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Post by rocky on Apr 10, 2008 15:13:30 GMT 8
OISHI DESU NE! (trans: food looks mouth-watering!) great Tokyo Adventure you have! enge sashimi! hehehehe Wandie1024, After you told me how it will be if you padyak your Vision overhere amidst all cute and pretty young Japanese ladies walking city sidewalks, Mama Mia, I see you endoing often slamming to electric poles and steel barriers. Not that I don't trust your biking skills. But rather your being a ladie's man is prime suspect. But your Vision, just like Silver trekkie hardtail, will be an overkill for tokyo's smooth smooth pavement really. But who cares? We bike what we are used to and comfortable in = a fat tire mountain bike. How nam-nam the food here just for it being the real McCoy. I decided on Day 1 not to scrimp on expenses when it comes to eating the yummiest. Just like buying high end parts, buy and pay now and worry about where to get the money tomorrow.
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Post by Ben Dover on Apr 10, 2008 16:04:22 GMT 8
whoa! promo girl quality ba sir rock? koda kanmo parakitako, atatnako! (trans: take pictures so i can see, i can't wait!)
sorry for my improvised japanese. hahaha! ;D
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Post by rocky on Apr 10, 2008 17:47:22 GMT 8
whoa! promo girl quality ba sir rock? koda kanmo parakitako, atatnako! (trans: take pictures so i can see, i can't wait!) sorry for my improvised japanese. hahaha! ;D Please sir Tolits. Don't start me on taking pictures of beautiful Japanese gals instead of cherry blossoms (maskiko atatkana). I might forget that this is travel, food, and leisure - Lounge Area thread. I may even lose sight that this is PinoyMTBiker web page. Some may even misinterpret us as being D.O.M. Har Har Har.
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Post by Ben Dover on Apr 10, 2008 18:27:18 GMT 8
oh c'mon sir rock. anyway, i don't think they will be misinterpreting if they will call me DOM...i'm a proud Dirty Old Mountainbiker. ;D enjoy your stay there...regards
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Post by rocky on Apr 11, 2008 7:47:28 GMT 8
Cge na nga...sir Tolits. One ficture only...huh? I'm a proud Dirty Old Mountainbiker also. Today, Day 9, storm passed Japan altogether, and promises to be partly cloudy, with 30% chance of precipitation. Silver trekkie is sulking in one corner (making dabog) and begs to explore more of Tokyo. Feels like 47 F. 28km/h wind. I will see if sando and winter cycling jersey underneath black PinoyMTBiking jersey + wind breaker will be comfy versus chilliness of air outside.
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Post by hyperion on Apr 11, 2008 10:31:44 GMT 8
Thanks for sharing these lovely pictures Fapirocky! We feel that we are right there with you all the way! More please ...
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Post by mountguitars on Apr 11, 2008 10:51:30 GMT 8
Cge na nga...sir Tolits. One ficture only...huh? I'm a proud Dirty Old Mountainbiker also. Today, Day 9, storm passed Japan altogether, and promises to be partly cloudy, with 30% chance of precipitation. Silver trekkie is sulking in one corner (making dabog) and begs to explore more of Tokyo. Feels like 47 F. 28km/h wind. I will see if sando and winter cycling jersey underneath black PinoyMTBiking jersey + wind breaker will be comfy versus chilliness of air outside. ayos fafarocks! hehe. you rock!
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Post by rocky on Apr 11, 2008 14:32:12 GMT 8
Thanks for sharing these lovely pictures Fapirocky! We feel that we are right there with you all the way! More please ... Day 9 Thanks Hyperion for joining our adventure side by side with Silver trekkie. Do you mind if I show you this? I know it looks alien. But it is more civilised than where we dump when call of nature beckons up there on middle of deepest trails. Dozo. And I am so blessed that instead of touring Tokyo on Harley Davidson's I ride my querida instead. She is the elixir of youth that keeps me younger, healthier, and happier.
