Chargeride
Well-Known Member
When youre night riding with the dog and he jumps in front of the wheel.
2024 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos
- Thread starter Saratoga Dave
- Start date
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
Just doing a bit of catch up. Our ride a few days ago took us on a double loop from homebase through the towns of Rokogu and Fujikawa. We didn’t stop very often and when we did it was usually getting our bearings in order to make sure that we were on the correct route.
There’s no escaping the hills around here. It’s almost a given when it comes to cycling in the mountainous regions of this prefecture. Sai starts off with a climb which involved a max grade of 13% although at one point I clearly recall glancing down and reading 16% on my Garmin albeit was only for a fleeting moment.
Midway up offers a nice mountain vista and of the village of Shimobe below but no time to stop and rest at this point.
I wait for Sai at the top and fortunately we have no interest in continuing further up the hill just to see another Shinto shrine.
It’s all downhill and clearly sailing from here.
I finally catch up on one of the turns as we make our way down to the main road.
A bit more climbing before we enter a tunnel. This time I took no chance and made sure that I brought my light.
Back on the open road out of the stifling confines of the dark abyss.
One of the few marked bike lanes we’ve seen so far. Narrow or no designated shoulders at all are nothing new to us so this was a pleasant sight.
View of Fujikawa with the mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.
This road station in Fujikawa was a good place to stop and rest.
No shortage of drink selection here. The wife and I each settled for a modest bottle of hot roasted tea and some sweet mochi to go along with our beverages.
Inside one of the buildings at the station was a place that conveniently rents bikes for those wanting to cycle tour around the town. Looked like pretty decent rides to me.
We hit one of the quieter side roads before re-entering the highway towards home.
Sai points out the trees to the right informing me that they will transform and become covered in pink cherry blossoms next spring.
Back on the main hwy and traffic begins to ramp up.
We pass through several open (domon) tunnels and as always have to be careful of vehicles approaching behind in particular large trucks. These domon are definitely a far lesser evil compared to their underground twins which are poorly lit.
Sai gives me a reassuring glance back along this bridge crossing over the Fuji River. She knows that I have a tendency to stop for pics while she just continues on so we both have to be on our toes.
One more climb up Yamanashi road 9 with a very doable grade of 6% and another descent.
Another 10km from home but easy coasting from here.
There’s no escaping the hills around here. It’s almost a given when it comes to cycling in the mountainous regions of this prefecture. Sai starts off with a climb which involved a max grade of 13% although at one point I clearly recall glancing down and reading 16% on my Garmin albeit was only for a fleeting moment.
Midway up offers a nice mountain vista and of the village of Shimobe below but no time to stop and rest at this point.
I wait for Sai at the top and fortunately we have no interest in continuing further up the hill just to see another Shinto shrine.
It’s all downhill and clearly sailing from here.
I finally catch up on one of the turns as we make our way down to the main road.
A bit more climbing before we enter a tunnel. This time I took no chance and made sure that I brought my light.
Back on the open road out of the stifling confines of the dark abyss.
One of the few marked bike lanes we’ve seen so far. Narrow or no designated shoulders at all are nothing new to us so this was a pleasant sight.
View of Fujikawa with the mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.
This road station in Fujikawa was a good place to stop and rest.
No shortage of drink selection here. The wife and I each settled for a modest bottle of hot roasted tea and some sweet mochi to go along with our beverages.
Inside one of the buildings at the station was a place that conveniently rents bikes for those wanting to cycle tour around the town. Looked like pretty decent rides to me.
We hit one of the quieter side roads before re-entering the highway towards home.
Sai points out the trees to the right informing me that they will transform and become covered in pink cherry blossoms next spring.
Back on the main hwy and traffic begins to ramp up.
We pass through several open (domon) tunnels and as always have to be careful of vehicles approaching behind in particular large trucks. These domon are definitely a far lesser evil compared to their underground twins which are poorly lit.
Sai gives me a reassuring glance back along this bridge crossing over the Fuji River. She knows that I have a tendency to stop for pics while she just continues on so we both have to be on our toes.
One more climb up Yamanashi road 9 with a very doable grade of 6% and another descent.
Another 10km from home but easy coasting from here.
RabH
Well-Known Member
35000 miles now covered in just over 6.5 years and it has been a whole lot of fun!
