2023-05-07 09:06
Some reflections on the trip around KyushuA week has passed since I came back to Fukuoka from my little cycle adventure. I can only say that I am missing it; waking up somewhere new every da… Read More
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1000mileschallenge.blogspot.com
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What’s my challenge? My challenge is to do cycle rides, some 1000 miles+. My aim is to travel by bike through different countries to raise money for charity. On my journey I hope to get a glimpse of other people’s hopes, aspirations and cultures, whilst pushing my personal boundaries and comfort zone.
2023-04-29 12:12
Wow, I can’t believe the day has come! One more bike ride, one more packing my stuff together, having breakfast on a campsite here in Kyushu. But what day was it going to be? The weath… Read More
2023-04-28 12:22
There is nothing better than waking up and knowing you can stay in your Yukata (morning robe/ house robe) and head straight to your rooftop onsen to wash and bathe; and so I did, just after… Read More
2023-04-28 00:50
The morning started with sounds from the forest birds and the small river close by gushing downstream. I got up around 7.30 and rekindled the fire. The big log had burnt down completely but… Read More
2023-04-27 15:51
I got up around 8.30, packed my bags, checked out and headed to the nearest bakery on my way to Takachiho Gorge, some 50km away from Nobeoka. The journey was pretty smooth and alongside some… Read More
2023-04-27 10:09
The day started fairly relaxed, in bed, with nowhere to go and nothing to do! I woke up around 8.30 and went to the nearest Starbucks which was like 30min away and a drive through on a big c… Read More
2023-04-25 03:03
This was a great nights’ rest on this forgotten campsite. The ocean waves provided a soothing backdrop even as far away as they were, past the local park and past the derelict outdoor… Read More
2023-04-24 09:37
Sunday mornings are the best. You can wake up in style, have breakfast or lay in. Not for me! I wanted to get as far north on the west coast as I could with the day’s cycle being a fai… Read More
2023-04-23 00:20
I slept ok, with the sound of the waves providing a nice backdrop. Eventually the surfers parked in cars some 100m away also got up and started chatting. I crawled out of my tent at 7… Read More
2023-04-21 23:41
The day started early. I couldn’t sleep till 2am and was awake by 6, with my room buddy waking up and getting up at 6.30. Not much sleep but hey. I laid in bed for another hour o… Read More
2023-04-21 00:38
The day started around 6.30, as usual. I got up around 7am and made full use of the sun to dry my clothes from yesterday, so some exercise and stretching and meditate for a bit. It was… Read More
2023-04-20 00:35
The night wasn’t so great as I seemed to have slept very little, waking up 3-4 times to check the watch and whether it was time to get up. It wasn’t… whilst I had th… Read More
2023-04-19 01:34
The day started, as usual, early at around 7am. I was awake like 3x in the night and I wonder if this interrupted sleep is doing anything to me. The first thing I did was take a dip in… Read More
2023-04-18 01:21
After my night out I woke up around 6.30, way too early for my liking. I’ve packed my bags checked with reception to get a trolley and then went to write my blog. I wanted to check the… Read More
2023-04-17 01:52
The day day started, as usual…6.30am despite only getting to bed after midnight. I don’t know why my body doesn’t want to sleep any longer?! Could have also been the… Read More
2023-04-16 05:01
The days started annoyingly early again at around 6.30. I could have totally slept some more but I just woke up and couldn’t get back to bed. I tried sleeping again and rested for anot… Read More
2023-04-14 14:18
The weather forecast for today was mainly rain. After packing my tent away and picking the route, mainly along the coast so to avoid mountain roads and steep climbs as my lower back wasn&rsq&hell…Read More
2023-04-14 13:13
Moderate day cycling with some alpine climbs and full blast sunshine and eventual sunburn on my legs and arms. Cycling from:Imarin beach to Imari (Arita Hidden Pottery Village) 16kmArita to… Read More