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Post by rocky on Apr 11, 2008 15:33:07 GMT 8
[quote author=mountguitars board=travelfood thread=1206046969 [/quote] ayos fafarocks! hehe. you rock! [/quote] MountG, Wearing sando and blue winter cycling jersey underneath black PinoyMTBiker jersey kept me warm against strong 25 km/h 47 F winds. Do you mind if I show you the competition (bicycles) here that Silver trekkie snobs and makes taray? Hoy! That is All Mountain bike quite common in Tokyo... huh. I have seen several so far. Don't belittle it...Silver trekkie. Made in U.S.A. yan! Chevrolet pa. The likes of Ford, Buick, and Cadillac. Teka. teka MountG. I discovered something. psssst. (secret) See them two high class poodles. Aba..aba...Dona! They have a Yaya pushing their stroller pa. But here is the catch. Secret ito huh. Censored pa. Wow! Haneps. High Hat restaurant. BMW and Porshe are parked in front. Punyemas. No wonder mahal (expensive) ang asozena in tokyo. Haaay. After 16 kms tour towards southern tokyo, carbo loading time. Where else but at US Naval Joint Services Activity - The New Sanno. What is menu of the day? Mongolian barbecue! Fill bowl to the brim with generous servings of prime quality lamb, beef, chicken, pork, turkey, sausage, and ham meat:) Fight coldness with hot steaming wonton soup first. Follow next with eat-all-you-can bowlful servings of Mongolian Barbecue. Kain na po tayo (Let's chow). total distance: 31.75 kms
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Post by rocky on Apr 12, 2008 5:01:43 GMT 8
Day 10. 50 F. Wind 4 km/h. Light rain I will be going to Navy Federal Credit Union inside United States Navy Base Yokosuka. I will leave Silver trekkie behind muna as Yokosuka is 65 kms away from central Tokyo of Shinjuku. I will ride JR and Keikyu train line. I will take some pictures and let you take a peek of what it is like to live inside Naval base. Taralets. Sayonara Silver trekkie. Stay behind apmt's balcony and view the park's treetops. Keep still. So Finish Line Dry Teflon Lube that Weekendrider made pasalubong to us of Kuya Arci will settle in on all parts so you will shift smoother, pedal easier, and ride quieter. Entrance to JR Shinjuku train station 10 minutes walk away from Silver trekkie's crib. This was when I got confused last week what to do...what to do? Nobody to talk to. Nobody understood English nor Tagalog. So I looked up the map of train lines colored orange, blue , yellow, and green. I needed to go to Shinagawa. Found Shinagawa on chart and it was color coded green. Chart said pay 190 yen to go to Shinagawa. Dropped 1000 yen on coin changer, out popped the train ticket, and the right change. Inside Shinjuku train station is bedlam. It is a maddening rush. Where to go? Which train to take? I remember train line to Shinagawa is color coded green. See the green line 14.15 on the board. Follow and be guided by that green color and you will end up on JR platform with trains going to Shinagawa. Common now. Keep on going. You are on the right track. Green line on above sign says JR train going to Shinagawa. Hurry up. JR train colored green about to leave for Shinagawa from Shinjuku. Jump in na. Doors will close any second. JR train lines are fast...fast pace that leave and arrive on schedule one after another like swiss clockwork. After arriving at Shinagawa station, approach ticket booth. Indicate you are going to Yokosuka. Bald teller will point at amount costing 620 yen. He points because you cannot speak and understand Japanese. Pay 620 yen. He issues you ticket good up to Yokosuka. Sign board says Keikyu train departs for Yokosuka 10:54. How do I know? I don't know myself how to read Japanese. So don't ask me. Bahala na si batman. (PinoyMTBiker never gets lost). Keikyu train arrives as scheduled at Shinagawa for Yokosuka.. Hurry up. Hopped in quick. Train will depart for Yokosuka as scheduled. Took a stolen shot while riding inside Keikyu train. It is impolite kasi to take pictures while inside trains. Train Tunnel in Yokosuka. Keikyu train arrives in Yokosuka station 65 kms away from Shinjuku taking 76 minutes. Navy shuttle bus at main gate drops personnel to various bus stops around naval complex. First destination was to enjoy Popeyes Louisiana Cajun battered chicken. It is thrice better compared to what is commercially available in Manila. As I promised, I took pictures of how sailors and marines and their dependents spend typical Saturday afternoon while on liberty at Navy Exchange. As you can see, quality of life ain't bad at all. Everybody is busog. A full fed sailor and marine can be a formidable foe.