A rare Saturday ride for me, we have a huge storm coming tomorrow and the weather isn't looking bike friendly going into next week! So I moved things around that I normally do on a Saturday to get out while the weather was playing ball, conditions were much the same as Thursday with the temp around 14C and the wind from the SW around 20-25mph but only a 10% chance of rain today! So I headed SE to Carluke on the main roads this time as the back roads near home would have been flooded after yesterdays monsoon rain!
At Carluke I turned east for Carstairs and thankfully the road was quieter here despite being the main road from Carluke to Carnwath, I think I just got lucky and its such a great road to ride! It starts with a big climb and ends with a long fast descent down to Carstairs Village! From there I headed south for Hyndford Bridge and crossed the bridge over the River Clyde and turned east again on the main road initially but I decided to take the back roads here and head for Thankerton! It starts with this big climb!
The main road did look inviting but I didn't want to chance it!
So far I was lucky to enjoy totally dry roads but 26 miles in my luck changed and I found myself riding through a muddy mess passing a farm, the bike was caked with the sticky stuff!
My mudguards did a great job though and I was spotless!
I was enjoying the back roads to Thankerton and the views were pretty nice also!There were some dodgy looking clouds out to the east but my luck was in today and it remained dry for the whole ride!
Near Thankerton the sky was much nicer!
It was pretty warm when the sun was shining but when it disappeared behind the clouds the difference was very noticeable! I thought about taking the road in the background here past the river which would have been a huge climb but I remembered another road that I used in the opposite direction recently and it wasn't as hilly and had a nice big descent at the end!
I arrived in Thankerton a short time later and stopped for a couple of photos on the bridge over the River Clyde!
So instead of turning left after the bridge I went straight up the climb ahead! With the sun today it was hard to get a decent photo of Tinto Hill, this was the best of the bunch!
After the climb I enjoyed the long fast 11% descent, although the road was a bit patchy so I didn't push my luck and feathered the brakes on the way down! The road then joins the main road again just before Biggar, once again I had the river in view!
As I was nearing Biggar the Coulter Hills came into view in the distance and they were bathed in lovely sunshine!
Thankfully the main road remained quiet all the way to Biggar!
A closer view of the Coulter Hills at Biggar!
From Biggar I headed north for Elsrickle, grabbing a few photos on the way!
I went this way to have fun down the big descent before climbing up to Elsrickle, 41.4mph was achieved today! From here I turned NW for Carnwath on another fun rollercoaster road, with a few hairpins and many ups and downs! Then I had this big climb ahead, up through Kaimend and on to Carnwath!
From Carnwath I continued NW and headed up the big climb through Braehead before enjoying the descent down into the valley and then it was another climb up into Forth, quickly followed by another big climb up the back road into Climpy on lovely new tarmac! The road rises to just over 1000ft before plunging back down into the valley past the Blacklaw wind farm! I then took the road to Shotts and headed over the back roads to home past the Blackhill Transmitters again, thankfully there wasn't any flooding! 3 rides in 5 days after 11 days off the bike with almost 200 miles covered and over 14500ft of climbing, a rest will do me good now I think...
So I have now covered 35004 miles on this incredible bike, it has been 6.5 years of amazing riding since I purchased it and I hope to put many more miles on it in the coming years if it keeps going (and I keep going more to the point)
I'm only 715 miles off my best ever year with more than 2 months remaining, I really can't believe this after the year of crazy weather we have endured! I'm not counting my chickens just yet though, there's no telling what the weather will do in the remaining months!What a ride that was today, I'm so glad I decided to go for it! I just hope the storm won't do much damage tomorrow and put a dampener on things...
@BlackHand @Saratoga Dave Congrats on your new steeds guys, I hope you both have many years of fun riding them!
Attachments
DaveMatthews
Well-Known Member
Fantastic milestone on your trusty Giant Rab!View attachment 184466
35000 miles now covered in just over 6.5 years and it has been a whole lot of fun!
A rare Saturday ride for me, we have a huge storm coming tomorrow and the weather isn't looking bike friendly going into next week! So I moved things around that I normally do on a Saturday to get out while the weather was playing ball, conditions were much the same as Thursday with the temp around 14C and the wind from the SW around 20-25mph but only a 10% chance of rain today! So I headed SE to Carluke on the main roads this time as the back roads near home would have been flooded after yesterdays monsoon rain!