2023-04-13 01:08
Todays route was a series of “lets just check this out”, starting fromDainyū (10am) to Karatsu Castle 19 kmKaratsu to Tategami rock 12 kmTategami to Hamanoura 14 kmHamanoura… Read More
2023-04-12 00:16
This was the day, the real cycling adventure would start, leaving the safety of the big city and the hotel. I woke up super early again, around 3am and unable to sleep until 5am. Then I must… Read More
2023-04-11 11:09
The day started annoyingly early again around 4am or so, unable to sleep much longer. I stayed in bed, awake for another 2h or so trying to fall asleep until I had enough of it at 6am. The w… Read More
2023-04-10 08:57
The day started early again as I couldn’t sleep longer than 3.30am. After much tossing and turning I think I slept another hour from 5-6am before finally getting up and doing some more… Read More
2023-04-09 05:17
The day started relatively early, after a good rest and sleep till 8am. Maybe I’m already over my jet lag as this was a good nights sleep! I had 3 main missions today:1. Go to Shinagaw… Read More
2023-04-08 09:26
Day one started off the break started with my flight to Japan. After rebooking it 3x with JAL to change both my flight there and my return flight, I was finally making my way to the airport… Read More
2023-03-26 18:36
It’s time again to pack my bags for another trip to Japan. This will be my longest consecutive stay in Japan with 3+ months. The original plan was to take 3 months off completely but t… Read More
2019-10-22 08:17
The day started relatively early, after a good night's rest in the hotel, near the Geisha-District (a shopping, restaurant and party/ tourist district) in the north of Kyoto, I had the usual… Read More
2019-10-15 06:36
The morning started like so many mornings, getting up, some exercise, porridge for breakfast and packing my stuff up. The plan was to check out Omicho Market, the famous fish market in Kanaz… Read More
2019-10-11 02:11
The name "Kanazawa" (金沢, 金澤), which literally means "marsh of gold", is said to derive from the legend of the peasant Imohori Togoro (literally "Togoro… Read More
2019-10-10 08:59
The day began early, at 4am. Unable to go back to bed I tossed and turned for a other 2.5 hours before eventually getting up. The plan was, pack my stuff for the next 6 days and go to Tokyo… Read More
2019-10-05 03:54
This time 10 yesrs ago, in 2009, a warm afterglow of the recent Japan trip still lingers. The magic of the trip, travelling by bike for over a 1000 miles across Japan was my first big solo a… Read More
2018-09-30 12:27
My time in Sapporo just a week ago was already memorable and I was so keen to come back. The city is lively and I made new friends here thanks to Hata San, the Buddha bar owner, who dragged… Read More
2018-09-27 02:55
The day started early, as usual as I couldn’t sleep any longer than 6am. I tried but it wasn’t possible the hostel room was too warm and people were getting up too at 6.30. I tol… Read More
2018-09-25 10:31
After another bath in the evening, I thought I’d be knocked out and at least sleep till my alarm clock wakes me up. Nope. 6.30...again. Oh well. I got up at 7, packed all my freshly wa… Read More
2018-09-25 09:36
This morning I woke up at 6am, again. Yesterday was pretty late as I finished the blog at around 11pm. With no shower or onsen I felt pretty terrible. It’s the one thing I look forward… Read More
2018-09-24 10:20
The day started early. By 6am I was awake and by 6.30 I got up, which was 30min before breakfast was coming to my room (that’s how it’s done in the Japanese Ryokan), where all me… Read More
2018-09-23 13:40
Probably one of the toughest days of cycling yet. It didn’t look like it and with 64Km to my intermediate stop (Wakoto Hot Spring), right in an old vulcanic mountain lake, not too bad… Read More
2018-09-21 13:54
There was nothing better than waking up on that campsite on this lovely morning. I was only one of two campers and the other guy was already picking up when I emerged from my tent at 8am. He… Read More
2018-09-20 23:00
