Okinawa

Hi Bob,

I plan to bike-tour in Shikoku and southern Honshu in Oct-Nov. Have you read Josie Dew's book, "A RIde in the Neon Sun"? It is about her bike travels through Japan, including island hopping by ferry and bicycle through Okinawa. Might give you some ideas.

Matt

thanks, i'll have to look that up. I'll be there for a year so hopefully I'll find plenty of riding to do.

Bob

When I read her books I thought to myself: there's a really good suggestion for how *not* tour in Japan.

If I was you, I'd do almost everything the backasswards from what she did, you'll have a better time.

eg. have a clue about what season it is, learn some Japanese before you arrive, don't cycle through the most built up areas if you don't like cars.

:-)

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by matt_w
Hi Bob,

I plan to bike-tour in Shikoku and southern Honshu in Oct-Nov. Have you read Josie Dew's book, "A RIde in the Neon Sun"? It is about her bike travels through Japan, including island hopping by ferry and bicycle through Okinawa. Might give you some ideas.

Matt

Well, I sold my bike a few years back and haven't really been too much into it since I joined the military. I'm stationed out here in Okinawa though, and really want to get back into it again. Anyone know of any shops out here? I'm trying to avoid having to ship one from the US. Also I've been pretty much out of the loop for quite awhile, so if there's anything new in the industry, please update me.

Jay

The last time I rode regularly before 2 years ago was in Okinawa in 1980/81...

As far as what to expect, I don't recall any significant hills, but most of my times was spent commuting on the southern half of the island.

If they still have them, look out for the metal grates over the binjo ditches when they get wet... they make the white painted lines seem pretty sticky.

I got my bike from someone transferring back to the states, so perhaps keeping your eyes and ears open for other cyclists getting ready to ship out could get you a deal.