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Post by jr on Apr 12, 2008 5:14:27 GMT 8
Rocky...you really enjoying life.
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Post by rocky on Apr 12, 2008 6:00:49 GMT 8
Rocky...you really enjoying life. Hi jr. After serving God, Country, and Corps for 24 years of blood sweat and tears as Marines, it behooves me to enjoy civilian life after retiring from "the sack". What better way to enjoy full retirement than to be full pledge PinoyMTBiker rider. Yesterday nga upon entering Emporium Family Restaurant of New Sanno, I took immediate notice that I made grand entrance of sorts when military brass wearing from bronze to silver maple leaf and full bird insignias frozed and looked at me while coming in and getting seated. It was not because I was wearing a Star or else every swinging dicky would have stood up in attention. But rather my wearing black PinoyMTBiking jersey while holding Fox camouflage helmet on my left hand and rugged backpack on my right hand made them glance my way. HhhMmm. Interesting. Perhaps, I concluded, I exuded aura of top of mountain freedom. Perhaps, and they knew, I was a veteran and retiree. Perhaps, there was something about black PinoyMTBiker jersey that caught their steely eye I deserve naman to be in heaven as PinoyMTBiker after serving in hell as Marine...jr...don't you agree...Sir?
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Post by rocky on Apr 12, 2008 20:48:38 GMT 8
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rainbow63
XC Rider
burn rubber not ur soul!
Posts: 130
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Post by rainbow63 on Apr 12, 2008 21:36:11 GMT 8
Padi rocky how are you na? Wish i can ride with you there will wait for you na lang. Godspeed
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Post by rocky on Apr 14, 2008 7:46:08 GMT 8
Rainbow63,
Cge Padi. Wait for me na lang. Ride with me via day to day postings silver trekkie will be doing.
Day 11. Sunday. Day of rest.
I heard mass at St. Ignatius Church in Tokyo...2.5 kms from Silver trekkies crib. It is the largest Catholic Church in Tokyo administered by Japan Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
St. Ignatius Church is significant for me because Fr. Rudy Fernandez S.J., my uncle, was the chaplain of the parish for more than 40 years.
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Post by gadgets88 on Apr 14, 2008 8:01:56 GMT 8
Papi Rocky!
The pictures are great!
Wonderful blow by blow account of the sweet adventures of the lone ranger!
Hi Ho Silver Trekkie, away!
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Post by arcireyes on Apr 14, 2008 8:23:48 GMT 8
awesome pics kuya rocky!!!!! as always thanks for sharing the stories and the pictures.....a real PinoyMTBiker peep travelogue to the land of sakura. we are getting ready for the 10th TOF which rolls out on sunday/april 20. PinoyMTBiker TOF volunteer marshals finished their last training day yesterday. looking forward to more of your pics brad., enjoy your Tokyo rides and ride safe always. SAYONARA
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Post by nell7806 on Apr 14, 2008 8:33:02 GMT 8
nice pictures... great places... girls... a very lovely trip... congrats Papi!!! more saki!!!
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Post by nikonographer on Apr 14, 2008 13:49:29 GMT 8
Rocky I'm so envious!!! Full documentary here. Fabulous!
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Post by rocky on Apr 14, 2008 16:04:12 GMT 8
Padi Rainbow63, St. Ignatius Church at Tokyo
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Post by rocky on Apr 14, 2008 16:48:17 GMT 8
Gadgets88,
Hi Ho Silver Trekkie, away! Can't stop Silver trekkie from rolling. Thanks for accompanying us on our adventure. Nothing beats it. Padyak na. At land of sakura pa.
Arcireyes,
Welcome sir arci. Can't help myself but bring PinoyMTBiker persona to land of cherry blossoms. At last PinoyMTBiker TOF volunteers were done training yesterday. I am looking forward to loads and loads of TOF pictures starting on April 21/Monday.
