Monday 27 October (Kyushu island)
Strava Flyover Virtual Summary: https://strava.app.link/MkYTg95RQXbapp
Cold start to the days in the morning but steep climbs early on so warmed up. However, felt both warm/hot and cold at the same time on the climbs i.e sweating and feeling the chill on my skin.
Fortunately the legs felt good i.e. no apparent carryover tiredness from yesterday.
First 20+km ride of the ride profile was deceptive as contained some serious climbs and also average gradients misleading as can cover a wide range of gradients.
Then the main climb, long and steady ranging 7-14%. Challenging but doable. Kept to the inner edge of the road as there were severe drops with no guard rail and the debris could cause one to swerve if not careful.
Started the morning with Padraig but he went ahead on the main climb. Rode on and off with Henry and Brian, Rita and Barbara.
With a shorter distance but nearly as much estimated climbing as the day before, it looked like it was going to be a tough day but fortunately a number of tunnels meant that the actual elevation gain was nearly 1,000m less than the ride profile indicated I.e. Actual ~1,650m Estimated was ~2,500m.
Fortunate that the climbing was not only in cool weather but also mostly in the shade.
I was one of the last to lunch as had dawdled a bit on the descent – partly to take care of with all the debris but also stopping to appreciate the surrounds Lots of greenery and running water again. When too much green is barely enough. I was Last person out from lunch as 3+ riders decided to get a lift for the second half.
Relatively easy ride from lunch ~17km with one decent climb.
No chain malfunctions today – getting better at avoiding changing down under load – though this does compromise the most efficient use of the gears.
Felt really good about the day – enjoyable ride. Overall easier than the day before – shorter distance and less climbing. Also the chain issue seems manageable (before it was “fixed” enough to make it manageable it had been getting me down). Michael lent me his lock (as he was sharing Holga’s lock). So that solved that problem for me.
The group was spread out in 3 different guest houses. Sharing with Tony – traditional style mats.
