At this point, we have a high-level list that looks something like this:
- Get in shape
- Figure out a route
- Learn Japanese
- Build touring bikes
- Get gear for camping/traveling
- Do a couple of short training trips
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Making Lists
While I don't have quite the same fetish for making lists and/or spreadsheets as some people in my family, I have to admit that I've been enjoying all of the planning for our trip. This is a good thing, since I have a suspicion that we have a very shallow understanding of all the requirements at this point. There is still a lot of list-making and note-taking to go.
At this point, we have a high-level list that looks something like this:
At this point, we have a high-level list that looks something like this:
Monday, March 9, 2009
Our Journey (a little more detail, this time)
I was a little coy last time about what we're planning for this trip. In case it wasn't clear: our goal is to take a biking/camping trip through as much of Japan as we can, south to north. As of right now, we're intending to start in Fukuoka and end up in Wakkanai.
So first, the obvious: it's a really long distance, especially for a couple of people who have very little experience (read "none") with bicycle touring. At the risk of sounding naive, that's one of the things that we're finding very motivating. Yes, it's going to be difficult, and tiring, and stressful, and hot, and cold, and everything else that goes along with long trips and living on a budget. But we will also have a chance to experience the country in a way that very few people can. For me, there is something about riding on a bicycle that gives a wonderful feeling of intimacy with my surroundings. I have the freedom to stop at any time to take pictures, or to explore a roadside attraction, or to buy fruit from a local farmer. The last time I lived in Japan, I felt a little isolated and overwhelmed; this time, I'm looking forward to really exploring and learning about everything I missed before.
Google maps puts the entire trip at about 2,500 km (1,600 miles), but I suspect it will be quite a bit longer on the roads we'll be taking. I've been working on a detailed route (which I will post here when available) that follows smaller--and more winding--prefectural roads instead of the major highways.
In any case, I have to admit that even the rough estimate of 1,600 miles is very intimidating. I think it's time to actually figure out what this distance means in terms of miles per day and (more importantly) our travel budget.
So first, the obvious: it's a really long distance, especially for a couple of people who have very little experience (read "none") with bicycle touring. At the risk of sounding naive, that's one of the things that we're finding very motivating. Yes, it's going to be difficult, and tiring, and stressful, and hot, and cold, and everything else that goes along with long trips and living on a budget. But we will also have a chance to experience the country in a way that very few people can. For me, there is something about riding on a bicycle that gives a wonderful feeling of intimacy with my surroundings. I have the freedom to stop at any time to take pictures, or to explore a roadside attraction, or to buy fruit from a local farmer. The last time I lived in Japan, I felt a little isolated and overwhelmed; this time, I'm looking forward to really exploring and learning about everything I missed before.
Google maps puts the entire trip at about 2,500 km (1,600 miles), but I suspect it will be quite a bit longer on the roads we'll be taking. I've been working on a detailed route (which I will post here when available) that follows smaller--and more winding--prefectural roads instead of the major highways.
In any case, I have to admit that even the rough estimate of 1,600 miles is very intimidating. I think it's time to actually figure out what this distance means in terms of miles per day and (more importantly) our travel budget.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Our First Steps
千里之行，始于足下 -- "A Journey of a thousand li, begins with a single step"
-- Lao-Tzu (604BC-531BC)
What should our first steps be? There is so much to plan, and so much to look forward to. Fortunately, we have time to prepare, and a wealth of information available. We'll do our best to document the entire process, so that we can (hopefully) inspire others to start their own journeys.
So, what is this journey? It's a little vague right now (and more than a little ambitious). But it involves the two of us, a couple of bikes, some camping gear, and two plane tickets to Japan. Return dates unknown. It's a journey away from comfort--not just in terms of living conditions, but away from the comfort and security of steady jobs, employer-provided health care, and regular paychecks. It's also a journey away from commuting and telecommuting, daily stand-up meetings, office chair exercising, and vested options. Is it going to be difficult? I have no doubt. Is it going to be worth it? That's a much tougher question. I certainly hope so, but we won't know until we try.
* For those who didn't take Chinese 101, a li is a measure of distance (roughly 400-500 meters, depending on your emperor). You can learn all about it on wikipedia.
-- Lao-Tzu (604BC-531BC)
What should our first steps be? There is so much to plan, and so much to look forward to. Fortunately, we have time to prepare, and a wealth of information available. We'll do our best to document the entire process, so that we can (hopefully) inspire others to start their own journeys.
So, what is this journey? It's a little vague right now (and more than a little ambitious). But it involves the two of us, a couple of bikes, some camping gear, and two plane tickets to Japan. Return dates unknown. It's a journey away from comfort--not just in terms of living conditions, but away from the comfort and security of steady jobs, employer-provided health care, and regular paychecks. It's also a journey away from commuting and telecommuting, daily stand-up meetings, office chair exercising, and vested options. Is it going to be difficult? I have no doubt. Is it going to be worth it? That's a much tougher question. I certainly hope so, but we won't know until we try.
* For those who didn't take Chinese 101, a li is a measure of distance (roughly 400-500 meters, depending on your emperor). You can learn all about it on wikipedia.
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