#TDAIHJ Day 36 Naze to Koniya

Posted on by Mustbesomethingbro

Thursday 06 November (Amami Ōshima island)

The ride profile provided a good indication of the day, a series of moderate climbs (medium length and not too steep (some were around 10% for periods).

Strava Flyover virtual summary: https://strava.app.link/E5LRbWVq5Xb

A few of us had been wondering what time to set our alarms to ensure we were ready for the 5am disembarkation i.e. striking the balance between having enough time to get dressed, access the toilet etc. And not disturbing others too early. We need not have worried as the Captain/crew deemed that 4am was wake up time – lights came on and an announcement over the loud speakers ensured we received the message. 😀 I had slept fairly well, better than expected.

Disembark just before 5am – dressed ready to ride.

I had been congratulating myself for having done a thorough “idiot” check before I left the sleeping compartment and had everything with me, only to receive and alert from my phone later when on shore that I had left my AirPods behind. ☹️ I’d placed them in a small net above the bed. Unfortunately this was out of sight when standing next to the bunk and so I didn’t see it when doing the final check.

Breakfast at 05:30am in a nearby park (with a running track).
The TDA staff did an amazing job to have this ready within 30 minutes of disembarkation. They went the extra mile for the coffee drinkers and arranged to buy coffees en route at a Family Mart convenience store a few kms down the road.

Shortly after breakfast the bikes were available and by 06:30 we were able to set off. I felt good, despite the reduced sleep and the legs were well rested after 2 days without cycling. The ride profile provided a good indication of the day, a series of moderate climbs (medium length and not too steep (some were around 10% for periods).

Riding out of Naze.
There was very light rain for a short period at the start with residual evidence that it had been raining overnight.

The warmer temp and greater humidity were immediately noticeable however the weather was generally fairly comfortable except for some of the climbs after lunch when it was hotter and riding in the sun.

Signs of a good day ahead.
A welcome (but very long) tunnel, except our more scenic route turned off to the right just before it.
Frequent roadside traps

Explanation for the traps: https://kyushu.env.go.jp/okinawa/awcc/pamphlet/alien/mongoose_english.pdf

One of many such lookouts throughout the day.
One of the tunnels that we did go through (resulting in a reduction from the estimated amount of climbing).
Note the tropical foliage.
There were three main views: coastal, inland greenery, and the small/medium towns we rode through.
Our route was to the right ie the road less travelled as per usual. I misread the sign as “Snake the road” thinking it must have been the name of the road. A similar sign at another diversion clarified for me that it was “Share the road” indicating that there were bicycles, pedestrians, and wildlife users as well as cars.
Climbing with Holgate and Brian
What goes up must come down.
Our daily dose of construction work.
Exiting another lookout
The island roads are well signposted for the numerous natural highlights.
There’s something special about rabbits (?) on this island i.e. features in promotional materials/signage.
Refer to link above about the mongoose traps.
A portion of the view.
A kaleidoscopic view.
A cautious but enjoyable descent.
Coming into the lunch
Post lunch rode with Padraig (and Amy the “sweep) again.
Yachts in the inlet.
Some welcome shade as the afternoon warmed.
Croquet players in a park.
The colour (azure?) and clarity of the water speaks for itself. In which case there was no need to write what I’ve just written. 😀
Arrival Part 1a main hotel
Arrival Part 1b
Arrival Part 2 ie some of us were staying in an annex to the main hotel a couple of blocks away.

Finished around 3pm – just in time for check in. Sharing with Boaz. Usual shower and clothes washing. Then had gears checked by Amy at the bike clinic to fine tune them.

Family Mart dinner – spaghetti and Häagen-Dazs ice cream (small punnet). Read for a while before the early morning rise and long ride caught up with me.

All up a very good day particularly in contrast to what I’d anticipated (being tired on the ride from a lack of sleep on the ferry)

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