Nell7806,
More saki??? If you drink, don't bike. If you bike, don't drink. I will post more pictures na lang.
Nikonographer,
Thanks buddy for encouraging me to share more pictures of our adventure here with Silver trekkie in Tokyo. Coming from you, I am highly motivated to try and take more pictures. I am humbled really that you heaped praise on my efforts. If only I have an ounce of your photo skills, I would have done better. But as it is, I am the newbiest of newbie when it comes to photograpy. All I use is Canon A530 (similar to charlie_b_barkin). As nell7806 mentioned, digital camera is my only link to PinoyMTBiker back home. That thru pictures I share, you keep me company. Ergo, I am not alone.
I really intend to post daily. I understand this is the first time any PinoyMTBiker has hug a thread this long and this much. Moment I get hint that enough is enough (like the dong of a bell), I will stop posting asap. Then I will proceed touring solo with silver trekkie na lang...without you (my PinoyMTBiker riding buddies).
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Post by rocky on Apr 14, 2008 16:52:16 GMT 8
Day 12. 50 F. Wind 9km/h. Light rain. Check it out. Bikers have their own lane to use and to cross side by side with every pedestrian crossing in any street in tokyo. Haaaay. We can only dream. Only dream. How much we advocated. Nobody listens. Nobody follows. Everybody disregards. Poor poor PinoyMTBiker. And look at the quality of the road. How well packed it is. Of the highest grade of asphalt. No wonder Silver trekkie rolls like she were skating on ice. Do I need to rub more how bikes have their own designated parking slots all over Tokyo. Hello! I visited US Embassy Tokyo today to take care of some business. I picked up several USDA Prime Steaks at Hardy Barracks. I explored vast sophisticated facility of Roppongi Hills and enjoyed katsudon in one of restaurants there. Total distance: 17.29 kms
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rainbow63
XC Rider
burn rubber not ur soul!
Posts: 130
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Post by rainbow63 on Apr 14, 2008 22:41:04 GMT 8
Padi Rocky great pix all those food that you have posted makes me hungry ;D wish you could join the TOF on the 20th, ride safe, Godspeed.
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Post by rocky on Apr 15, 2008 0:33:37 GMT 8
Padi Rocky great pix all those food that you have posted makes me hungry ;D wish you could join the TOF on the 20th, ride safe, Godspeed. And all that food I took in meant more calories, less burning, and thus weight gain. Hay naku. Payback time comes during our trail rides after May 5 when you will leave me behind for sure. Trying to live up to the food qualification of this thread has its own drawback. But it is yummy. har har har I missed last year's TOF. I will miss this year's TOF again. I was able to attend 2nd to 8th TOF though. I saw how it evolved from less than 100 riders to more than thousand bikers expounding TOF's cause. How exhilarating as we control streets of metro and become its bossing for a change. Funny though Padi how Silver trekkie averaged 9 kms/h during her 1st day of exploring here. I was so careful, hesitant, and uncertain biking out then. Everything was new, different, mesmerizing, grandiloquent. And how I followed rules of biking here to the letter. On 2nd day, silver trekkie averaged 12 kms/h. I was biking a little more this time than just actually sightseeing like Day 1. I was still following rules of biking to the tee. But I was riding more than hesitating and stopping often as I biked farther. On 3rd, 4th, and 5th, silver trekkie averaged 20 kms/h. I didn't hesitate to bike towards the leftmost side of the street this time as Warlock advised me to do rather than to sticking purely on sidewalks where biking lanes are designated. I had solid grasp of rules of biking. I gained confidence more mileage I covered. I regained my bearing where true north is in relation to south, west and east. After 5th day silver trekkie averages from 23 to 25 kms/h. I took chances of being pasaway (breaking rules of biking and of the road). I am starting to swerve left and right and weave through traffic with prudence. I relied more on my compass than reading the map to reach my destination. Tokyo road configuraton is making sense at this point. I am really enjoying riding out to the max.
