unemployment rate in the region, a low wage economy with the 3rd lowest gross average wages in the country and the highest level of personal debt per head of population.
Anyway, good morning to you all, have a nice day
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
Now that is ONE beachin' ride, dude!!
I knew better than to do battle with nature’s little warrior. A mantis-cifent creature for sure.
Mulezen
Well-Known Member
All quiet here in Virginia…no breeze…68F…Sunday morning 16miles…but I can FEEL the storm battering England’s coast since recently re-reading Dylan Thomas’s “Quiet Early One Morning” …”Tar black howling” “It had been such a ferocious night that someone in the Smokey ship-pictured bar had said he could feel his tombstone shaking even though he was not dead or, at least was moving…”
DaveMatthews
Well-Known Member
No riding for me this weekend.
I'm OK, but some of the lower levels are screwed. Leaves fall, drains clog, then add an atmospheric river and...
I'm OK, but some of the lower levels are screwed. Leaves fall, drains clog, then add an atmospheric river and...
Saratoga Dave
Well-Known Member
Well, I can tell you that this Stance is a hell of a lot better than I am! I love a project, and learning to have enough confidence to actually use this thing for what it is intended is gonna be a good one. Taking it out in the Washington County gravel - and some woods stuff - tomorrow with one of the boys, then back on the Creo for something familiar for a bit.
I’ve learned the first lesson of the Garmin in the woods: stop trying to look at it, or better yet, keep it in your pocket or leave it in the car. Whole new level of concentration to deal with here!
I didn’t even try coming down this… doesn’t look like much in the photo, but in reality it’s an invitation to the ER for a singletrack neophyte.
I’ve learned the first lesson of the Garmin in the woods: stop trying to look at it, or better yet, keep it in your pocket or leave it in the car. Whole new level of concentration to deal with here!
I didn’t even try coming down this… doesn’t look like much in the photo, but in reality it’s an invitation to the ER for a singletrack neophyte.
DaveMatthews
Well-Known Member
Too much fun!
Regarding the Garmin, that's why I got a remote. After training my self not to stare at it the next step was to keep my hands on the grip and not push buttons on the Garmin.
And yeah... there's a couple of hills in our local Watershed bike park that beg me to break bones...
Stay safe!
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
What is that gorgeously built shelter for?
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
Yesterday’s ride, once again, would take us into the Yamanashi ‘Inaka’ or countryside and points beyond including the next prefecture over. The route my wife told me was called Inokoshira Rindo. Rindo meaning forest roads. She also mentioned something about riding up the side of a mountain which I really wasn’t prepared to hear.
Around 5km into the ride, we passed this bike packer along road 9. She was packed to the gills and looked very fit for her age which we estimated to be between 55-60.
And so it begins as we head up the climb towards the resort town of Shimobe.
One of at least 15 switchbacks that we encountered on our way up the road which straddles Mount Kenashi to the east.
A third of the way up we spotted this man from Yokohama attempting to capture butterflies high up in the trees. Sai recognized the origin of his vehicle's plates.
More switchbacks to go. This one was one of several that rose 13% and tested our mettle.
A nice view of the forest valley below.
The long and winding road ahead. We decided that it was an appropriate time to take a break for a quick snack.
At one point, we were forced to dismount and walk our bikes past this construction site and crew who were the only people that we saw the entire way up. Fortunately, most of the road up was paved smooth and rideable on our 30c tires with the exception of a few rough sections.
This small mountain stream looked inviting but we decided to push on.
Thank goodness this slab had cleaved off from the wall above earlier on. Rock on!
Near the top, we entered this tunnel not quite sure of how long it actually was. With no vehicles around, we sped through the dark cavern. I didn’t bother with my headlamp as light entering at the end was sufficient enough to make it through safely. The sign to the right which is faintly visible indicates the border crossing from Yamanashi over to Shizuoka Prefecture.
Light at the end of the tunnel. There would be a pleasant surprise for us upon our exit.
To my astonishment, we were rewarded for our efforts with a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji under mainly clear skies. It doesn’t get better than that.
Sai give her thumb up approval of the view.
