Friday 31 October (Kyushu island)
Strava Flyover virtual summary: https://strava.app.link/sWBYTdcCUXb
In a previous post I wrote how the ride profile could be deceptive.I also indicated that the duration and amount of climbing, were only two of the factors that impacted on how challenging a day’s ride might be i.e. the weather (temperature and precipitation) could also make a big difference.
Today’s ride validated both statements. For example: Looking at the ride profile above, you would think that the ride mainly consisted of descending and flat sections. Furthermore that the elevation gain (climbing was spread out over nearly 100km so the average gradient should be modest. However there were a lot of shortish but steep climbs. Some of the climbs were 14-16% at times.
Furthermore the combination of cold and wet weather, was psychologically and physically sapping at times i.e. making the ride noticeably more challenging.
Numerous clothing adjustments throughout the day trying to get the balance between dryness and not to hot/not too cold.
The rain eased off after a while so removed warm vest, then rain jacket and pants but left them off for too long when the rain gradually became heavier. So I got very cold in the lead up to lunch – especially as there was a lot of descending which added to the wind chill factor.
Arrived at lunch feeling very cold (and damp) i.e. miserable but after had something to eat and put on all my layers – warmed up enough to get going again.
Then I realised that they were shelters for protection from volcanic debris from the active volcanoes in the area.
May also explain why school children seen on previous days were wearing hard hats as part of their uniform.
Ferry, access to the departure complex looked daunting but worked out okay. I was the only bike on my crossing. Ferries departing in both directions constantly
Feel free to zip through this – especially when I am fumbling for the cash.
Stuff was hung up every where trying to dry what might be needed tomorrow
Drying regime
No long after we arrived the bikes were loaded once again onto a truck ready for tomorrow’s ferry ride.
Halloween dress up for rider’s briefing/dinner – some good costumes.
After a warm shower, dry clothes and a good dinner, I was able to put the weather challenges in the context of providing a reference point/contrast for the good days – the latter of which we have plenty.
I asked the hotel Information Desk, the options for convenience stores (to get some snacks for the next few days as were advised that options might be limited on the next island (Onoma – Takushima). The staff member showed me various options on a map on his iPad, then walked me to the front of the hotel and pointed out a Family Mart just across the street 😀.
That is a day to put to one side weather wise Steve
Mum would have described you as a little devil lol
🙃