adventure cycling

FiveFingers and Flat Pedals

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.

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.

Cycling Leaping Tiger Gorge

by Johnny Isaak ·

The angry, pulsating brown water thundering past mere feet away resonated at my very core. At narrowest point of Leaping Tiger Gorge, the full force of the Jinsha Jiang or “Golden Sanded River” coursed past me in a naked display of raw aggression. I had never seen such power or stood in such close proximity to so much unbridled energy. The raging power and fury of the Jinsha resonated on a primal level.

Travelogue: Liusha River at Night

by Johnny Isaak ·

Tracing routes on Ancient Tea Horse Road southward to Xishuangbanna, we continued to transit through the incredibly diverse Yunnan landscape, some of the best China has to offer.

Across the bridge on our way to Jinghong, I was able to glimpse the last vestiges of light marking the conclusion of a wonderful day. Mid bridge, I stopped to take a picture. Straddling my bicycle on the empty span, I made this image capturing the final rays of sunlight fading to gray.

Exploring Shanghai’s Vanishing Longtangs

by Johnny Isaak ·

Not only are bicycles great for long-distance travel, but they are also excellent vehicles for getting under local cultural strata as well.

Clear days and mild fall temperatures bring pleasant riding weather. Itching to get out a bit, I was up in the morning and out into Shanghai my bike seeing what there is to see.

This morning’s destination: one or more of Shanghai’s longtangs or “lane houses” in the hopes of getting a peek into the city’s quintessential yesteryears that are all too rapidly fading away.

In a city like Shanghai, adventure is only a short ride away.

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