We carry on further up the road and noticed a couple of SAG wagons providing avid cycling enthusiasts the chance to experience the mountain without having to worry about taking on a self supporting role.
Another glimpse of Fuji-san prior to making the descent.
We encounter a group of riders making their way to the top from the other side. We weren’t sure of the whereabouts of their starting point but assumed that they were affiliated with the tour company waiting for them at the top.
Sai bolts ahead and obliterates any chance that I have of catching up.
We meet at the bottom with another epic view of Mt Fuji.
We popped in for a quick stopover at this roadside station for a bathroom break when I spotted a couple of Levos hanging from the bike stand. The owners, Nigel and Mark, were a couple of fellows from the UK living in Japan. One was an English tutor and the other a businessman working in Tokyo. We chatted briefly about our ride up the mountain and their outing at a local MTB park. We parted ways when we noticed that it was already 3:30 pm and we still had a long way to ride.
We wasted no time and hit the road shortly after we said our goodbyes to the expats. I looked down at my Garmin and noticed that it was 3:30pm which gave us about 90 minutes to get home.
Around 5km into the ride, we passed this bike packer along road 9. She was packed to the gills and looked very fit for her age which we estimated to be between 55-60.
And so it begins as we head up the climb towards the resort town of Shimobe.
One of at least 15 switchbacks that we encountered on our way up the road which straddles Mount Kenashi to the east.
A third of the way up we spotted this man from Yokohama attempting to capture butterflies high up in the trees. Sai recognized the origin of his vehicle's plates.
More switchbacks to go. This one was one of several that rose 13% and tested our mettle.
A nice view of the forest valley below.
The long and winding road ahead. We decided that it was an appropriate time to take a break for a quick snack.
At one point, we were forced to dismount and walk our bikes past this construction site and crew who were the only people that we saw the entire way up. Fortunately, most of the road up was paved smooth and rideable on our 30c tires with the exception of a few rough sections.
This small mountain stream looked inviting but we decided to push on.
Thank goodness this slab had cleaved off from the wall above earlier on. Rock on!
Near the top, we entered this tunnel not quite sure of how long it actually was. With no vehicles around, we sped through the dark cavern. I didn’t bother with my headlamp as light entering at the end was sufficient enough to make it through safely. The sign to the right which is faintly visible indicates the border crossing from Yamanashi over to Shizuoka Prefecture.
Light at the end of the tunnel. There would be a pleasant surprise for us upon our exit.
To my astonishment, we were rewarded for our efforts with a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji under mainly clear skies. It doesn’t get better than that.
Sai give her thumb up approval of the view.
We carry on further up the road and noticed a couple of SAG wagons providing avid cycling enthusiasts the chance to experience the mountain without having to worry about taking on a self supporting role.
Another glimpse of Fuji-san prior to making the descent.
We encounter a group of riders making their way to the top from the other side. We weren’t sure of the whereabouts of their starting point but assumed that they were affiliated with the tour company waiting for them at the top.
Sai bolts ahead and obliterates any chance that I have of catching up.
We meet at the bottom with another epic view of Mt Fuji.
We popped in for a quick stopover at this roadside station for a bathroom break when I spotted a couple of Levos hanging from the bike stand. The owners, Nigel and Mark, were a couple of fellows from the UK living in Japan. One was an English tutor and the other a businessman working in Tokyo. We chatted briefly about our ride up the mountain and their outing at a local MTB park. We parted ways when we noticed that it was already 3:30 pm and we still had a long way to ride.
We wasted no time and hit the road shortly after we said our goodbyes to the expats. I looked down at my Garmin and noticed that it was 3:30pm which gave us about 90 minutes to get home.
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
Part 2 – The Return
Our arrival at Lake Motosu and we were counting on a fast descent before the sun disappeared behind the mountains.
We start our descent only to be temporarily delayed by road construction but only for exactly one minute. There was an actual countdown clock placed on the road.
We make quick work of the long sweeping switchbacks, through tunnels and zip down the rest of the national road. At times, the sun was so low it became difficult to see the road ahead.
A few more tunnels and back on the main road back we came. The sun was setting fast but we were close enough to homebase to alleviate any issues of riding in the dark.
