It’s the penultimate riding day and it looks like a good one. The temperature is in the 60’s, the sun is shining and there’s not much wind. The ride is 74 km and the profile shows two hills. The map says “Nice road in the forest.” Yes, it is. We have a tea stop at 28 km. The first peak looks like it’s at 29 km but I’m still climbing, very slowly, at 32 km. Lunch is at a store/deli at 44 km. Brenda and I choose a beef curry, not much beef but plenty of noodles. The profile shows another peak after lunch but we never see it and don’t miss it. We’re warned of a 1.3 km tunnel. Based on previous dark tunnels we’re concerned and arrange for the luggage vehicle to follow us, lighting the way and blocking traffic. It turns out that this tunnel was well lit and downhill; we probably wouldn’t have a problem doing it on our own.
The guides have promised a great gelato shop at 60 km but it is closed on Tuesday.
Our club has outsourced the operation of this tour to Cycle Japan. We have three very competent, friendly and hard working guides Saori, Ken and Kevin. Saori and Ken, both Japanese, are shown below. The third guide Kevin is an American who speaks fluent Japanese. He and his family have lived in Japan for about 10 years. This is Kevin’s first bike trip as a guide. He is a writer and teacher.
Until now the rice we’ve seen has been recently planted; the shoots are barely above the water. Today we saw some much more mature. Incidentally Ken told me that Japanese grown rice is 10 times more expensive that rice imported from Texas. Can this lead to Japanese with a Texas drawl?
Where does rice grow in Texas?
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