Day 48 - From Kagoshima to Fukuoka, The Last Sprint

10/10 & 11/10

Bonus Stage!! So as mentioned before I was supposed to take the Shinkansen to Fukuoka, but because I didn't want to go through the hassle of bringing a bike on the train I thought I might as well bike the last bit home. Then I was supposed to sleep somewhere close to Kumamoto city, but as I didn't really fancy waking up to bike yet another day I decided to "work overnight" so to speak. This is how it all began:

Taking the 12 hours package at the manga cafe was a good idea, I was well rested and had had the time to play around with the computer and so on, usually it was one or the other, haha. I set out at 8 o'clock not knowing anything other than what cities I had to go through in order to go to Kumamoto.

The weather was lovely and my shoes were dry in no time while I biked so I had that going for me. I still had the feeling of yesterday's trip in my legs and arms, but knowing that it would soon be over I hurried along the coastline with the rising sun over Sakurajima, it was a beautiful day indeed.

I got to Aira, the city before the mountains I had to go through. I was feeling good despite everything and even though I got kind of lost, (taking the wrong roads, but still ending up finding the way in the end), I was happy not to have taken the Shinkansen home.

And the mountains were as awe-inspiring as always. But somehow my feeling towards them had changed. Yes it was tough to go over them, but while looking down on the asphalt or looking on the endless road ahead of me, I found the strength to continue. Indeed it was the feeling of the last day. The bonus stage. My victory road.

I had two mountain ranges to cross and after the first one I needed a short break at a restaurant. I have wondered what people think when they see me in the setting of a restaurant wearing my bike clothes. People always look, but no one ever asks about why I'm there inside the restaurant. In front of the super market they don't seem to have a problem with asking though. I wonder what is so different.

I made terrible time through the next mountain range, but it was all according to plan. That's what I was telling myself, there was no plan. I didn't really know how to finish of my trip, but I thought if I just kept going forward I would reach not only the finish line, but also an idea of what I was to do.
(Deep stuff, right?)

The sun was setting and I still had some 50 km. to Kumamoto. I was still able to continue and I didn't want to go all the way to Kumamoto city since it would be a detour. Or rather if I went to Kumamoto city it would be a detour if I wanted to avoid the mountains. And I really wanted to avoid them this time around. Biking through them in the middle of the night wasn't a part of my plan.

So I went around the mountains along the coastline. There were some smaller cities and some street light along the roads so it wasn't completely dark. But with more than 100 km. to Fukuoka and going from city to city was beginning to get a bit old. I was going to fall asleep if this continued.

I could sleep while biking that I'm sure. If something happened like I crashed or something I would fall asleep right away, haha. But I stopped at several stores and bought something to eat in order to get new energy. The rice balls and micro wave food wasn't cutting it anymore so the last stop I made I bought breakfast instead. The biggest yogurt and granola I could find and a bag of bread. I ate the whole thing after that I wasn't sleepy anymore. My guess is that I consumed more than 1500 calories, whatever the case it worked though.

I biked. To quote Fight Club. I biked and my muscles burned and my veins were pumping battery acid. Then I biked some more. The choice of just finding a place out of the way, pull out my sleeping bag and then get some hours of sleep before the sun got up was tempting. That choice got more and more real. But there was no tomorrow anymore. The last sprint indeed. I was standing on my bike more than I usually would because my legs and bottom were hurting.

It must have looked crazy as I ran through the city with only one thing on my mind: finally finishing what I started more than 48 days ago, the biggest journey I had ever been on. I reached my goal. Ayana was up and answered the door, I took a shower and went to sleep for 7 hours. I'm feeling fine right now, my head is a bit empty, like I have all these thoughts, but they are just lingering in the back of my mind, making way for the one thought I can't help but think: I did it, I don't have to bike anymore.

I'm going to miss it though. The life of being a traveler, not knowing what will happen around the next corner, not knowing tomorrow. It's more real than anything else I have tried so far. I don't have to be someone, I can be anyone. And I was. I'm ready to start a new life though. Together with Ayana! This will be my next journey. Maybe one day I'll write a blog about that!