A few more kms along backroads, then a final crossing of the Minobu bridge
We arrived home right at 5pm not a moment before darkness fell upon us. We couldn’t have timed it any better and settled in for a quiet yet fulfilling meal and a long soak in the family ofuro afterwards to relax our tired bodies.
Our arrival at Lake Motosu and we were counting on a fast descent before the sun disappeared behind the mountains.
We start our descent only to be temporarily delayed by road construction but only for exactly one minute. There was an actual countdown clock placed on the road.
We make quick work of the long sweeping switchbacks, through tunnels and zip down the rest of the national road. At times, the sun was so low it became difficult to see the road ahead.
A few more tunnels and back on the main road back we came. The sun was setting fast but we were close enough to homebase to alleviate any issues of riding in the dark.
A few more kms along backroads, then a final crossing of the Minobu bridge
We arrived home right at 5pm not a moment before darkness fell upon us. We couldn’t have timed it any better and settled in for a quiet yet fulfilling meal and a long soak in the family ofuro afterwards to relax our tired bodies.
JGcycle
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Saint John
It's a new structure that replaces the rest-stop/picnic shelter that was there before. I suspect that they will add a picnic bench or two in the near future.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Scary!
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Completely destroyed, my mate Brain is so much lighter and fitter than me, his bike is more powerful and running on 29s with skinny tyres.
We rode 26 miles 3400ft of climbing, floods, bogs of mud, headwinds, his lunatic descent speeds, miles of tractor ruts making you 180 at 15mph.
Were back at the house watching Harry Potter and havent the energy to speak.
Planned a coastal ride starting at 6am and hes already drunk on rum.
Happy days!
We rode 26 miles 3400ft of climbing, floods, bogs of mud, headwinds, his lunatic descent speeds, miles of tractor ruts making you 180 at 15mph.
Were back at the house watching Harry Potter and havent the energy to speak.
Planned a coastal ride starting at 6am and hes already drunk on rum.
Happy days!
Saratoga Dave
Well-Known Member
<<<She also mentioned something about riding up the side of a mountain which I really wasn’t prepared to hear>>>
And those poor Creos are sitting in the garage back in Alberta wondering what happened!
Amazing pictures of Mt Fuji, beautiful! What a trip.
And those poor Creos are sitting in the garage back in Alberta wondering what happened!
Amazing pictures of Mt Fuji, beautiful! What a trip.
RabH
Well-Known Member
I was in 2 minds about going out today, with a 30mph WSW wind and heavy showers predicted I was reluctant to chance it! After lunch I had a look outside in all directions and it looked brighter to the east so the thought of having that 30mph tailwind filled me with enthusiasm so I went for it! I think this was actually my easiest ride for a very long time, especially the first 28 miles with that awesome tailwind!
I had planned to head out to Dechmont and decide where to go from there depending on the rain clouds, when I reached the village I had a lightbulb moment and decided to continue east for another 8 miles and check out Edinburgh airport!I arrived at the airport around 2.15pm and my average speed was 18.5mph, I was absolutely flying...excuse the pun!
I had set 3pm as my cutoff to head back home and my luck was in as the awesome Qatar A350-900 departed just before 3pm! I took loads of photos of course, Edinburgh is very scenic with the Pentland Hills in the background!EasyJet A320 Neo landing!
British Airways A320 landing!
Jet 2 737-800 landing!
Aer Lingus ATR72-600 landing!
British Airways A320 Neo departing!
Ryanair Boeing 737 Max 8 departing!
Norwegian 737-800 landing!
A stunning view of the Pentland Hills in the background!
The star of the show for me, Qatar A350-900 departing!
It was now time to take on the wind all the way home, my first battery still had 76% remaining and I started with 90% so you can tell how much battery I used on the way to the airport! So I turned the assist up to level 2 and that pretty much negated the headwind on the flat for the first couple of miles! I grabbed these photos just as I was leaving the airport, I almost caught an EasyJet A320 landing in the same photo but I missed it by seconds...the River Almond runs alongside the airport!
So far I had managed to avoid the rain but it wasn't looking promising out to the west!
