Did the entire Fuji 4 lakes route. Was fortunate to be on an absolutely clear day. Got a rental road bike from a company and got them to help me install my own gear on it like computer and extra bottle cages. Was supposed to go with my HRM and power meter pedals too but they decided to die on me the day before the trip, so there wasn’t much ride data.
Cycling overseas is so damn great. Back home I cycle always tropical weather in an urban city and mostly flat roads. But today I got to go out in autumn weather and I did so much climbing today, my legs felt like they were going to explode. There was a 10% climb I loved so much, I climbed up it and descended multiple times. Hardly experienced speeds above 60kmh on descents back home so this was absolutely fun.
Only problem I had was a mechanical, thought I had bonked so I stuffed myself with some energy jellies and snickers bars but they did not help. It was after 40km or so did I realise the brake pads were rubbing against the rim track. I could hardly pedal above 20kmh, but once it was settled it was business as usual. Would have completed the course faster if it wasn’t for this.
Roads were really bad, lots of potholes and cracks and there was even a little bit of gravel. In the future would have chosen a MTB or gravel instead.
If anyone is still contemplating riding in Japan, I wholly recommend it. Will plan to do Shimanami Kaido next when I visit.
by lemeneid