At Carluke I turned east for Carstairs and thankfully the road was quieter here despite being the main road from Carluke to Carnwath, I think I just got lucky and its such a great road to ride! It starts with a big climb and ends with a long fast descent down to Carstairs Village! From there I headed south for Hyndford Bridge and crossed the bridge over the River Clyde and turned east again on the main road initially but I decided to take the back roads here and head for Thankerton! It starts with this big climb!
View attachment 184470
View attachment 184472
The main road did look inviting but I didn't want to chance it!
View attachment 184471
So far I was lucky to enjoy totally dry roads but 26 miles in my luck changed and I found myself riding through a muddy mess passing a farm, the bike was caked with the sticky stuff!
View attachment 184475
There were some dodgy looking clouds out to the east but my luck was in today and it remained dry for the whole ride!
View attachment 184476
View attachment 184477
Near Thankerton the sky was much nicer!
View attachment 184478
It was pretty warm when the sun was shining but when it disappeared behind the clouds the difference was very noticeable! I thought about taking the road in the background here past the river which would have been a huge climb but I remembered another road that I used in the opposite direction recently and it wasn't as hilly and had a nice big descent at the end!
View attachment 184479
View attachment 184480
View attachment 184481
I arrived in Thankerton a short time later and stopped for a couple of photos on the bridge over the River Clyde!
View attachment 184483
View attachment 184482
So instead of turning left after the bridge I went straight up the climb ahead! With the sun today it was hard to get a decent photo of Tinto Hill, this was the best of the bunch!
View attachment 184484
After the climb I enjoyed the long fast 11% descent, although the road was a bit patchy so I didn't push my luck and feathered the brakes on the way down! The road then joins the main road again just before Biggar, once again I had the river in view!
View attachment 184485
As I was nearing Biggar the Coulter Hills came into view in the distance and they were bathed in lovely sunshine!
View attachment 184486
View attachment 184487
Thankfully the main road remained quiet all the way to Biggar!
View attachment 184488
A closer view of the Coulter Hills at Biggar!
View attachment 184489
From Biggar I headed north for Elsrickle, grabbing a few photos on the way!
View attachment 184490
View attachment 184491
View attachment 184492
View attachment 184493
I went this way to have fun down the big descent before climbing up to Elsrickle, 41.4mph was achieved today! From here I turned NW for Carnwath on another fun rollercoaster road, with a few hairpins and many ups and downs! Then I had this big climb ahead, up through Kaimend and on to Carnwath!
View attachment 184494
From Carnwath I continued NW and headed up the big climb through Braehead before enjoying the descent down into the valley and then it was another climb up into Forth, quickly followed by another big climb up the back road into Climpy on lovely new tarmac! The road rises to just over 1000ft before plunging back down into the valley past the Blacklaw wind farm! I then took the road to Shotts and headed over the back roads to home past the Blackhill Transmitters again, thankfully there wasn't any flooding! 3 rides in 5 days after 11 days off the bike with almost 200 miles covered and over 14500ft of climbing, a rest will do me good now I think...
So I have now covered 35004 miles on this incredible bike, it has been 6.5 years of amazing riding since I purchased it and I hope to put many more miles on it in the coming years if it keeps going (and I keep going more to the point)
What a ride that was today, I'm so glad I decided to go for it! I just hope the storm won't do much damage tomorrow and put a dampener on things...
@BlackHand @Saratoga Dave Congrats on your new steeds guys, I hope you both have many years of fun riding them!
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
I wonder what percentage of Scotlands roads you have ridden?View attachment 184466
35000 miles now covered in just over 6.5 years and it has been a whole lot of fun!
A rare Saturday ride for me, we have a huge storm coming tomorrow and the weather isn't looking bike friendly going into next week! So I moved things around that I normally do on a Saturday to get out while the weather was playing ball, conditions were much the same as Thursday with the temp around 14C and the wind from the SW around 20-25mph but only a 10% chance of rain today! So I headed SE to Carluke on the main roads this time as the back roads near home would have been flooded after yesterdays monsoon rain!
At Carluke I turned east for Carstairs and thankfully the road was quieter here despite being the main road from Carluke to Carnwath, I think I just got lucky and its such a great road to ride! It starts with a big climb and ends with a long fast descent down to Carstairs Village! From there I headed south for Hyndford Bridge and crossed the bridge over the River Clyde and turned east again on the main road initially but I decided to take the back roads here and head for Thankerton! It starts with this big climb!
