Fools follow the map - dreamers find their own way!
All weather cyclist, do not care what my bike and clothes look like. Motorbike mirror and luggage attached to race bikes. Feels like flying a Passoni Topforce titanium airplane with a cargo carrier on the roof. Hoping that ugly salvage looking bikes don’t get stolen parking in shady Tokyo backstreets after midnight.
I love long rides with only basic planning, mostly adjusting on the way according to mood and mud, museums and people I meet on the way. Sometimes get disturbed by customer phone calls and video conference requests in the middle of nowhere. While watching the sunset I start looking for a place to stay, same day booking discount. Taking the risk to ride another 60km to the next city in the dark and maybe rain - who cares.
All you need is a passion for exploration, waterproof lights, power bank, hard! phone cover (otherwise the raindrops navigate and not your fingers) and raincoat. Out in the cold rain you will find happiness even in long dark tunnels (eg Hakuba > Itoigawa) as tunnels keep you warm and dry at night.
Only few of my long rides are recorded with komoot. Sometimes battery got empty while riding or phone overheated or I just forgot to press the record button. For basic navigation I use Bicycle Navitime, adjusting route towards interesting roads and places.
A rinko bukuro (bicycle bag) is attached to my bike for emergencies, but I hate using it and would prefer riding another 500km to the next ferry terminal instead of taking the bike apart and using the bag. Even riding 200 km a day - my average speed is very slow, lots of luggage and I stop a lot to take photos and enjoy where I am. Your life is happening NOW, not somewhen in the future.
December 11, 2025
@downhill Wow, cycling, fireworks, AND a party? You managed to squeeze three kinds of fun into one ride! I'm starting to think you're secretly a professional fun coordinator on wheels. 🚴♂️🎉🎆
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