Finally I want to say thank you to all the people who helped me here in Japan, to the people who cheered on me, who read my blog or Facebook posts. To the people who believed that I could make it and to the people who thought it was impossible. I want to say thanks to my family for letting me go without making it too difficult, I know it must have been hard for you and you must have worried a lot, but you understood that I had to do it. I want to say thank you to Ayana for waiting for me. She puts up with a lot of my silly ideas and I know that. My trip would have been very different. I'm not sure I would have pushed myself like I did if she wasn't waiting for me. She has been the best motivation for me!

My trip ended at 4350 km. That's 500 km more than I anticipated. I guess sightseeing and detours make up most of those 500 km, but I did change some parts. But usually that meant adding kilometer more than cutting them off. And I could have done it faster, but meeting friends, sightseeing and of course staying with Ayana for some time was more important than finishing as fast as possible. I reckon I could do it in 35 days, and I'm not sure it would be more tough without the breaks actually. I just needed to plan the route and stops better.

I wonder if I found myself during this travel. It's still to early to say. And maybe it's okay if I didn't, haha. Thanks for reading this far!

People with questions are welcome to email me  (schultzanders@live.dk).

Distance: 309km.
Time: 16.25 hours
Condition: Ready for the next adventure!
Quote: Nothing is impossible with the right frame of mind

Day 47 - To hell and Back

9/10

Having found a place to sleep, after much searching around, I was quite satisfied. I had a roof, a bench and someone else was also planning to sleep in the there, I guessed. I had no idea what the place was used for, but it had plenty of benches and a really big roof, but no walls and the floor was replaced by sand. I suspected the place to be an old building that no one used anymore or a sports arena of some sort, but I didn't care enough to find out and I went to bed.

I woke up because of the RAIN.. and the WIND! It was like a storm and I had to crawl away from the middle of the bench and hide behind one of many pillars holding the roof. After 30 minutes it stopped and I went back to sleep, it was still only 3:00.

At 5 I heard foot steps. I thought that I would find out which it was, a building I was not allowed in or a sports place. The man walked right pass me and I went back to sleep, no need to hurry, I had 1 hour more to sleep in. Not 2 minutes after that I heard foot steps again... I began to question myself. The frequency of the foot steps changed, I heard more and more people walking around. I turned over and saw the silhouettes of people walking around and around.

I guess they were exercising, but oh well, I still had some time to sleep. at 6, after the sun began to rise, I woke up, answers some questions to the people who walked and then left in the rain for Sata Misaki. I guess I was still sleeping, I managed to miss a turn and added 10 km. to my day. Great.

More hills and mountains and I had the feeling of "are we there yet", but in a bad way. There was little joy to be found in my situation other than if I kept going, my day would soon be over and therefore suck less. I made slow progress and my feet started to hurt. My shoes were soaked and the combination of wet shoes, overworked legs and mountains made my feet, especially my toes hurt a lot.

I came through numerous cities that I had no idea existed when I finally came to the last tourists stop. I thought. From here I had to take a shuttle bus due to some construction work. I was annoyed and scared that my trip might have been all for nothing. I asked the man working there whether the bus would take me to Sata Misaki. He did not give me the answer I wanted, and I was too tired to be playing games so I asked again. "Sata Misaki?" He pointed to the bus and I smiled, hopped on the bus and hoped that I would end up where I wanted.

Now, the road was under no construction. Nothing was going on, I was thinking that I saved a few kilometers, but then again.. Right? We came to the last part of the road, from here we had to walk on foot. I rushed all the way to the last part of the road.. A sign saying construction work in progress, sorry for the.. Whatever. When the last people from my group went back I jumped over the fence and proceeded along the road. Yeah, sure, lots of iron pipes and tools to be found, but nothing seemed to be going on. The "construction" had been there for some time, but wasn't about to end anytime soon. I took the pictures, forgot the rock... I went back to get the rock, returned to the bus and went on my way.