As I was approaching Winchburgh I could feel the rain in the air but it wasn't enough to even wet the road at this point, I continued west to Threemiletown and the rain started getting a little heavier and this time the roads were a bit wet! If I had continued west it would have taken me into Linlithgow, I decided to turn south towards Uphall despite it being darker that way but I wanted to avoid Linlithgow at all cost! I then turned west again on the back road to Beecraigs Country Park and thankfully the rain stopped, I made the decision not to take the road up to the park and opted to turn south towards Dechmont with the intention of using the back roads as much as possible!
At this point I was on Burnhouse road which is a cracking road and it was dry, its a proper rollercoaster road!
This is just before the big dsecent looking SE with the Pentlands way in the distance!
Time for the descent!
Just before Dechmont I turned west to take the quiet back road which would take me to Torphicen, its such a fun road to ride as long as you don't meet any tractors (its very narrow) and my luck was in today!
At this point things had cleared up and the roads were mainly dry, just before the big descent down into Torphicen I took this photo!The descent is just sublime and in 2 parts, each as good as the other and the headwind played no part thanks to the tree cover! I was now heading for Westfield and just as I was passing the viaduct the sun made a welcome appearance!
When the sun came out the wind actually decreased significantly and the difference in temp was noticeable instantly, a short time later I turned north to take the back road into Avonbridge which starts with this awesome descent!
I had the road all to myself all the way to Avonbridge, where I switched to my second battery at 47 miles! So I had loads of juice left for the climbs ahead, my second battery only had 80% but that was way more than enough! I passed through Avonbridge and continued west towards Limerigg, the sun stayed with me for now and I grabbed a couple of nice snaps half way between Avonbridge and Limerigg!
As I neared Limeirigg the sun disappeared behind some dark clouds and it threatened to rain again, I stooped at the Black Loch for this photo!
I continued on to Cladercruix where I joined the cycle path that leads to Plains, it was rush hour now so I stayed well away from the main roads! I came across some nice horses on the path, another photo opportunity!
At Plains I took the back road up to the top of my home town to avoid the evening traffic and it worked a treat, arriving home soon after with a fraction under 60 miles in the bag so a little circuit near home brought up the 60 to satisfy my OCD...
My bike was filthy so I decided to wash it before dinner or I would have been washing it in the dark! It turned out to be a cracking ride and I didn't get soaked which was a real bonus, only 3500ft of climbing for 60 miles is unusual in these parts and I wasn't complaining!I used to be a planespotter in the 80's and 90's but sort of got bored due to a lack of variety at Glasgow and Edinburgh in those days, Glasgow is still struggling but Edinburgh has really taken off (excuse the pun again)
and they are getting some really nice planes these days, including 4 United 757's daily until recently which are one of my favourite aircraft!I really enjoyed my 45 mins or so at the airport and will probably make a habit of returning when the weather suits!@Prairie Dog The Mt Fuji photos have me salivating!
Attachments
MartsEbike
Well-Known Member
- Region
- United Kingdom
- City
- Dunstable
All of your pics on this trip are fabulous but CHECK THIS ONE OUT...
This is just amazing, what an incredible view... This one deserves printing out and hanging on the wall.
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
We thought about taking the Creos, removing their internal batteries and bringing the extenders but then it would be up to the discretion of the airline agents to allow them to be brought on board as carry on items. We couldn’t get a definitive answer from our carrier one way or the other. With the analog bikes, it would just be a matter of staying within the weight and dimensional standards set out by the airline so we were good to go. The Creos won’t be lonely too long as we’ll use them on the indoor trainer over the winter months.
We’ve had a wonderful time so far here but I suspect these trips will become an annual event as my wife’s mother is still among the present. She has been ill for a while and we don’t know how much longer she will be with us. Her care home is just around the corner from the family house which makes it much easier on everyone.
It certainly has been the highlight of our rides so far. No telling what’s next to come.The Mt Fuji photos have me salivating!
It’s a keeper for sure. I can only imagine what it’s like having a view of this beloved landmark from your front window.All of your pics on this trip are fabulous but CHECK THIS ONE OUT...
No ride today due to rain showers. From yesterday morning’s unremarkable recovery ride.
A bit of self indulgence so early in the day.
