{"id":2635,"date":"2015-10-18T17:29:38","date_gmt":"2015-10-18T08:29:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/regex.info\/blog\/2015-10-18\/2635"},"modified":"2015-10-18T17:29:38","modified_gmt":"2015-10-18T08:29:38","slug":"last-months-particularly-epic-cycling-adventure-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/regex.info\/blog\/2015-10-18\/2635","title":{"rendered":"Last Month\u2019s Particularly Epic Cycling Adventure, Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n

This post picks up from “<\/span>Last Month\u2019s\nParticularly Epic Cycling Adventure, Part 1<\/a>”<\/span>, about a ride<\/span> that I took<\/span> with Nigel Randell and Andy Clark\na month<\/span> ago.\nPart 1 ended with us\nhaving reached Minetoko Pass (elevation 888m \/ 2,900') on a long<\/span> gravel\nroad.<\/p>\n\n

<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 32mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>200 sec, f<\/span>\/2.2, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nHeading Down<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

The descent down the other side was often very rough, and the rain continued, but it was worth it\nbecause the views and general scenery were often gorgeous.<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/5, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>500 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 30mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/4, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 38mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>80 sec, f<\/span>\/13, ISO 640 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 41mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/2.8, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\n“<\/span>Soft Shoulder”<\/span><\/span>\nwith a speed limit (12mph) that I'm sure we exceeded\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nSC-04E at an effective 31mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>310 sec, f<\/span>\/2.2, ISO 100 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nphoto by Nigel Randell<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

One thing that set this descent apart is that the forest it traversed seemed to be mostly original virgin wood,\nand not farmed ceder seen almost everywhere else. The ample<\/span> deciduous trees should make this path spectacular next month.<\/p>\n\n

<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 40mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>80 sec, f<\/span>\/2.5, ISO 500 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nA Nigel<\/span> in the Wild<\/span>\ncan blend into the natural surroundings to the point of near invisibility\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/5, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/2.5, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nConstruction in the Middle of Nowhere<\/span>\nflood-control stuff\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nSC-04E at an effective 31mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>25 sec, f<\/span>\/2.2, ISO 100 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nI Got<\/span> a Flat<\/span><\/span>\nphoto by Nigel Randell<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

There was a sharp edge across the road where the pavement restarted, and I hit<\/span> it too quickly and got a pinch<\/span> flat,\nonly the second flat I've gotten since starting to ride earlier this year. Like the first time<\/a>, it was raining as I changed<\/span> the tire.<\/p>\n\n

Eventually the road returned to civilization, only to be blocked by a padlocked<\/span> gate. <\/p>\n\n

<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/2.5, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

I don't understand how a public road can be suddenly gated like this... there was nothing to stop us getting\nhere, so why not let us continue?? We certainly<\/span> weren't going to spend the hours required to retrace our steps,\nso we went over the gate.<\/p>\n\n

<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/2.5, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

This let us out just east of Nomi Pass. It's an area<\/span> I knew<\/span> well, having done it on\nmy first big ride<\/a> last February, and three other times since.<\/p>\n\n

When doing a climb, even if it's cold and rainy, the effort you put into it generates a lot<\/span> of heat. But then on<\/span> the\ndescent, you can get very cold quickly, and with this long descent and my flat tire, by now we were pretty cold and\nmiserable. Unfortunately, the area is devoid of stores or other commerce for many miles, except, fortunately, one\nrestaurant in the middle of nowhere, the Iroha Cafe (\u3044\u308d\u306f\u30ab\u30d5\u30a7). Were very lucky to find the lady that runs the cafe\noutside accepting a delivery<\/span> when we rolled past. She wasn't open yet, but kindly opened up\nfor us.<\/p>\n\n

<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>60 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 1250 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nMost<\/i> Grateful For Her Hospitality<\/span>\nwet, miserable, and six hours into the trip\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>60 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 1600 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nWarm Tea<\/span>\nso very appreciated\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 2000 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\n!!FREE JUNK FOOD!!<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

She has big baskets filled with various cookies and crackers and treats, all free for the taking. When faced with\nsuch bounty, in the condition we normally arrive (cold and miserable), we always clean them out. I\ntry to<\/span> pay a bit<\/span> extra to make me feel better about having been such a pig.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

She was open for business by the time we left, and parked outside on the road was the logging truck of a customer<\/span>:<\/p>\n\n

<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>500 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nDangerous Load<\/span>\nthe pointy bits extend way<\/i> past the end of the truck, without so much as a red<\/span> ribbon of warning\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

With the clock ticking down and the rain still coming down, we decided to take the most expeditious route home,\nso headed east to Route 367.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 47mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/2.6, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nAnother Scenic Area<\/span>\ntaken while moving at 18 kph (11 mph)\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

