Korea Day 2 - Making the Best of Double Flats

Is it hard falling back into a life of living off your bike, sleeping in a one person tent, not knowing much about the next day? It can look that way sometimes. It feels that way sometimes.

I can remember way back when why I stayed off in Thaialnd for a year, was because I loved that feeling of living in a home. But more than that, in having good company and a dog around to talk and play with. Now for the year in Japan that I've lived, I've come across all kinds of locals and forigners. Second day on this trip, and I'm already sort of missing them. 

Exactly as it happened last year, a woke up and packed before dawn to hit the docks and book a ticket to Kyushu. No surprises there, I knew what the first part of the day would bring. I waited and boarded the ferry, choose a nice place to lay down in the public area and was about to doze off for a post morning nap when an older family came in and made for sitting next to me. Naturally, we began  to chat. 

Turns out, they live just past Kōchi city, about a half days cycle Rast from my home. The conversation we carried out would have been impossible last year, I know. This time, I am proud to say, I could at least pick out key words from their questions and carrying out a back and forth exchange of where I am from, what I am doing, and what's happening next. Proud; actually, I'm impressed.

I eagerly hurried getting off the boat and into the very hot Kyushu sun. Half the sunlight for the day was used by the commute and I didn't want to waste time I didn't have. 

As things have a way of working out sometimes, Reality provided a reminder. When I was all set to hurry up, I mounted my bike for a block and felt that I had a rear flat tire. So it was.

What could I do? Nothing. Took a deep breath, laughed at my bad luck and found some cover to shield me from the light showers that despite the sunshine had began to cool the hot pavement. As I changed my tube and sketched my head as to how I could have punctured my wheel while it was stationed in the ferry lot, I spotted a ramen shop just down the road. And so, I took some more advice from Reality and took a short break to eat and enjoy my time.

Last night, I could gather from the menu that they served a special spicy ramen soup (after I had ordered). I tried to order it here this morning, but there was no option for it. Instead, the owner suggested "tan-tan men" a special spicy soup that I've only really known by the instant noodle variety. Home made tan-tan men tasted a whole lot better and much much spicier! 

From there, I cycled pretty much all day. I knew I wanted to reach Beppu city. But by the time I had arrived, my head was full of calculations I had been turning over in my head as I cycled up and down Kyushu mountains. Oh, and I had popped another flat during my time. This rear tire gave me many flats, and so I cursed it and changed it for my spare.

I could stop and sleep here, it would be easy with the aggravation that comes with two flats in a day to camp by the beach, but I instead opted to spin my wheels more today and less tomorrow. So, I had a quick lunch and carried on. 

Beppu city, if you read my accounts from last year, is of course known for their onsens. Famous. Skipping the entertainment today, I promised myself I would enjoy the public baths on the return back. 

I believe it was just after sunset here. Still plenty of sunlight so I wanted to go a little further. There was a shortcut through the mountains where I had some more rough news. I suppose that when I adjusted my rear wheel after my second flat that I didn't tighten my quick release break all the way in exchange for keeping my breaks in line. (It's a delicate balance, and I sacrificed the convenience of tightness over having to adjust my rear break alignment). Anyways, as I made my way up and thought to myself, "this hill is really steep. I hope it's not like this all night..." - I snagged something and my bike froze. Thank the Loards I wasn't clipped in, I don't know how quick a car racing down this hill could have swerved out of my way had I fallen over.

And again, I was warned. My wheel came loose uphill and I took it as a sign that I shouldn't be making this climb at night. So, I turned on my lights, tightened my wheel and adjusted my breaks, shot down the hill and worked my way along the starry night.

Another successful commute made possible by ramen. I hear people talking, and usually they have some desire to be sponsored by Shimano, or Ortlieb, or somethingorother. My dream: to have a ramen house sponsor me. That would be awesome. 

Not the best campsite tonight. I'm camped next to a road map on the side of a path leading from an all cement parking lost to a road side bathroom. But, I could give myself a wash and it was off the road. No cover however, and I prayed for no rain.

Its sometime around 10:00pm and I feel really tired. Which, as my father would say, is another way to say I feel really good. That's all for now. I only have mere 87 km tomorrow if all goes well. I plan to have an easy ride and gather some info on the international ferry into Korea for the day after next.

Goodnight,

-A