Day 11 started as day 10 ended, in my tent. The 2 older guys got up early and started chatting and having breakfast around 6am! I turned around for a bit but couldn’t really fall aslee… Read More
2018-09-19 12:39
Today marks the 10th day of my journey. I’m pretty much also right in the middle of the island after a relatively short 64Km ride to Kamikawa, totalling now 650 or so kilometres. The s… Read More
2018-09-18 14:09
The day started around 8am in the little self-catering hostel/ hotel. As I had no food with me that I could prepare I just had lots of water (like 4 cups) and 2 coffee before setting off aro… Read More
2018-09-17 22:38
This is a short one. Just too tired to write after 115Km. I tried using Google maps “walking” function which was much better than the “use car” one. There were 2 part… Read More
2018-09-16 15:12
Today was still a much needed rest day. Yesterday’s short cycle trip and roaming around the place told me I wasn’t ready for serious mileage yet. My lower back and thighs are pre… Read More
2018-09-16 01:57
It seems that my blogging is hitting a glitch I cannot fix. I’m using Pages on the iphone, then upload the text to BlogTouch to insert pictures and to upload to Blogger (under drafts)… Read More
2018-09-15 05:28
Day 5: 105Km Capital City, here we comeToday, in hindsight, was the most gruelling day so far. I had very little sleep, again, thanks to the nonexistent air mattress and the beach is harder… Read More
2018-09-13 12:55
The morning started with the alarm clock going off at 7am. I’ve stayed up till midnight to write blog, check some mandatory emails and charge some of my kit before heading to my camp s… Read More
2018-09-12 14:25
The morning started in style at the onsen hotel. Typical Japanese breakfast (rice, miso soup, picked veg, some fish, some egg) with 2 extra scrambled eggs and 2 cups of coffee got me ready f… Read More
2018-09-11 12:28
What a night. I remember sleeping on the floor isn’t that bad. But only if the air mattress does it’s job, and it didn’t. It’s got a puncture and so the night was spe… Read More
2018-09-11 12:28
Another night, sleepless in Japan. It’s been the 3rd time now and to say the least, it’s really tiring. At 6am I couldn’t be bothered anymore and I got up to pack my things… Read More
2018-09-10 13:46
Another night, sleepless in Japan. It’s been the 3rd time now and to say the least, it’s really tiring. At 6am I couldn’t be bothered anymore and I got up to pack my things… Read More
2018-09-09 15:34
Tomorrow is the day! Tickets are bought for the morning Hayabusa Shinkansen (bullet train). It has got to be one of the coolest trains ever. Here's a little video what it looks like - I cann… Read More
2018-09-08 05:46
Apologies already. This post is more of a brain dump, allowing me to deal with last night's insomnia. Having slept 14 or 15h straight the night before, I was absolutely unable to sleep a sin… Read More
2018-09-07 16:54
With Hokkaido in turmoil, I had to figure out what to do next. When I checked in the early morning, the bullet train wasn't running all the way to Hakodate (Hokkaido) yet. So, after quickly… Read More
2018-09-06 11:59
After a relatively uneventful flight, with some sleep, some diary writing and 2 movies I've arrived in Tokyo this morning. I had to wait until they brought my bike, which I was very happy ab… Read More
2018-09-04 18:28
One of the biggest Typhoons in nearly 30 years has hit Japan's Southern and Central parts. And it hit it hard with almost 10 people deal and over 150 injured.The storm was brewing in the Phi… Read More
2018-08-17 20:19
Hokkaido - Solo RoundtripThe next adventure is about to begin. Almost 10 years later, I shall go back to Japan for another 1000 Miles Challenge.Tokyo to Hakodate (Hokkaido) by bullet trainTh… Read More
2013-04-19 18:25
the beginning of something can happen at any moment. sometimes its possible to know what is coming, other times its 20 seconds warning, or less.are beginnings fully planned and is there an e… Read More
2012-08-25 21:48
My long-time cycling buddy Deuan German cycles across the Alps to reflect on the life and work of his father and CEN director Gerry German. Everyone who was fortunate to meet Gerry knows he… Read More
