Tripping on the Tama River

Kangaeroo cycles pretty much daily.

Due to a number of time constraints, nearly all the rides are along or near the Tama River. This river is one of the main waterways in Tokyo and has been supplying the city with water for centuries.

River-side cycling is on bike tracks and really isn’t demanding (except for the requirement to be constantly wary of pedestrians). But it’s still great fun.

Being able to wake up, get on the bike and shake off the cobwebs and let life rip is a blessing for this old man.

And Kangaeroo is even luckier by being able to ride the absolutely gorgeous La Cangura, who heads the fleet of Roo movers.

Cop A Gander At These Rippers Too...

  • And Now, The End is Near

    It began to sink in on this morning’s ride along the Tama River that this aspect of my life, such a crucial activity over the years of the covid pandemic, is drawing to a close. Many people are fixtures along the river, just as I suppose I must be for them. Over the years we have become familiar and share greetings, as well as inspiration, and sometimes even the occasional conversation and, dare I say it, friendship. Next week, I begin a new job and will commute into central Tokyo once again. My commute will, unfortunately, be by train, and not by bicycle as it was for many years with…

  • More Climbing

    Continuing on from yesterday, today was another day of climbing through the mountains on the beautiful Belladonna (a Cervelo R5 road bike). Kangaeroo is too exhausted from the energy-sapping ride and a rush to get out to go into much detail. But he is eternally grateful to cycling for giving these opportunities that have been unimaginable for most of his life, and to his wife for allowing him to pursue these dreams. And, of course, to his bikes for carrying him there, and the cycling mates who help and encourage him.

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    Big Red Dinosaur Loader Gets A Free Bath

    Tokyo turned on the best weather of the year so far today, and the Big Red Dinosaur Loader celebrated with a free bath, albeit an unintentional one. Big Red fell into the drink when I propped it up on the waterside to take a photo under the gloriously azure skies that perfectly matched its hue. Built for rough stuff, the bike was perfectly fine, and it actually turned into a much-needed wash. It was another day to slide in a second ride, which I was quite fortunate to do. I knew today was going to be demanding, as I had meetings scheduled for nearly the entire day. These are aimed…

  • Kangaroo Crank

    Continuing on from yesterday’s entry, there’s more Maruishi Cycle brilliance on show. Here is a bicycle crank featuring a kangaroo motif. This work is especially notable as it was done before World War II. Also note the kangaroo print on the pedal shaft. Pretty amazing bit of work, though the kangaroo connection remains a bit of a mystery, yet once again forms a link between Japan and Australia.

  • Bloody Beauty! Back on the Bike!

    After months of near inactivity, Kangaeroo was finally able to indulge regularly in the pursuit that brings probably the greatest pleasure in life: cycling! So far, 2022 has been a series of calamities in terms of cycling, starting with poor weather then moving on to poor equipment, poor health and poor luck! But things slowly slotted back into place and have finally allowed for a week on the bike that is as good as it gets now! And some of the results were stupendous, as can be seen in the gallery. What sheer delight!

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    「やばいリンガル」 Sport

    　オーストラリアはスポーツ大国に間違いない。sportも典型的なオージー英語として使われる言葉だが、他の英語圏での意味と全く違う。どのように違うか見てみよう。 Australia is undoubtedly a sporting power, but sport in Strine, or Australian English, has a completely different meaning compared to when the word is used in other forms of English. Read on to find out how.