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Post by nikonographer on Apr 15, 2008 2:16:06 GMT 8
Oh heaven forbid! Your posts are very much awaited my friend! Your photography is excellent to say the least with various entertaining angles! It makes me feel like I am there as well and can't wait for the next chapter. Had I known you were into documenting your rides I would've planned earlier to do some photography/mtbiking trips with you. Anyway please keep on posting and when you get back let's cook up something. Ride safe and always have fun Papi Rock!
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katipzrider
Free Rider
SIGE SMITE PA! BIBISITAHIN KITA!
Posts: 231
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Post by katipzrider on Apr 15, 2008 4:27:21 GMT 8
OISHI DESU NE! (trans: food looks mouth-watering!) great Tokyo Adventure you have! enge sashimi! hehehehe Wandie1024, After you told me how it will be if you padyak your Vision overhere amidst all cute and pretty young Japanese ladies walking city sidewalks, Mama Mia, I see you endoing often slamming to electric poles and steel barriers. Not that I don't trust your biking skills. But rather your being a ladie's man is prime suspect. But your Vision, just like Silver trekkie hardtail, will be an overkill for tokyo's smooth smooth pavement really. But who cares? We bike what we are used to and comfortable in = a fat tire mountain bike. How nam-nam the food here just for it being the real McCoy. I decided on Day 1 not to scrimp on expenses when it comes to eating the yummiest. Just like buying high end parts, buy and pay now and worry about where to get the money tomorrow. Japan is so blessed for being a bike friendly country, I hope that Pinas will also do their initiative in promoting commute by bike. Im happy with my Vision after couple of months of upgradetetitis. hehehe! and the ladies there! hmmmm! by the way Yokusuka looks like that you are in a US setting except for those right-hand drive vehicles. It doesn't look like Japan anymore because is see signs there in roman letters esp Taco Bell. Just curious are they paying in dollars? You're looking good with ur PinoyMTBiker jersey there! ;D ;D ;D
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Post by rocky on Apr 15, 2008 14:04:31 GMT 8
Niconographer, Let us cook up something like biking Licao-Licao trails together. Let us do trails that will surely make your Turner and my Ibis Mojo smile. Day 13 58 F. Wind 9km/h. Sunny What a nice day to be biking out. Sun will shine the whole day. Sky will be clear. If I get lucky, I may be able to view Mt. Fuji from 45th floor observation deck of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building at Shinjuku. Taralets. Eversince Day 1, I found myself craning my neck looking up often to how tall, modern, and majestic are the buildings in Shinkuku. There are dozens and dozens of tall buildings in shinjuku. Above is Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (45 floors). If I get lucky and air is clear, I may be able to view Mt Fuji on 45th floor observatorie of the building. Silver trekkie. "Stay". I said... "STAY!" Bikes are not allowed to go up the observation deck. "Behave." Tough luck. We can't view Mt. Fuji today because city's smog didn't clear. Mt Fuji appears on the horizon by the right upperside of tallest building. Sigh. I get dizzy looking down. How progressive Shinkuju is...noh? You are so kikay talaga silver trekkie. Whole of PinoyMTBiker community knows you are having fun touring tokyo. But you don't have to sparkle and dazzle to show how Happy you are.
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Post by rocky on Apr 15, 2008 15:27:23 GMT 8
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Post by boredmdmtber on Apr 15, 2008 16:07:57 GMT 8
Sir Rocky,
Looks like you are having so much fun over there in Japan. I was too young to remember anything when we were stationed there for a couple of years.