View attachment 184470
View attachment 184472
The main road did look inviting but I didn't want to chance it!
View attachment 184471
So far I was lucky to enjoy totally dry roads but 26 miles in my luck changed and I found myself riding through a muddy mess passing a farm, the bike was caked with the sticky stuff!
View attachment 184475
There were some dodgy looking clouds out to the east but my luck was in today and it remained dry for the whole ride!
View attachment 184476
View attachment 184477
Near Thankerton the sky was much nicer!
View attachment 184478
It was pretty warm when the sun was shining but when it disappeared behind the clouds the difference was very noticeable! I thought about taking the road in the background here past the river which would have been a huge climb but I remembered another road that I used in the opposite direction recently and it wasn't as hilly and had a nice big descent at the end!
View attachment 184479
View attachment 184480
View attachment 184481
I arrived in Thankerton a short time later and stopped for a couple of photos on the bridge over the River Clyde!
View attachment 184483
View attachment 184482
So instead of turning left after the bridge I went straight up the climb ahead! With the sun today it was hard to get a decent photo of Tinto Hill, this was the best of the bunch!
View attachment 184484
After the climb I enjoyed the long fast 11% descent, although the road was a bit patchy so I didn't push my luck and feathered the brakes on the way down! The road then joins the main road again just before Biggar, once again I had the river in view!
View attachment 184485
As I was nearing Biggar the Coulter Hills came into view in the distance and they were bathed in lovely sunshine!
View attachment 184486
View attachment 184487
Thankfully the main road remained quiet all the way to Biggar!
View attachment 184488
A closer view of the Coulter Hills at Biggar!
View attachment 184489
From Biggar I headed north for Elsrickle, grabbing a few photos on the way!
View attachment 184490
View attachment 184491
View attachment 184492
View attachment 184493
I went this way to have fun down the big descent before climbing up to Elsrickle, 41.4mph was achieved today! From here I turned NW for Carnwath on another fun rollercoaster road, with a few hairpins and many ups and downs! Then I had this big climb ahead, up through Kaimend and on to Carnwath!
View attachment 184494
From Carnwath I continued NW and headed up the big climb through Braehead before enjoying the descent down into the valley and then it was another climb up into Forth, quickly followed by another big climb up the back road into Climpy on lovely new tarmac! The road rises to just over 1000ft before plunging back down into the valley past the Blacklaw wind farm! I then took the road to Shotts and headed over the back roads to home past the Blackhill Transmitters again, thankfully there wasn't any flooding! 3 rides in 5 days after 11 days off the bike with almost 200 miles covered and over 14500ft of climbing, a rest will do me good now I think...
So I have now covered 35004 miles on this incredible bike, it has been 6.5 years of amazing riding since I purchased it and I hope to put many more miles on it in the coming years if it keeps going (and I keep going more to the point)
What a ride that was today, I'm so glad I decided to go for it! I just hope the storm won't do much damage tomorrow and put a dampener on things...
@BlackHand @Saratoga Dave Congrats on your new steeds guys, I hope you both have many years of fun riding them!
Edit.
..youve ridden 100%!!!
Saratoga Dave
Well-Known Member
Your numbers on that bike are amazing, Rab! When it dies Giant should have it bronzed and give you a brand new one! I’ve been at it a year longer than you, apparently, and I’m 10,000 miles behind you, for crying out loud, and that’s across six bikes now!
These exclamation points are fun! I never, ever get tired of you outstanding ride reports!
These exclamation points are fun! I never, ever get tired of you outstanding ride reports!
Mulezen
Well-Known Member
"No thank you...just taking a break."
And then she began to tell me how bicycles on the road scare her pointing out if she or her 90yo mother hit one they wouldn't be able to sleep at night. She spoke of the change in the county etc. People coming from Richmond to ride. I mentioned my farm was a mile or two away as the crow flies and I'd rode thousands of miles here etc...but she talked on until in the trough of the grade came a hay wagon. She left with smile and "nice meeting you."
The truck slowly pulled up, the driver, who looked familiar, says, "A friend of yours?"
"No, just a nice woman who spent what seemed like five minutes telling me she's afraid of bicycles."
"Hell...I could see you half a mile away."
