EricinIkebukuro
Speeding Up
- Jan 30, 2011
- 414
- 16
So it's getting colder and colder every morning. I remember the horror of last years' frozen winter training, the ice cold hands/feet, and the dreaded ice on the road. It's only a matter of time before it is upon us. I've already started dreaming of spring when the sakura comes out and the days get longer.
Not only am I dreaming of spring, I am starting plans for a tour to Kyoto by fixed gear. I want to arrive just as the Sakura starts to bloom. Kyoto is roughly 460km away, so a pace of 115km a day should be easy enough with loaded down bike. 4 days out, 1 or 2 days in Kyoto, and 4 days back sounds just about right to me. This won't be a blazing pace like the normal tcc rides but a nice leisure ride. Lately its been all about training and racing but no time to just ride for fun. Touring and fun are what I love most about cycling, training and racing are just to stay healthy and get out the aggression (but this is a different topic).
My intended route is to head south from Tokyo until I hit the coastal road and take that all the way to Nagoya where I will start to make my way inland and hit Kyoto. I don't have a specific route yet, but that's why I am asking for advice here. I know coastal roads will have heavy traffic but until I get past the Alps, that's what I want to use.
accommodations: I have a 2 person tent that I am thinking of using to cut cost but perhaps an onsen/minshuku or 2 along the way and in Kyoto would be nice. suggestions?
Tools/equipment: what should I bring on a 10 day tour? I am choosing fixed gear because there is less things to go wrong on that type of bike, but still I gotta pack for any situation. Besides the typical flat repair kit, spare tire (I will use tubular tires on this ride), and a few chain links, what is good to bring along?
BTW anyone who wants to join me please feel free, we can plan together. Riding fixed gear is not necessary but please keep in mind that I will be riding at a fixed gear pace up and down the mountains we encounter(like I said before, leisurely pace).
Cheers
Not only am I dreaming of spring, I am starting plans for a tour to Kyoto by fixed gear. I want to arrive just as the Sakura starts to bloom. Kyoto is roughly 460km away, so a pace of 115km a day should be easy enough with loaded down bike. 4 days out, 1 or 2 days in Kyoto, and 4 days back sounds just about right to me. This won't be a blazing pace like the normal tcc rides but a nice leisure ride. Lately its been all about training and racing but no time to just ride for fun. Touring and fun are what I love most about cycling, training and racing are just to stay healthy and get out the aggression (but this is a different topic).
My intended route is to head south from Tokyo until I hit the coastal road and take that all the way to Nagoya where I will start to make my way inland and hit Kyoto. I don't have a specific route yet, but that's why I am asking for advice here. I know coastal roads will have heavy traffic but until I get past the Alps, that's what I want to use.
accommodations: I have a 2 person tent that I am thinking of using to cut cost but perhaps an onsen/minshuku or 2 along the way and in Kyoto would be nice. suggestions?
Tools/equipment: what should I bring on a 10 day tour? I am choosing fixed gear because there is less things to go wrong on that type of bike, but still I gotta pack for any situation. Besides the typical flat repair kit, spare tire (I will use tubular tires on this ride), and a few chain links, what is good to bring along?
BTW anyone who wants to join me please feel free, we can plan together. Riding fixed gear is not necessary but please keep in mind that I will be riding at a fixed gear pace up and down the mountains we encounter(like I said before, leisurely pace).
Cheers