At a store I saw that the picture of me at the view point was blurred.... I hate that fact that I didn't check the picture, but I guess it is a good story now.. Or in some years. I had strong winds all the way to the ferry I was to take to Kagoshima. About 50 km from Sata Misaki. the ride back was slow and boring, I had already seen the scenery. I went to eat at a small family driven restaurant and I order a bunch of different main dishes. She was shocked, but I told her where I was going. That convinced her.

I made it to Kagoshima, toured the city. I like it a lot! Will come back here at some point!!!
Then I found a manga cafe and I'm staying here for some 12 hours, I need my energy for tomorrow! Speaking of which, I'll go on whatever road says Fukuoka xx km, I can't find a way without mountains anyway!

Oh, and I reached 4000 km. No biggie.
Kumamoto, Fukuoka, done!

Distance: 153 km
Time: 8.20
Condition: Dry.. For now.
Quote: At least I won't die of dehydration today.

Day 46 - Almost There!

8/10

I awoke to the sound of heavy rain. It was 03:00 and still too early to depart. Besides, rainy weather wasn't the thing I wanted right from the morning. 

At around 06:00 it had stopped and I could move on. The train station master was out to check me the night before, but he must have decided I didn't cause anyone any harm as I was lying on one of the benches behind the station. 

The mosquitoes had been kept away because of the rain, but they managed to get some good ones in, but I knew the bites would disappear as soon as I got my blood pumping. And indeed that would be the case. 

More mountains and strong winds caused my speed to drop significantly. I spent most of the time daydreaming about whatever came to mind as I slowly made my way through the hilly terrain. 

I made it to the city where I had planned to sleep, but since I still had time before the sun went down I continued. Before that I got some food at a food corner, a big place with many small restaurants in a nearby mall.

Everyone was looking at me. Some even said hi, but I made sure it didn't amount to more than hi, I was on a tight schedule after all. 

I moved through yet another mountain range and although it was dark I made good speed. It was mostly downhill and I was doing 50 km/t easily. It feels so good riding downhill, especially when it's dark. Exciting stuff! 

I got to the next big city, showered in a public bath at a hotel, went for dinner at Joy Full restaurant and now I'm sitting in McDonald's and catching that sweet, free WiFi.

I really wanted to go to Sata Misaki today, but I can't sleep anywhere there since it's so remote and nothing but forests surrounds it. Also, I want to see it in brought daylight.

The weather forecast says rain tomorrow, but I really hope it won't be showering from morning until nighttime... I only have one pair of shoes... 

Tomorrow I'll sleep in Kagoshima, and I might find a manga café. After that it's more mountains and then I'm off to Fukuoka as fast as possible. Might do a short stop in Kumamoto, let's see how I feel.

Sata Misaki, wait a bit more! 

Distance: 175 km
Time: 9:25 hours
Condition: Not sure what to feel about finishing tomorrow and then go home by bike... hmm...
Quote: Enjoy the simple things in life

Day 45 - A Wall to Climb

7/10

Waking up at 7:00 was a luxurious thing and especially because I woke up in one of the rooms in the inn. Which is pretty awesome by the way. 

I got a very, very nice breakfast menu and a traditional lunchbox to go. I left at 9:00. The 40 km. to Oita was so easy that I made it in 1 hour and 10 minutes. I thought my legs were kind of tired from yesterday and I understood why. I must have climbed all the way from Fukuoka to be this high above sea level. It was downhill most of the way and I easily made 35 without trying. 

From Oita to Hyuga, today's goal, would be through mountains. Nothing but mountains. And I saw incredible scenery. Lakes with blue-green-ish water crawling between the giant mountains covered by tall pine trees. Up and down, (mostly up it feels), through tunnels, and then with great persistence I made it to Hyuga. 

I punctured 20 k before though, (guess which tire), luckily it was downhill and I went and bought a spare tube as soon as I could. 

Then I found a restaurant with traditional Japanese set menu dishes and second helpings of rice. And I ate a lot of rice, muhahahaha.

