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Sport & Adventure
Touring Equipment
Welcome to Happy Trails Products!
Your Motorcycle Accessories store, specializing in
Dual-Sport and Adventure touring.
SealSkinz® are the world's only range of waterproof, breathable, close-fitting socks and gloves.
Alaska Rider Tours proudly uses Aerostich gear. Of the highest quality,it is perfect for the diverse riding in Alaska!
2007 Japan 3 Island Tour
2007 Japan 3 Island Tour Photos Page #2
The size of California, with half the population of the United States, Japan is mountainous. It has over 3,000 islands - all of them volcanoe-related. To ride Japan, you must first think of two things: (really three): 67 tunnels before lunch, and one other thing.
This is the end of the Silk Road, and we have put together the best riders' itinerary, spanning three of the four largest Japanese islands. History abounds here. The largest active caldera in the world has a twisty little bit following the rim of it.
This 7-day riding adventure is all paved.
Phil led a brave crew including:
The Gang
...which was made up of...
John and Dottie
Evan and Lois
Ian
Kevin O'
Patrick
Akiko and Karen
Barry
Keleigh and Kevin
....with help from...
Hirata
Nakano
..and his trusty1965 BMW R50 500cc,
which he road across Russia to Europe with!!
Hashimoto
Mr. and Mrs. Ito
The Man
.....and some Cherry Blossoms.
We began in the City of Okayama, just when the Cherry Blossom Festival was in full swing.
In Japanese, this is called "Hanami" which literally means "Cherry Blossom watching", and is, by definition, a barbecue and drinking occasion!
One couple decided to get hitched during this festive occasion.
We took the gang to "kuru-kuru zushi" which is a conveyor-belt sushi shop. You just pick out what you want as it comes by, collect the plates (which have designated values), then try to figure out why your bill is so big, like Ian here.
Then, it was time to ride...
...and eat...
Our first night was a real treat. We stayed at a small travelers' lodge (we booked the whole place to ourselves) in a very small hotsprings resort. The thermally heated water was completely natural. There are a variety of hotels which share the hotsprings, which boasts a history of more than 1,000 years.
Post arrival and "staff meeting" in the guide's room. This is a good time for discussing the days' events and having a laugh.
Pack light! Every room every
night had kimonos available for the guests. Easy on laundry and fun to
wear! (Remember to wear underwear, or you may shock your dinner friends
sitting
across from you!!)
Then, a lavish banquet of exotic goodies is laid out. Kevin O' noted that there were at least 15 different dishes at every dinner!!
Some of the dinners came with fun little fire burning units where you could cook your own meal.
Either before or after the meal, there was always the chance to soak is some natural hotsprings.
Dottie and John try on some old fashioned wooden sandals, for their morning clip-clop.
As we left each morning, the hotel staff would come
out to say farewell.
2007 Japan 3 Island Tour Photos Page #2
Future Motorcycle Tours to Japan:
More Photos at the following links!
Touring Rallye Racing Technology
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