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Travelogue: Osaka Castle Japan

Osaka Castle, or Osakajo, is a 16th-century fortress that lies in the middle of the steel and glass towers of modern Osaka. At one time, the bastion was the largest castle in Japan.

Over the centuries, the stronghold has endured attacks, been burned down, and left decades in a state of ruin. Remarkably, the stone and earthen ramparts somehow survived city-wide aerial bombardments and air raids during World War II. After the war, the city gradually restored the castle to one of Japan’s famous landmark it is today.

FiveFingers and Flat Pedals

by Johnny Isaak ·

About 18 months ago, I made a conscious effort to adopt a “slow speed” traveling style during future cycling adventures, which wasn’t a bad thing. Getting away from the daily push for distance and concentrating more on exploring has dramatically enriched my travel experience. Going slower is a better fit for my traveling style.

As part of my new slower, more deliberate travel style, I also made the jump from clipless to flat pedals so I could wear my beloved Vibram FiveFingers minimalist shoes while riding the bicycle — which was no easy decision. Like most road cyclists and many mountain bikers, I’d cycled with toe clips or “rat traps” in the 70’s. In the 80’s I began riding clipless pedals for the higher efficiency, convenience, and comfort. Well, the cycle has come full circle. I’m back to rolling on flat pedals again.

If you’re looking for an alternative pedaling solution, FiveFingers and flat pedal may be what you’re looking for. Read on.

Travelogue: Katsura River Sunset

by Johnny Isaak ·

With the autumn closing in, the evening temperatures dropped quickly. The first pockets of crisp night air bit at our noses as we made our way along the banks of the Katsura River.

The landscape grew a deep gold. Looking back over my left shoulder, I caught a glimpse of the sun’s light fading. There’s a certain feeling I get when I look to the west while the sun is setting.

Exploring Kyoto Japan

by Johnny Isaak ·

Autumn is an excellent time to explore Kyoto. The mountains and city parks are alive with fall color. The crisp, mild weather makes for pleasant cycling. Traveling by bike is the best way to experience this historic Japanese city. Both Kyoto and Osaka have vibrant cycling cultures. Kyoto is a city that gets around on bicycles. Riding here reminds me a lot of Amsterdam. Young and old are commuting on their bikes.

Travelogue: Approaching Twilight on the Silk Road

by Johnny Isaak ·

The day grew long as we chased long shadows through fading rays of warm light. As day gradually became dusk, we pedaled through the twilight working our way westward along the old Silk Road.

The wind calmed as the sun sank below the horizon. The earth grew still. The only sound was the hum of my wheels.

Motionless water was smooth as glass. This lonesome lake seemed out of place in this desert land.

Adventure Setup for Kyoto Japan

by Johnny Isaak ·

As Shanghai sets into late autumn and golden leaves begin to fall, adventure calls. Destination: Historic Kyoto, Japan.

Kyoto is an excellent cycling destination. Bicycles are an integral part of the residents’ personal transportation. Travel websites tout the city is one of the most bicycle-friendly in Japan. So, the cycling should be fairly relaxed and easy.

Below is a quick rundown of our base plan and the setup.

Travelogue: East Coast of Taiwan

by Johnny Isaak ·

The island of Taiwan is a hidden cycling gem of the Pacific. It seems relatively few traveling cyclists enjoy semi-tropical paradise. The quiet east coast of the island is reminiscent of California’s Pacific Coast Highway.

The morning I made this image, a break in the rain yielded to a silvery light that glittered across the Pacific’s turquoise waters. I can still recall the fresh offshore breeze that pushed cool salt air into my face. The air was crystal clear.

Looking far to the east out along the horizon line, I could see the curvature of the earth running north to south.

The ebb and flow of the tide touched conjured thoughts about the cycles of life. I pondered the changing of the seasons, summer to fall, fall to winter, and now winter to spring.

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