My first time bikepacking ever. Kyushu, Japan top to bottom over 2 weeks.

Hey I just wanted to share some photos and a video I put together of my first bikepacking trip in October last year. My first time doing anything like this and it was punishing.

https://youtu.be/8mo4cIfjGgs?si=NEJiPZy_m9s1X_qs

My pre-trip training was basically non existent as work and life stuff consumed all of my free time. No cycling in the 2 months prior, only being able to find time for my first test ride with my bags a week before my flight.

I spent months researching and planning. I wanted to start in Fukuoka but the flights to Osaka were cheaper. That was my first mistake has I had to drag my box all the way from Osaka to Fukuoka through all the chaotic Japanese train stations. I was exhausted before I even started.

After a quick day trip to a cat island off the coast of Fukuoka to warm up, I set off on my first day. This was the second time I had ever done 100kms. This day was msotly flat so it was largely fine. The second day, however, broke me. I am from Melbourne which is very flat, so I don't cycle hills at all. The second day was ALL climbing. I died. It was the hottest day in 120 years in Japan in October that day. I wanted to quit already.

After 3 days in the hurt box and making it to Nagasaki I felt the rush and sense of achievement of having cycled between 2 major cities for the first time. I had a tangible emotion to hold on to, and to keep me going. Unfortunately this is where my lack of experience unraveled me again. Only one full rest day before I set off on the bike again. Not enough to sustain my planned 5 day stretch to Kagoshima.

I was CRAWLING by the time I reached Kagoshima. But learning from my mistake I gave myself 3 days rest before heading to Ibusuki to finish my tour. The last 2 days were much more chill, and with all the extra rest days I gave myself I felt SOO much better on the bike and was able to enjoy the locations much more.