Allright, up at 6:30am, and by the time I was packed up with trailer hitched on, it was 8:50. Might need to work on that prep time. It was my first time out with a load on the BOB Trailer, and with the front handlebar bag on too. I packed my tent, sleeping bag, goretex clothes, and some random tools in the BOB Bag on the trailer. I went straight up to the Toyohira River, hoping to stay out of traffic while I get used to a 1.6m trailer behind me. After 5k I stopped underneath a bridge to check the nuts n bolts, re-adjust some things, and get comfy. The river trail was nice, even in the constant mist and drizzle. I made it to Route 230 by Jozankei and then had to ride next to the traffic. It was a challenge to keep remembering the trailer behind me, especially at those times when you just want to bunnyhop up onto the sidewalk. I even got to do my first tunnels (they're everywhere in Japan), before arriving to Jozankei with a big shit eating grin on my face. A few pics then I found an onsen foot bath. Its a warm hot spring bath, just to soak your feet in after a hard day walking the tourist shops (or biking there from Sapporo). There was a couple in there from Kushiro (far far away), I could tell they were looking for a way to talk to me, suddenly the guy offers me a piece of gum. Umm, ok. Started chatting a bit and found that they drove all the way from Kushiro to Jozankei in one day, overall about 10 hours with stops they said!! Now it was about 11am, and they were about to head back the WHOLE way today! Some people just love driving. I asked if they had a day off tomorrow, they did, but wanted to spend it relaxing in their house. Before I leave, the guy ruffles around his wifes purse and finds a box of Frisk to give me as a present. By now I've definitely developed a complex, though I am sure that I brushed my teeth pretty thoroughly this morning. Anyways, nice people and a great break soaking my feet. I climbed back on and tore the return route up. It was mostly downhill so I was able to hit 45kph sometimes and see how the trailer holds on. I made it into Sapporo just when the rain started pounding me. I stopped by Road Kids to see Takashi and show him the trailer, then arrived home well before 1pm and able to rest up before picking up Mom and Sis from the airport later tonight..
Great ride.
