Thursday 30 October (Kyushu island)
Reminder: The emailed versions of the blog posts may only show the still photographs and not the inserted videos. You need to select “Read on Blog” at the top of the email (RHS) to be able to see the videos.
Strava Flyover virtual summary – it’s a really cool way to get a sense of the day’s ride: https://strava.app.link/9U8Bd5RUSXb
Another cool (fresh) start to the day but only requiring a couple of layers on top, along with the arm warmers but not the rain jacket or leggings.
The legs felt good in readiness for the two main climbs of the day
Though the climbing was manageable, you know you a doing some serious gradients when anything less than 10% feels like a bit of a reprieve.
Despite the cool conditions I was comfortably warm doing the climb. Nonetheless still sweating a bit.
Constantly changing road conditions and the surroundings
As soon as I stopped climbing when reaching the lunch spot I quickly became cold so on with the rain jacket until resumed riding.
Originally it was anticipated that the raining 1/3rd of the second main climb (after lunch) would be more difficult (steeper sections) than the pre-lunch portion. Fortunately this was not the case i.e. easier than anticipated though not necessarily “easy”. Ian had kindly sent a message to the group on WhatsApp letting us know which was much appreciated.
Cool conditions continued after lunch which aided the climbing.
Joined Henry ato have an ice-cream and shortly thereafter Padraig and Amy (the sweep) did likewise.
A bit silly eating ice-ream, sitting in the shade, when already feeling cold on the decent.
Last 12km downhill to the hotel – legs still felt good. So fortunate with the weather so far on this riding tour. Climbing in the cool not heat and dry weather (except for one day which was light rain). Cold/cool can be offset with clothing. Whereas heat or rain more difficult to counter.
Indulged in the hotel onsen, which was a true onsen i.e. fed by that natural hot springs. Amazing ambience – especially the outside pool.
Celebrated 2 more birthdays Ian and Jay and then did the best we could with a buffet dinner in the massive hotel restaurant.
Woo hoo well done. Loving the updates/pics.
You wouldn’t get me out of the hot springs 🙂
Thanks Denise – it’s been an interesting trip
Those hot spoirngs sounds awesome. Is it difficult riding in the rain pants Steve?
The rain pants just rustle a lot – I wore them just to keep warm rather than dry as the legs getting wet doesn’t matter when it is warm enough.