Late Post. The following posts were transferred over from the archive of a different website's blog that I maintained that is no longer in use, Okinawabikelove.com
Folding Bicycle Maiden Voyage: Ishigaki Isand
3.14.2016
Folding bicycles are quite popular in Japan. All of Asia really. And Europe. At least more so than in the United States. Their ubiquitousness got us thinking. It sure would be nice to have a couple bikes to bring with us when traveling. So, after researching folding bikes online and prowling bike shops in Okinawa, my partner bought a Dahon Boardwalk and I opted for a Ferrari.
The nice thing about the Dahon, is that it fits inside a checkable luggage bag.
Our folding bikes maiden voyage was to Ishigaki Island. A 45 min flight South of Okinawa. After arriving at the airport we assembled our bikes, located a luggage transport service that brought our luggage to our guest house, and hit the road.
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| Stopped at an interesting Shisa Park on the way from AP to guesthouse |
It was a blast having the bikes. Tooling around the island on them gave us freedom from having to rely on public transportation and lack thereof. We both appreciated the independence to do things on our own schedule. Riding them made getting from point A to point B fun exploration rather than monotonous travel time. All in all, we are happy with the purchase and look forward to where we will take them next.
Aside from biking, Ishigaki is home of the highest point in Okinawa. There is a nice trail and hike to the top of Mt. Omoto. If the weather is nice, the snorkeling is unbeatable. Ishigaki is also home to one of two places in all of Japan that cultivates black pearls, Kabira Bay. There is a small but excellent museum there that explains the fascinating process. We stayed at Guesthouse Iriwa in Kabira Bay. Friendly staff and unique lodging options. Thanks for reading!
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| All Packed |
12.4.2014
Bike touring is a great way to take advantage of Okinawa sights, It's a low cost and adventurous way to spend a long weekend get-away. Over the past holiday weekend we were able to escape the commotion around American Village and rode our bicycles up North. Our first bike touring trip in Okinawa.
What did we Pack? 2 sleeping bags, 1 mat, 1 single person lightweight tent, 1 outfit to change into after riding, 1 change of cycling cloathes, 3 pairs of socks/underwear, 1 single burner light-weight stove and small pot, oatmeal, raincoats, 2 spare tubes, 1 spare tire, 2 mini pumps, 2 patch kits, 1 set allen wrenches, spoke wrench, tire irons.
Where did we go? We started at Camp Lester in Chatan. Our first day we rode through Motobu--North West of Nago to spend the night at a jungle oasis called "Beach Rock Village." Total milealge: 40 with the last 2 k climb into the jungle by far the most challenging. The second day we continued North. We pulled over at Okuma and camped a night before heading back South the following day because of wet and rainy conditions.
What was the best part? My favorite part of bike touring is the slow pace. I love the liberating feeling of waking up in the morning and knowing the only thing on my agenda is to ride my bike. The slowed down pace allows a special appreciation of the scenery passed along the way. Partner: Beach Rock Village and the fact that I did it! Especially the 2k steep climb up to Beach Rock.
Where did we go? We started at Camp Lester in Chatan. Our first day we rode through Motobu--North West of Nago to spend the night at a jungle oasis called "Beach Rock Village." Total milealge: 40 with the last 2 k climb into the jungle by far the most challenging. The second day we continued North. We pulled over at Okuma and camped a night before heading back South the following day because of wet and rainy conditions.
What was the best part? My favorite part of bike touring is the slow pace. I love the liberating feeling of waking up in the morning and knowing the only thing on my agenda is to ride my bike. The slowed down pace allows a special appreciation of the scenery passed along the way. Partner: Beach Rock Village and the fact that I did it! Especially the 2k steep climb up to Beach Rock.
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| Beach Rock Village Teepee |
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| Communal Dinner Shared With Other Guests Left These Two American Bikers Hungry |
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| Beach Rock Community Goats |
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| And Tree Houses |
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| Sometimes the Best Part of Biking is Who You Meet Along the Way This is Ken. He approached us at a beach spot we pulled over at for a rest. He was also on his bike. We especially appreciated his friendly enthusiasm for biking, his sharing his favorite place to bike in Okinawa-a place we plan to ride to on our next bike trip, and his simple yet brilliant home-made water bottle cage large enough to fit square shaped cartons! |
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| Another Curious Person Wondering Where We Were Headed With Our Loaded Down Bicycles |
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| Rainy Riding |
Although we turned around earlier than planned due to wet conditions, we had a great trip and will definitely be doing more "Bike Touring de Okinawa".
11.21.2014
Tour de Okinawa 2014
Tour de Okinawa is the biggest cycling event on the island. Every year, the challenging international courses attract professional cyclists from all over the world. As the weather starts to cool and the race approaches, the tense anticipation of this event shatters the language barrier. This year was my first year racing. I was proud to race for the team I regularly train with, Team Komesu. I participated in the women's 50 kilometer amateur race. Early on it was made clear to me that I was supposed to win the race. I competed in athletic events throughout high school and college and never was I told so bluntly to win a race. I understand Japan has a reputation of high pressure and high performance but I was surprised by how strong I felt it. I finished 4th. I lost the race in the final 50 meter sprint to the finish. In the end, I am glad the race is over and happy to be back at practice with out it's presence in front of me. Next year I will try the 100Km course!