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
The English Riveria
The Victorians nicknamed this coast in South Devon after the French Riveria, because of its gulf stream provided warm climate
and the ability for palm trees to flourish.
Of course the jet engine has long removed its popularity, so you have the empty carcass of grandeur which is desperately hanging on,
but slowly sliding into debt and decay.
It extends from Brixham to Torquay and doesn't remotely give off the vibes of the French coast, though of course in its heyday, cold weather was bracing
and sunbathing was for the poor,
You get strange mixture of grand buildings and dreadful 70s apartments
Obviously I'm filming out of season, so I'll forgive all the repair works, at least they are doing them
It actaully looks better in the pictures than it feels in real life, maybe I'm being over criticaland things would feel much better in a busy mid season.
Its a kind of scruffy malaise that doesn't come across in the video, it feels just a bit of attention to the small things would help
They are constantly spending millions, but like many English seaside resorts it has so many other problems due to their abandonment by tourism.
Which is made worse by the fact we have so many of them
Any glamour it ever had has long gone with the Victorians
But you can picka frame that gives it an exclusive look
You get to Torquay and straight away its menacing drug dealers clocking me filming
Long abandoned seafront buildings
Mixtures of decay and Victorian Grandeur
I have no idea what this actually is
The whole town centre is being repaved, which is a good thing obviously, but there's just something tatty about the whole place
Another abandoned glorious building, finished off by cones and carparking
The parks are still in good nick
Just little things that spoil the history and ambience like super cheap plastic fencing
These beautiful cliff walkways all have rusty railings and just a feeling of abandonment
Its probably that feeling you get after summer..
nobody on the road
nobody on the beach
This got a bit hairy, waves started coming in as I was heading for the exit.
It has plenty of cute parts, but they are outnumbered by tattiness
You can still spend a million on a cliff top apartment and there's no homeless on the streets like California, but it feels like a tired museum piece.
Well I ripped it haven't I, says me from Liverpool, which is the very description of past glory, any way my cousin says I missed lots of lovely
parts, but this was a three hour ride and I was getting tired.
The Victorians nicknamed this coast in South Devon after the French Riveria, because of its gulf stream provided warm climate
and the ability for palm trees to flourish.
Of course the jet engine has long removed its popularity, so you have the empty carcass of grandeur which is desperately hanging on,
but slowly sliding into debt and decay.
It extends from Brixham to Torquay and doesn't remotely give off the vibes of the French coast, though of course in its heyday, cold weather was bracing
and sunbathing was for the poor,
You get strange mixture of grand buildings and dreadful 70s apartments
Obviously I'm filming out of season, so I'll forgive all the repair works, at least they are doing them
It actaully looks better in the pictures than it feels in real life, maybe I'm being over criticaland things would feel much better in a busy mid season.
Its a kind of scruffy malaise that doesn't come across in the video, it feels just a bit of attention to the small things would help
They are constantly spending millions, but like many English seaside resorts it has so many other problems due to their abandonment by tourism.
Which is made worse by the fact we have so many of them
Any glamour it ever had has long gone with the Victorians
But you can picka frame that gives it an exclusive look
You get to Torquay and straight away its menacing drug dealers clocking me filming
Long abandoned seafront buildings
Mixtures of decay and Victorian Grandeur
I have no idea what this actually is
The whole town centre is being repaved, which is a good thing obviously, but there's just something tatty about the whole place
Another abandoned glorious building, finished off by cones and carparking
The parks are still in good nick
Just little things that spoil the history and ambience like super cheap plastic fencing
These beautiful cliff walkways all have rusty railings and just a feeling of abandonment
Its probably that feeling you get after summer..
nobody on the road
nobody on the beach
This got a bit hairy, waves started coming in as I was heading for the exit.
It has plenty of cute parts, but they are outnumbered by tattiness
You can still spend a million on a cliff top apartment and there's no homeless on the streets like California, but it feels like a tired museum piece.
Well I ripped it haven't I, says me from Liverpool, which is the very description of past glory, any way my cousin says I missed lots of lovely
parts, but this was a three hour ride and I was getting tired.
Attachments
fooferdoggie
Well-Known Member
bummer, I was waiting in the turn lane in the morning when a Google Maps car went past me on the left. so I was waiting for the update so I could see myself waiting on my bike. but the map is from a car going in the same direction as I was, but in the middle of the day. I am bummed. I have been caught many times on Google or Apple but always forget to check. this time, I remember, and nope. maybe it is just that since I am on a bike, I am invisible?