Route 367 has the benefit of being a fairly<\/span> fast and direct route back to Kyoto,\nbut it's got a lot<\/span> of traffic and something like six or seven tunnels, which can be quite\ndangerous especially since they're on uphill segments, so you're going much slower than traffic.\n(Taking the road from<\/i> Kyoto makes it much less dangerous, because you're going downhill\nand so can travel with traffic.)<\/p>\n\n

Most of the tunnels can be bypassed by taking the old, steep, twisty sections of road they replace, but the bypass\naround three tunnels in succession was closed off. We decided<\/span> to give it a\ntry<\/span> anyway... roads that are closed to cars are often easily passable by bicycle (like this<\/a> and this<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n

I mean, really, just how bad can it be?<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/1.8, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nSo Far So Good<\/span>\nRoute 367 in the background dives into one of the tunnels we're bypassing\ntaken while moving at 20 kph (12 mph)\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 640 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nWell, Okay, This is a Bit<\/span> Messy<\/span>\nbut still entirely passable\ntaken while moving at 8 kph (5 mph)\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>80 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nUmmm...<\/span>\ntaken while moving at 17 kph (11 mph)\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>80 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nI Can<\/span> See How Cars Might Have Trouble Here<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

I was thinking to just forge ahead into the river, when Nigel beat me to it...<\/p>\n\n

<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 54mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>100 sec, f<\/span>\/2.8, ISO 1000 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\n“<\/span>Come On Lads, Let's Get it Done”<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 27mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/2, ISO 800 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nReluctantly Follows<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 44mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/2.6, ISO 1250 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nA Bit<\/span> More Dodgy Here<\/span>\nThe road surface used to be about where Andy's pant cuffs are\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 75mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/2.8, ISO 1000 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nNigel Sinking in the Gutter<\/span>\nat the side of the “<\/span>road”<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nAh, Back on the Road<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

Nigel took a short video of me slogging through the water, until I stopped<\/span> at a big<\/span> sandbar because I was<\/span> worried about falling off while clipped in.\nI didn't<\/span> want to fall, but particularly didn't want to fall on video. \ud83d\ude42 <\/p>\n\n\n

\n<\/embed>\nVideo by Nigel Randel<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nSafely Through To Dry Land<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

With all our fun adventures, time was really running short, so we decide to skip the next bypass and go through the tunnel.\nThis bypass (seen here<\/a>) involves a 100m<\/span> climb that we didn't have\nthe time for.<\/p>\n\n

<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/2.5, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

I don't feel that tunnels are particularly dangerous if you have good lights, but I seem<\/span> to be in the minority. In any case<\/span>,\nat least on Route 367, traffic seems to come in bunches, so we waited until a bunch<\/span> passed then dove into the tunnel.<\/p>\n\n

On the preview post last month I included<\/span> this photo:<\/p>\n\n

<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>25 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 3200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\ntaken while moving at 26 kph (16 mph)\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

... but that's been post-processed to bring up the light level.\nThis photo is closer to reality: <\/p>\n\n

<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>125 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 2500 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nCloser to Reality<\/span>\ntaken while moving at 26 kph (16 mph)\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

It depends on the tunnel; some are very well lit. (On a separate ride yesterday<\/a>, I ended<\/span> up taking all the tunnels on this route.)<\/p>\n\n

The tunnel above ends at the top of a long<\/span> descent, with both twisty parts and fast straightaways...<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>200 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nAndy Leads Us Into the Turn<\/span>\ntaken while moving at 38 kph (24 mph)\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>160 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nNigel Brings Up the Rear<\/span>\n(sorry about the missed focus on this one; my emphasis was on not crashing)<\/span>\ntaken while moving at 47 kph (29 mph)\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/a>\nPanasonic LX100 at an effective 24mm — 1<\/sup>\/<\/big>250 sec, f<\/span>\/1.7, ISO 200 —\nmap & image data<\/a> — nearby photos<\/a><\/span>\nFast Straightaway<\/span>\ntaken while moving at 61 kph (38 mph)\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

That was the last photo I took... the rest was just vanilla “<\/span>get home”<\/span> riding.<\/p>\n\n

All in all the ride was way more fun than its 99.8km would suggest. Fun folks,\nnew routes, forging a river.<\/span>.. what more could one ask for? Epic day.<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This post picks up from \"Last Month\u2019s Particularly Epic Cycling Adventure, Part 1\", about a ride that I took with Nigel Randell and Andy Clark a month ago. Part 1 ended with us having reached Minetoko Pass (elevation 888m \/ 2,900') on a long gravel road.<\/p>

The descent down the other side was often very rough, and the rain continued, but it was worth it because the views and general scenery were often gorgeous.<\/p>

One thing that set this descent apart is that the forest it traversed seemed to be mostly original virgin wood, and not farmed ceder seen almost [...]","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30,1,2],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/regex.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2635"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/regex.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/regex.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/regex.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/regex.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2635"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/regex.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/regex.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/regex.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/regex.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}