About a recent day off that happened to fall on a Monday, which isn't our regular closing day.
Opportunities like this don't come around often, so I started by filling my stomach with breakfast at Earlybirds.
I was debating whether to head west or east, but at a suggestion from our chef Katie, I decided to point my pedals eastward. I only needed to be home by sunset, so after a long while, I found myself pouring over Google Maps, wandering through the mountains of Toyota by connecting nostalgic roads, brand new ones, and trails I wasn't quite sure if I'd been on before.
Rides like this make me wish I’d tracked the route so I could review it later. I haven’t updated my Strava at all lately, either. I find myself wanting a new GPS-enabled cycle computer... Maybe an Omata?
By the way, I had lunch in Odo, a quiet town along the Yahagi River often visited by roadies. I went to Yayoi, located in a back alley just down the road from the FamilyMart along the Yahagi River. It’s a very hidden spot, but if you pay attention, you should be able to spot the sign standing along the road. I hadn't planned on it at all, but the aroma lured me in, and I couldn't help but order the eel bowl. When the bowl was served, I saw a tail and... a head? When I opened the lid, there was a whole eel, from head to tail. The light sauce brought out the natural flavor of the ingredients, the meat was firm and plump, and the liver served on the side was absolutely delicious. It made the trip to the ATM totally worth it.
The high in Nagoya that day was 23.3°C, with a low of 10.6°C. I imagine it was a bit cooler in the mountains of Toyota. I was wearing Search and State's Long Sleeve Merino Jersey and S2R Performance Bib Short, topped with Cafe du Cycliste's Madeleine Gilet, which felt just right. It’s been getting a little colder lately compared to a week ago, so I’ll want to have a windbreaker ready for the next ride.
By the way, as for this Search and State Long Sleeve Merino Jersey, we only have it in black in stock right now, but we're expecting a restock with new colors soon, so stay tuned. I was wearing the same brand’s Lightweight Merino Base Layer underneath; as temperatures drop further, switching to a long-sleeve base layer like the S3-Base Layer and adding a jacket like the S1-J Riding Jacket will ensure a comfortable ride. We also have winter apparel arriving one after another from Cafe du Cycliste and ASSOS, so please be sure to stop by the shop.
I've mapped out the route I took that day, so please check it out if you're interested.