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Post by rocky on Apr 16, 2008 6:55:19 GMT 8
Docped, Oh yes. I am having so much fun here. If I didn't bring Silver trekkie though, I will be restless by now. It is being able to ride a mountain bike daily (PinoyMTBiker's addiction) on unexplored trails that is making the difference. You remind me of my daughter who constantly asks me. "Daddy, how did Camp Pendleton, California, Yuma, Arizona, Millington, Tennesse, and New River, North Carolina look? Because she was very young then when we were assigned on said bases. I guess moment you visit again same playground you used to play in as military child, memories will be rekindled. Day 14 54 F. 4km/h wind. Sunny I will attempt to find a park northernmost tip of central Tokyo today. Looking at the map where it is located, this will be difficult to find because road system leading to the place is undefined and very confusing. What more if I am actually in the area na making sense of road map direction at the same time up to my forehead being cluttered by narrow streets full of houses and buildings. Being lost in new alien destination is what makes mountain biking so much fun. To hit the panic bottom feeling helpless and leaving your providence under the care of batman is its own reward/punishment. I know I will experience this later for sure. So wish me luck. I will snap pictures every 2 kms of Silver trekkies journey whether heading north, south, west, and east. 0 km. W 0910 Starting point. I am so motivated and eager for the venture ahead. Silver trekkie is finely tuned, cleaned, and lubed. Every two (2) kms, I will stop. Take a snapshot. Consult Tokyo Atlas city map. 2 km NE 0925 So far. So good. Looks like my plan of stopping every two kms to the dot and taking pictures and consulting Tokyo Atlas city map will work. I don't see how I will get lost via this process. I may be traveling slow. Pero I'd rather be slow but sure. 4 km N 0955 Advantage of stopping every 2 kms is I am afforded the opportunity to sight see. 6 km NE 1010 Taking it easy. Everything under control. 8 km E 1030 I took off winter cycling jersey underneath my black PinoyMTBiker jersey. It is not as cold anymore and I am starting to feel hot wearing layers of cycling jerseys. 10 km E 1101 100 meters more from where I took this picture is the T-intersection according to the map where streets are narrower (more of side roads). I have to be careful from thereon and have to consult the map more often to stay on the right track. 12 km E 1123 I got lost at this point despite stopping every 2 kms to consult tokyo Atlas city map. One wrong choice as I approached a fork on the road. I can't relate my position relative to the map. I was not able to retrace where I originally came from. It is that easy to get lost in tokyo. I cannot read kanji kasi. They all look strange like chicken scratch to me. So my last resort is to follow the river flowing south for reference. 14 km NNW 1145 Likewise I failed to go south following riverbanks. Passageway is blocked and is in the process of being constructed and not complete. I have to turn back again to retrace where I came from. 16 km SE 1202 I have to leave riverbanks and follow city streets instead travelling south parallel to the flow of the river. In the process rows of apartment dwelling are shown. 18 km ESE 1219 The bike is leaning on the river wall mismo. I try to stay as close to the river as it is my only guide to bring me back to Shinjuku. I am on the outer fringes of Tokyo at this point. 20 km ESE 1247 River is still on sight. Only problem is I don't really know where I am as map I am bringing is good for Tokyo only. I am outside Tokyo city limits at this point. As long as I follow the river, somewhere down I will return to Tokyo again and where river empties to the sea, I will know where I am in relation to the map. 22 km SSE 1305 I am on side streets parallel to the river... I think. 24 km SSW 1329 I failed to follow river from hereon. I just can't find the river anymore. I declare myself Lost at this point. I give up. My plan of stopping every 2 kms to be able to consult Tokyo city map so as not to get lost is a failure. I don't even know know where I am. I have to ask nearest lespu station to show me the way how to go back to shinjuku. I will stop taking pictures as this slows me down. I will use compass to bring me back to shinjuku instead of refering to the map. I arrived back to Silver trekkies crib 1610. Total distance = 46.70 kms Did I enjoy this venture even though I got lost? Of course...super enjoy. Fun of mtbiking is getting lost in middle of nowhere and being able to find yourself back to trails familiar. In my case, I was completely lost. I was at the complete mercy of batman. Hell, I am still lost in Tokyo as I speak. But thru the aid of compass, when in order to reach Shinjuku say go southwest, by all means, be dictated by your compass and go southwest, oblivious to where roads lead and turn. If the road waylays you, correct your bearing and follow southwest just the same. In the process of following the compass, I saw Tokyo in another light that tourist officials would rather not reveal. I passed through the class C neighborhood of town where it is not as develop and where basura (trash) are uncollected. I saw several rusty bicycle frames discarded on gutters. Oh yes. They have the homeless and less fortunate in Tokyo also just like in any city. Because Silver trekkie has gone astray, I would say I am a fuller tourist now than if I routinely followed "nice things to do and see" in Tokyo.
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