Now I'm looking for a place to sleep, I went a bit further to the south part of the city, but it isn't even 22:00 yet... 

Tomorrow I'll probably reach Sata Misaki. I hope. And no more head wind, please. It's really cramping my style. 

Distance: 160 km.
Time: 7.21 h
Condition: wishing for good weather tomorrow
Quote: if you get tired of biking you can always get a flat...

Day 44 - One Week Left, I Leave it to You

6/10

I woke up and started making breakfast, but didn't get much done before Ayana's mom  woke up and did everything for me.. I really wonder how to repay her for all the things she has done for me.

After forgetting both phone and watch I ventured on. Legs felt fine, sense of direction didn't. But no major detours occurred and the lovely atmosphere around Dazaifu makes it a pleasant place to "explore". = nice way to say get lost. 

Today's course was 103 km, but I figured I would end up with more so I left Fukuoka at 6 something. I also feared for the mountains later on. 

The first 80 was really easy and I made it in very good time, but after a break just before the climb of a big mountain pass I felt the heat and my legs, haha. 

After getting on the other side of the pass I made 50 km/h in average all the way down and arrived at Ayana's dad's house at around 14:00. 

As many might be familiar with I have met him before. Twice. Last January. Both was in  the Ayana's company and therefore I felt quite nervous to be honest. But I thought a lot (actually I thought about it for more than 40 days,  all the way from Hokkaido) about what to say to him. 

Although Ayana is going to Denmark of her own free will, etiquette dictates that I kind of have to have "a talk" with her dad. Now there are many things to consider and so on and so forth, but in the end it boils down to me saying that I'll take good care of his daughter.
(That's quite literally what you can say if you want to make it short.)

Now I respect her dad a lot and I really see him as someone I can look up to in certain regards of life. And I can't say anything that will convince him more than just living a happy life with Ayana. So that's my next adventure! 

After sitting and talking while eating for more than two hours I retired to my room and took a long bath in the natural spa for the second time. Then I watched a football match where Japan won. Very interesting match btw. And now I'm thinking about tomorrow and all the mountains. By far the toughest day. Maybe even if you count all the other days too. 

Distance: 117 km
Time: 5:30 h
Condition: feeling zen-ish
Quote: I bet my life everyday

Day 35 - 43: Vacation Time in Fukuoka!

29/9 - 5/10

The last 8 days have been really great. Of course I stayed with Ayana and her mom here, so this has been the more luxurious part of my journey. We have had some lazy days, but we have also visited friends, made pottery and we went to the movies to see Your Name.

Being back in Fukuoka is great, so many memories are coming back. But the best thing about being back here is of course the fact that I can be with Ayana, and we spent a lot of time wondering about the life we'll have in Denmark. Not much has been planned yet, but I'm sure we'll manage somehow. Hakuna matata!

Now for the last part of my trip: I have decided to go around Kyushu. This is a 7 days trip, a total of some 800 km. And I'll have to face some serious mountains, even if I take the easiest route that is. But I'm getting much lighter, my bike will have two front bags and I'll only have the most necessary things with me.

This should make my trip much easier, but I have no idea how it will feel to ride it. Also, the route is as always not set in stone. The first day is approximately 103 km, and I'll arrive at Ayana's dad's place. Hopefully not too late, I don't want to be too much trouble, hehe.

The rest of the days vary in length due to the fact that I want visit the big cities, and since it's just a week I might go all out and test my limits. As it is now I feel like my trip has ended and I'm starting a new, and although this is not the feeling I wanted to leave Fukuoka with I'm left with no choice. I will reach Sata Misaki and end what I started.

I also decided that I will revise everything on my blog when I get home, I'll rewrite and improve paragraphs and adjust the itinerary so it fits my actual trip. Then I'll post the last pictures and write comments for them on this blog too. Hopefully I'll read it many years from now and think about how far I have traveled since then.

Going around Kyushu!! Starting tomorrow!

Condition: feeling ready to go!
Quote: now is always the time!