May 28

Kyoto - Hikone 


Well, that was probably our easiest day of the trip.  Short distance, and pretty much all flat except for a couple of bumps.  The temperature was mid-20s but humidity was over 90%.  I'm kind of happy when the sun doesn't shine, although the views are much better with the sun.  

We rode out of Kyoto from our hotel.  Lots of small roads.  Here's an example.


In this small space they manage to have designated walking lanes and biking lanes on both sides of the road, and cars maneuver the middle.  I really admire the cycling skills of the locals - great control and dexterity on all manner of cruiser bikes all while remaining calm and wearing their regular civies with no helmet or biking gear.  I followed one lady this morning who was wearing high heels, a skirt, and a frilly blouse.  Nothing seemed to perturb her.......

Once out of the city we hit some pretty roads before coming to the lake at about 15km.  And - all our climbing for the day was done by that point.  



Once we got to Lake Biwa and the city of Otsu, we were on recognized bike routes.  


We were very close to the lake for almost the rest of the day.  Various types of bike routes, but mostly dedicated bike paths or bike paths on sidewalks; off the main road in any case, for quite a distance.  Pretty ride by the lake......



For the most part, most of the morning was through cities/towns or agricultural areas.  But never far from the lake.







Looks like cycling around Lake Biwa is a bit of a "thing" here.  


Sign says........  Lake Biwa.  A cyclist's paradise.




Saw lots of birds out there today.  Herons, cormorants, birds of prey.



Back at it after lunch.  More on the road for a bit, but still lovely.





More agriculture............ until we approached the city of Hikone.







Lots of various cute signs to remind motorists to watch out for children.



The last 4 km was along the Seri River.  Lots of birds and interesting trees.








Another great day to be seeing the world from the seat of a bike.  We're staying in an unremarkable Route Inn tonight, but we have single rooms for a change.  I have a great roommate, but always nice to have some personal space for a change.  

Early (and big) day tomorrow, with breakfast at 6am.  Nighty, night................


Stats for the Day:

Garmin:  81.14 km.  1302 feet up.  1086 feet down.  

RWGPS:  82.7 km.  831m up.  770m down.



Hikone

Population:  112,000

From Japan-guide.com and Wikipedia:  Hikone is a small city on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake.  The city is most famous for its castle, only of only five castles in Japan designated as national treasures.  Parts of the city are within the borders of the Biwako Quasi-National Park.  






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