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Dodging a bullet (What was the route and how did you decide on it?…
Dodging a bullet
One of the best things about traveling in Japan
What was the route and how did you decide on it?
Gabriel
said
I wanted to see Mount Fuji before going on the main road. It added a few kilometres to the trip but it was a form of pilgrimage for me, as my girlfriends’ remains are there. Then the idea was to go through the mountains. I tried to avoid using the main roads as much as I could, so I used the GPS mapping application Komoot. It really simplified my planning.
What were the highlights?
Gabriel
said
I saw Mount Fuji on my first day. It’s a very impressive sight when you pass by the rice fields and you suddenly see its familiar shape. Passing through small old wooden villages on the Nagasendo road and following the Kiso River was also thrilling. Closer to Nagoya I spent the night in Magome. It’s a famous spot for hiking and perhaps the most beautiful village I saw on my trip. I also really enjoyed Inuyama, a town on the Kiso River with a beautiful castle and really nice main street.
How long did it take to plan the trip?
Gabriel
said
I did most of the planning at the last minute. I flew with Nok Scoot and paid for 20 kilogrammes of checked-in luggage, and there was no extra charge for the bike. I used a professional bicycle bag, which was pretty heavy to carry around, and not really convenient if you have to walk a long distance.
Did you need to physically prepare?
Gabriel
said
I’m not a very athletic person but I cycle to work every day. I think it’s a good idea to prepare yourself a bit, especially to shave off a few kilos before going. What I was not prepared for is doing a lot of uphill cycling. I was dreading it, as I had no experience, but I survived in the end.
How far did you plan each day?
Gabriel
said
I calculated the elevation, the distance and also landmarks I would want to see each day. The distances varied but on average I was doing around 80 to 90 kilometres a day.
What problems did you have?
Gabriel
said
I got a few punctures, usually in the middle of nowhere while going uphill. The weather was not very pleasant and it rained from time to time but I still consider myself lucky. Bear marks on the trees sometimes gave me the creeps but luckily I didn’t meet any bears.