Fascinating insights into Japanese culture! Thanks again.

Unless we missed it, which is very possible, we did not see an explanation of what was wrong with Barry's bike. Enquiring minds would really like to know....please put it in the blog.

Great photo.

We saw these all over Portugal. Think they are called "Bottle Brush" trees, at least we called them that. They are bee magnets, so be advised and be careful.

Only a night of Love could make up for such a stressful day.

A tough day, but the love hotel sounds pretty interesting. We expect a full report! :)

I just love how you engage with people, despite the language barrier. It’s clear you’re having a great time. Kudos to you both!

The graffiti on the gate is quite jarring, when compared to the rest of what you've shown us.

I've seen these at my favorite local bike shop. There's a knack to steering and pedaling one.

Somehow I don't think I'd want to try that one on a long, twisty, steep mountain descent. Or ascent either, for that matter.

Looks like the modern descendent of one of the bikes you saw at the Shimano museum.

Ditto what the Grampies said. What a harrowing experience!

What a nightmare day. Glad you survived relatively intact.

Looks like touring in England. There were barriers like this and other fiendish designs none of which were passable without contortions and much rude language. We feel your pain!

Yes, when he presented it to me it was a leap of faith.