Feeling ready to get back into the real time flow again

 

At the end of March, I had a small bike accident.

It messed up my balance due to some inner ear issues, which not only put biking on hold but also impacted my day-to-day life in ways I didn’t expect.

Time does heal, though, and without realizing it, I found myself returning to normal.

While I was laying low, I picked up some new hobbies.

I practiced traditional chanting solo, read through my stack of books that had been sitting around, and got lost in Sudoku puzzles.

Basically, I embraced a lazy lifestyle again.

Even those unbearable, air-conditioner-dependent summer days have finally given way to a hint of fall.

The potted plants in my tiny garden are showing their seasonal colors as well.





Toward the end of summer, some pests took over my Fujibakama plant, so I trimmed it all the way down.

But in true wildflower spirit, it started growing fresh shoots and even budding again.

I’m not holding my breath for the butterflies to come, but it’s nice to see it bouncing back.



On a recent outing, I came across some cosmos flowers, which was a nice change of scenery.



By late September, I decided to try getting back on my bike, cautiously setting off along the familiar Shioiri River in Okagaki.



I rode the path along the coast from Hokuto Shichisei and Rinrin Club all the way to Ashiya, soaking up that salty sea breeze.



It felt fantastic.



Head back 



Though it had been a while, my sense for biking hadn’t faded much.

Not bad!

I made my usual stop at a café called “Budou no Ki” for a quick break.



As a first ride back, I felt pretty good about it.

I went from Okagaki to Ashiya, so naturally, I figured I owed it to myself to also ride from Okagaki to Munakata.



Later, I followed part of the “Tour de Kyushu” route toward Roadside Station Munakata, where I couldn’t resist stopping for some egg-on-rice at Hiro-chan’s.

Although I wasn’t heading all the way to the Munakata Shrine finish line, I took a break on a bench, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

I wonder if any of the pro racers noticed the spiritual landing spot along the coastal road.



After getting a few rides in, I felt like venturing a bit farther.

To celebrate my October birthday, I headed to the scenic points of Myokenzaki and Tohmiga-hana. 



Though I don’t know much about geology, I felt the power of the natural landscape there.





On the way to, I stopped at a butcher in Ashiya for a piping hot croquette.



Set up my portable chair, and relaxed for a while, just soaking in the sea breeze.



My biking adventures inspired me to try a longer road trip.



I drove out to Unzen and took in the view of Mount Unzen from the ropeway. 

Then I hopped on a ferry to Amakusa, 



stopping to see a statue of Amakusa Shirou at the terminal 



and making my way to Tomioka Castle on the way to the inn.



I stayed at “Amuri,” where I enjoyed a warm mineral bath—just the thing to revive a fan of hot springs like me.



The next day, I headed south to see the famous Haiya Bridge and followed a narrow, scenic road to Sakitsu, a village known for its hidden Christian history.

I visited the Sakitsu Church, built on the site of a village elder’s home where Christians were forced to step on the sacred image picture. 



Locals say believers washed their feet in water at Shinto shrine to cleanse themselves after covert gatherings.



Amakusa is a huge island, and I spent the rest of the day winding along its stunning coastal roads.

I made it just in time to cross the Amakusa Five Bridges at sunset, 





and finally reached "Chi-Ran", a famous champon noodle restaurant, where I got to try their legendary Amakusa Daio chicken champon.

Originally from Nara, the restaurant’s owner has brought champon to areas where it wasn’t known and even won Grand Prix awards.

Now, people come from across Japan just for a bowl.

After a long chat with the owners, I drove back home under the night sky.



The “Tour de Kyushu 2024” event in Fukuoka brought huge crowds.

I had planned to catch a glimpse of the pro racers at the starting line in Okagaki and then follow them on a shortcut to watch part of the race, but after the opening ceremony, I ended up resting at a nearby burger place.





On another day, I went to the “Okagaki Festival 2024,” where the mochi (rice cake) -tossing event drew big crowds. 





The drumming that followed was amazing, with powerful beats you could feel in your chest. 

It made me hungry, so I drove over to Munakata for some Sri Lankan curry.



On the way, I caught sight of runners speeding up a gentle hill as part of the Princess Ekiden relay.



Normally, I ride my trusty Brompton “Potakichi” or Bianchi Lepre “Pyonko,” but this time I couldn’t resist the draw of the seasonal Muhly Grass bloom at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park.










So, I rented a mama bike, which turned out to be perfect for leisurely exploring the sprawling grounds.





Following paths I hadn’t taken before, I stumbled upon a spot that felt like a garden straight out of another country.

Next time, I’d love to come back with Potakichi for a proper ride.