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
@Chargeride: Resort towns are usually depressing off-season...
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
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
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
RabH
Well-Known Member
Thanks Dave!
Thanks Dave, don't do yourself a disservice mate! 25000 is some going!Your numbers on that bike are amazing, Rab! When it dies Giant should have it bronzed and give you a brand new one! I’ve been at it a year longer than you, apparently, and I’m 10,000 miles behind you, for crying out loud, and that’s across six bikes now!
These exclamation points are fun! I never, ever get tired of you outstanding ride reports!
Giant have more important things to do, like a new road bike maybe...
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
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.
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.
This was the only drinking companion that we came across along this deserted road hopefully praying for cooler conditions.
We cross the border into the adjacent Shizuoka prefecture. A first by bike for Sai also.
The quiet solitude of the Fujikawa River.
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.
While there, we were able to see a rare view of Fuji-san peeking out from the clouds.
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.
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.
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.
We could see crabs frantically scattering back into their small nooks where they took shelter just below the falling stream of water.
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.
Another underground domon but this one was short and sweet.
More scenic eye candy to take in as we head for home.
One last hydration stopover at a convenience store and were good to go.
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.
@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.
Once again, we rode our bikes from homebase but on this occasion 73 km and back to the Rakuza road station in Fujikawa.
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.
This was the only drinking companion that we came across along this deserted road hopefully praying for cooler conditions.
We cross the border into the adjacent Shizuoka prefecture. A first by bike for Sai also.
The quiet solitude of the Fujikawa River.
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.
While there, we were able to see a rare view of Fuji-san peeking out from the clouds.
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.
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.
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.
We could see crabs frantically scattering back into their small nooks where they took shelter just below the falling stream of water.
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.
Another underground domon but this one was short and sweet.
More scenic eye candy to take in as we head for home.
One last hydration stopover at a convenience store and were good to go.
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.
@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!!
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Storm Ashley just grazed the coast, it was bad last night and still making good surf this morning, never turn your back on the sea.
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Amazing images, that has to be a trip of a lifetime.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.
View attachment 184550
View attachment 184551
View attachment 184552
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.
View attachment 184554
This was the only drinking companion that we came across along this deserted road hopefully praying for cooler conditions.
View attachment 184553
We cross the border into the adjacent Shizuoka prefecture. A first by bike for Sai also.
View attachment 184555
The quiet solitude of the Fujikawa River.
View attachment 184556
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.
View attachment 184557View attachment 184558
While there, we were able to see a rare view of Fuji-san peeking out from the clouds.
View attachment 184559
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.
View attachment 184560
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.
View attachment 184561
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.
View attachment 184563
We could see crabs frantically scattering back into their small nooks where they took shelter just below the falling stream of water.
View attachment 184562
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.
View attachment 184565
Another underground domon but this one was short and sweet.
View attachment 184566
More scenic eye candy to take in as we head for home.
View attachment 184567View attachment 184568View attachment 184569View attachment 184570
One last hydration stopover at a convenience store and were good to go.
View attachment 184571
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.
View attachment 184573
View attachment 184572
@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!!
Did you fight Ninja Mantis for your honour?
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
A lovely weather indeed!
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.
View attachment 184550
View attachment 184551
View attachment 184552
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.
View attachment 184554
This was the only drinking companion that we came across along this deserted road hopefully praying for cooler conditions.
View attachment 184553
We cross the border into the adjacent Shizuoka prefecture. A first by bike for Sai also.
View attachment 184555
The quiet solitude of the Fujikawa River.
View attachment 184556
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.
View attachment 184557View attachment 184558
While there, we were able to see a rare view of Fuji-san peeking out from the clouds.
View attachment 184559
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.
View attachment 184560
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.
View attachment 184561
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.
View attachment 184563
We could see crabs frantically scattering back into their small nooks where they took shelter just below the falling stream of water.
View attachment 184562
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.
View attachment 184565
Another underground domon but this one was short and sweet.
View attachment 184566
More scenic eye candy to take in as we head for home.
View attachment 184567View attachment 184568View attachment 184569View attachment 184570
One last hydration stopover at a convenience store and were good to go.
View attachment 184571
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.
View attachment 184573
View attachment 184572
@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…”
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