The biggest reason I started taking my bicycle on trips was that I couldn't drive a car.
Of course, enjoying exploring travel destinations by bike has become a major reason as well, but as I recall, the very first, most fundamental reason was simply that I had no other way to get around once I arrived.
In my twenties, I became addicted to spending my time off on domestic travel. I started taking my bike on planes and trains to various places, and eventually, I just naturally began choosing my bicycle as my primary mode of transport at my destination.
This was the first time I flew with my bike to Okinawa. In Okinawa, it’s honestly hard to get anywhere quickly outside of Naha if you can’t drive. My first motivation was basically the thought: "Instead of taking multiple buses, why not just bring my bike?"
Looking at the photo, I can see it didn't have quick-release hubs. I remember bringing tools with me, but did I really carry them on my back while riding? My younger self was something else. That’s a huge hill, and was that a single-speed bike? Being young is amazing!
Because I hadn't tightened the bolts securely, the wheel started to tilt halfway through, but I had left my tools at my accommodation. I vaguely remember dropping by an auto repair shop along the way to borrow something like a wrench. Still, as it was my first time flying with a bike, not having any protruding derailleur parts meant there was less that could break, so I’d say it was a nice choice at the time.
I changed bikes! Having gotten much more used to flying with a bike, my sturdy SURLY became my city bike, and for a while, my Cielo became my travel companion. We went everywhere together, from Miyakojima and Yakushima in the south to Hokkaido in the north.
The frame was much lighter than the SURLY, and even though I had to force the rear rack on, the Cielo combined lightness, load capacity, and speed, staying by my side as my bike of choice for travels for a long time.
What is the #MyFirstBike I recommend to you if you want to travel with a bike?
All the bikes I’d ridden until then were 700c types with relatively large wheels, so whenever I traveled, I had to remove both wheels for flights or train rides. Because I removed the wheels, I worried about the exposed dropouts, the space they took up, and as someone of short stature, lifting even a disassembled (though light) Cielo was always a bit of a struggle. Everything was manageable, but there were these little nagging issues!
After countless trips and experiences, I finally arrived at my current travel companion: Bike Friday.
I used to think that small-wheeled bikes would be difficult to ride around on trips because of the small tires, but that’s not the case at all. In fact, since they are semi-custom built to my measurements—including arm/leg length and inseam—the fit feels so much more natural to my body, and I really get the sense that the bike is "moving forward" efficiently.
If you are looking for a partner that you can use anywhere, whether on a trip or around town, I believe the only choice for #MyFirstBike is BIKE FRIDAY.
Folding it is just this easy! And the frequency of getting my hands or clothes dirty has dropped significantly.
Lately, the weather has turned spring-like all at once. Where should I go next? The Mori, Michi, Ichiba market is coming up, so I'm looking forward to Biking to Mori, Michi, Ichiba, and I also really want to fly somewhere for a change! I keep getting excited thinking about going to Kyoto in the spring and eating delicious food.
I don’t have any plans for a major tour for now, but I want to continue enjoying small trips at my own pace with my small companion.