2011-04-27 10:48
WOW, its been a while since posting here. Well, my friend Deuan and myself have been eagerly discussing this year's 1000 Miles Challenge - and we found it. I can't speak about it yet but wil… Read More
2010-08-04 21:12
Hampton Court - Aylesbury - Balham (London)Deuan and myself started out at Hampton Court (10.25)via Heathrow, Uxbridge, BeaconsfieldHigh Wycombemotoring alonggot to Aylesbury at 13.05 and n… Read More
2010-07-20 08:07
This ride is part of 3 challenges to test SKINS C400 bib shorts, Cycle Pro Short Sleeve Jersey and C400 compression baselayer. Not that we wouldn't have done the rides anyway - we now had a… Read More
2010-07-14 08:38
Brixton to Brighton (detour) This ride is part of 3 challenges to test SKINS C400 bib shorts, Cycle Pro Short Sleeve Jersey and C400 compression baselayer. Not that we wouldn't have do… Read More
2010-06-03 23:25
We got up at 6.30, woken up kindly by Oli! Most of our things were prepared for a timely departure the evening before. All we now had to do was to have a quick wash, have breakfast,make sarn… Read More
2010-06-03 13:48
We stayed in an independent youth hostel, south of Loch Ness, near Invergarry. The rooms, facilities were ok and we even had access to free Wifi, something we struggled to get anywhere else… Read More
2010-06-03 13:44
WOW – the final day of our 1000 Miles Challenge!!! I can’t believe we’re here. Breakfast was rushed this morning, as we needed to get going hoping to avoid the oncoming ra… Read More
2010-05-31 22:36
got up nice and early after getting to bed very late. The lads went to the pub that evening having a swell time with the locals but I stayed back and write bog, before its all lost along the… Read More
2010-05-31 00:31
....we've covered some distance already...WOW!!! we got up this morning at 6:13am, packed up our stuff, had breakfast, asked Ian to pack our things together, gave him detailed instructions o… Read More
2010-05-31 00:23
ahhh, my rest day. After yesterday's ride I really had to take a day off cycling. My mission for the day was to support the riders and also to film. We headed to Kirkstone Pass (Lake Disctri… Read More
2010-05-29 22:36
The morning started with a wake up call from Damian at 6.45. We were all shattered but we had to move on. We were on a mission. I had already decided not to cycle today as my behind was givi… Read More
2010-05-29 22:29
...and here came another 110miles ride. We woke up around 6.45 to get our stuff ready in our luxurious rooms. Breakfast was from 7.30 and we aimed for a 9am start. It was really hard getting… Read More
2010-05-27 07:35
And the journey begins...after weeks and months of preparation the day has finally arrived. Yesterday night was still pretty busy with last minute preparations to get bike and provisions sor… Read More
2010-05-27 07:30
this day was going to be a tough challenge. 130miles through Cornwall an Devon, heading towards Glastonbury. We left pretty much on time but again the group split into two and Damian, Oli, m… Read More
2010-05-27 07:28
The night at the YHA went by very quickly. I woke up at 5am, slept, woke up at 6 again, fell asleep, then finally got up at 7am. Oli was already out and about and so was Damian and his girlf… Read More
2010-05-19 20:12
...it probably goes without saying that journeys of such character need preparing. There are a thousand and one thing to be thought of. It goes from rough planning, then into detail here and… Read More
2010-05-16 17:32
...our so very last training rideToday was to be our last training ride. We (all) agreed to meet on Saturday rather than Sunday to do some miles to conclude our training for next week's chal… Read More
2010-05-13 18:08
And here it is. My new training bike...This beauty (Diamant Mens Bicycle) was bought in the 1960's by my father for 1.50 DM (Deutsch Mark) from the local pawn broker. I picked it up from Ger… Read More
2010-03-02 23:14
And here we go AGAIN - the 2nd 1000 Miles Challenge is under way. Damian, Dirk, Jorrin, Deuan and Ollie are setting off on 22nd May 2010 from Lands End to John O'Groates. We plan to get this… Read More
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