Written by Dave Akune to Fukuregi camping, Shimoshima Island – (66k, 1,400m) Our hostel in Akune (Iwashi) had other guests last night, at least 5 other people.  I think I mentioned yesterday that the room partitions did not go to the ceiling.  So we were ready for a noisy night, particularly as a group of … Continue reading To the Amakusa Islands, Day 28 – October 18

Written by Dave Rest day in Akune Before I say much about today, I need to report that I managed to get all four of our brakes working again yesterday afternoon. I was afraid I didn’t bring enough brake pads with us on the trip, which would have been silly after reading Mart’s nearly daily … Continue reading Rest day in Akune, Day 27 – October 17

Written by Dave Yaeyama Park Camping to Akune – (54k, 480m) I was up again this morning for the sunrise, not as good as yesterday but nice all the same. At camp today, there was only one other person who bothered getting up. Somehow, I guess everyone knew that yesterday was the postcard day, though … Continue reading Highway 3 stress day, Day 26 – October 16

Written by Dave Makurazaki (Hinokami Camping Ground) to  Yaeyama Park– (72k, 970m) The day was bookend by two of the most beautiful campsites. Our site last night seemed to have low potential at first. But the hoards of Japanese campers were generally very polite and quiet. We met another couple of touring cyclists from Korea … Continue reading Campground heaven, Day 25 – October 15

Written by Dave Ibusuki to Makurazaki (Hinokami Camping Ground) – (46k, 440m) We splurged on the hotel brekkie and boy did the Ibusuki Royal put on a show. I’m sure everyone is trying of reading about food but today was really amazing. The photo below has all the usual standards but today we had a … Continue reading Rounding Kaimonjima, Day 24 – October 14

Written by Dave Cape Sata to Ibusuki –  (41k, 710m) All was quiet overnight at the Cape Sata campsite. Though sometime after dark and after we’d gone to bed another chap on a bicycle rolled in. He was quiet but there are absolutely no lights out on the road to the cape. I have no … Continue reading Friday the 13th ride, Day 23 – October 13

Written by Dave Kanoya to Cape Sata  –  (71k, 1114m) Ok, maybe not the end of the earth, but at least the end of Kyushu and as the sign at the cape says, the furthest southern point of the Japanese mainland. I know, there is no mainland, we covered that a couple weeks back. Four … Continue reading To the end of the earth, Day 22 – October 12

Written by Nancy Aoshima to Kanoya –  (107k, 960m) After our relaxing day wandering around Aoshima and a fun dinner we came back to our hostel to find that there were another8 people staying in our building.  Normally that wouldn’t be an issue, but there is only one toilet in the building and that doesn’t … Continue reading Downwind riding, Day 21 – October 11

Written by Dave Aoshima rest day We’ve had a relaxing day here in Aoshima. We were still up early as it’s hard to break a habit and tomorrow we have an early start so no sense in over doing it today, right Nancy? This is how fast we moved today Our first stop was the … Continue reading Aoshima rest day, Day 20 – October 10

Written by Dave Hyuga to Aoshima –  (84k, 437m) Our Hyuga business hotel turned out just fine. It was quiet overnight, dinner last night was acceptable and Japanese brekkie this morning was more than adequate. Nancy almost went for the western set menu but then reverted back to the Japanese set menu. I was always … Continue reading Drying out in Aoshima, Day 19 – October 9