I rode my bike all the way to Osaka.
I'm Takenoshita, a painter who's hooked on long-distance cycling!
This time, I went on a business trip by bicycle to the Muc-Off exhibition held in Osaka!
Rough information about the long ride
The distance was about 350km, and the elevation gain was about 1500m. An "easy course" that was mostly flat.
Since I've done the 340km ride to Shimane with 3400m of elevation gain three times, I thought, "The distance is the same, and the elevation gain is less than half, so it should be a breeze!"
But surprisingly, flat roads had their own difficulties. I made a lot of new discoveries on this ride!
My bike and belongings for this trip
My bike for this trip was my familiar long-distance companion, the RIDLEY Kanzo Adventure 1.0.
The tires were brand new Panaracer GRAVELKING R. A lightweight model with a slick tread pattern.
They rolled well, and the 40mm wide tires offered an exceptional ride, feeling like I was riding on a carpet!
For long rides of 10 hours or more, comfortable, wide tires are a must-have.
I carried items like a puncture repair kit, mobile battery, wallet, and cell phone, divided into a handlebar bag, top tube bag, and fork bags.
Many recent gravel bikes have eyelets on the side of the front fork, which is incredibly convenient.
The key is that it has less impact on riding than a saddlebag and allows for flexible loading of luggage.
Unexpected Pitfalls
The course looked easy on paper, but in reality, there were several hidden traps.
Too many cars problem
The number of cars on National Route 2, heading to Osaka, was insane!
When trucks drove right next to me in the middle of the night, I was constantly on edge.
What I relied on then was a radar-equipped tail light.
It told me the number of cars approaching from behind in advance, which was incredibly helpful for safety.
Being able to detect them early allowed me to react with plenty of time, like moving to the sidewalk or stopping!
The Difficulty of Flat Roads
I usually ride on hilly roads, so I had no idea how to pace myself on flat roads!
I didn't know how much power to maintain on the pedals, and there were no downhill sections for a breather...
The result was too much effort in the beginning, too much saving in the middle, and too much energy left at the end.
Honestly, it ended up being an unsatisfying ride.
I regret not having a power meter, as I could have adjusted my riding based on numbers rather than just feel.
Getting Lost & Expressway Problem
It was hard to see the road in the dark, and I often missed road signs.
I missed a sign along National Route 2 and almost ended up on an expressway. I was relieved that I could turn back, but my heart was pounding!
I reached the goal, but there were regrets too...
I managed to arrive before the exhibition started at 10 AM, but the ride was full of things to reflect on.
• 15 hours of riding time, but 21 hours elapsed time, meaning 6 hours of lost time.
• Frequent route checks, slow speeds on unfamiliar roads, and an inconsistent pace.
The cycling computer I used this time (IGPSPORT S630) also has a navigation function, so I should have prepared the route in advance to ride more efficiently!
If I had saved time, I could have enjoyed a bonus stage like visiting historical sites in Osaka...
Next time, I'll get my revenge! I'll be more thoroughly prepared and aim for a smarter long ride!
See you then!