Hi Dodie
Yes, we have a Bafang on our tandem and we have replaced a number of controllers. We think the Bafang can't handle a loaded tandem. But no matter the reason it is sure a pain not to have a reliable system especially since he’s hauling a bigger battery. Should be on the ferry to,Kobe in the next few days…wish us luck..and thanks for,your thoughts.

Isn’t this a wonderful tradition? We stayed at several of these, and fifteen years later they’re some of my richest memories.

I do wish that were true. Yoshi has been talking to the guys at Azub in Czech Republic and they feel it has to do with the connection from the mount ..both the battery and mount are new. We will know soon as we are almost to the coast. Have loved riding through the rural mid country on our way to Miyazaki - rice fields and bamboo forests make our day.

I'm on massive sensory overload just from looking at your photos. Being there in person would absolutely overwhelm me. I think my head would cave in, then explode.

WOW: $8.10 *per* berry. Luxury, indeed.

Nothing subtle or understated here, is there?

"Kushikatsu Dar Uma"... "The Scowling Chef"?

I'm sure I'm wrong but the characters on the awning look to me like stylized people doing yoga.

The placement of the rear view mirrors is a fascinating throwback to the 1960s. Or maybe they never changed, so instead of a throwback it's a holdover.

You look remarkably refreshed and in good spirits for a harried traveler fresh from a long overnight flight and who has missed their connection. I doubt I'd look anywhere near so chipper. Kudos to you!

I'm reading in catch-up mode so I'm sure the answer follows, but I'm wondering how you'll be coping with Japanese taxis, trains, etc. with trikes. Guess I'll need to just keep reading to find the answer!

Hello Nakamura
I am so happy to receive your email. I enjoyed meeting you and your son.
I am very sorry that I misunderstood that the Manager is the man who gave us the gift of drinks and sweets. As well, I feel terrible for assuming that you were a couple.
I know that it is wrong to make an assumption. I hope that this did not cause you any trouble.
Once again, my sincere apology.
I have corrected the errors in our journal. I hope that is ok.
If you would like to ask me about life in Canada or other things, please write me. I would love to talk to you on email anytime.
My email address is: mesandfordbartlett@yahoo.com
I wish you and your son good things and a happy life.
Take care and with respect
Mary Ellen

Hello. My name is Nakamura and I met you at FamilyMart. Thank you for stopping by the store yesterday. Thanks to Barry and Mary, I was able to have a very nice time. If I had more time, I wanted to ask you about life in Canada and bicycle travel. I'm looking forward to seeing you two again someday. By the way, I'm a single mother and a store staff. The person who gave me the food is the manager of the store ^ ^ I sincerely hope that the two of you will finish the trip safely.

I’m sure you’re both very disappointed by this, but it sounds like you’re doing the smart thing to me.

Dodie here: well darn that the motor stopped at the top of the hill. We were hoping it would have fixed itself. This is exactly the behaviour of Steve's bike in England. We finally decided it was the controller that had died, and had a new one express shipped from the company in China to our friend in Paris. After a brutal month of riding with no assist we finally got it installed and things improved from then on.