Day 3: (41 K) Shosanbetsu - Tomamae
(08/01/06)

(sharing our roads)

When you get used to riding alone--or with the one person whose rhythm you match so well that the two of you even shift gears at the same time--it's hard to adapt to group riding. The pace right now is so choppy that it's hard to get into a good steady cadence, much less a mental zone. Stopping to wait for people every 45 minutes is a bit much. Presumably the group will find a better rhythm and way to manage the different skill levels, but it is frustrating when all you want to do is ride.

Going on ahead to Shosanbetsu with Emily yesterday was a smart choice. In addition to a wonderful night last night, we had all morning to relax together. We awoke around six and Emily explored the beach while I took some photographs. Then we had a quick breakfast, packed up, and went back to the onsen to try out the (public) baths this time. Though nothing compared to the private bath of the night before, the rotenburo (outdoor bath) offered a refreshing view of the beach below.

After the bath, we still had time to wash our clothes at a campsite before meeting the team at 9:30. True to form, we wait another 45 minutes for everyone to pull in, then another 20 while people rest, stretch, and snack. Finally, we head out on our stop-and-go ride, have lunch, and then stop to camp 6 kilometers later.

(roadside decay)

The site is convenient if a bit overpriced at 3,000 yen (which is 3,000 yen more than camping should cost in a country where you can camp next to an elementary school). Emily and I had soft cream (or soft serve if you're not Japanese) with Mary and Adam, then took an onsen before meeting them again to share a bottle of wine on the beach. I'm glad they're on the trip. More than anyone else right now, they seem to be the two people who will always be cool, interesting, and sane.

While I was down on the beach with new friends and wine, Brian called from Matsuyama to say hi. Other than Emily, he was really the only person I spent much time with my last year in Ehime, and it finally hit me that after 3 years, Matsuyama is no longer home. Simple as they were, I miss our mornings hanging out at Starbucks, joking around, rarely talking about anything important or personal, bonding all the same. I may not miss Matsuyama yet, but I do miss B.