Japan: Yamanashi - First bike packing trip

**alt.thomas** · 07-12-2019, 04:40

July 10-11 2019

I collected all my gear and found the time to go out on my first bike camping trip. The plan was for two nights near the lakes of Mt. Fuji but bad weather forecast cut my trip to one night.

Arrived by train at JR Otsuki station.

Bike and all my gear stashed in the blue bag.

Assembled and ready to roll out.

Old brick bridge built in 1907

http://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/146895/1

Passed Tahara Waterfall

https://www.city.tsuru.yamanashi.jp/...ho/8/8462.html

The original plan was to circle Lake Kawaguchi and camp there. The new plan is to hit Lake Kawaguchi and then Lake Yamanaka.

The actual trip was much tougher than I expected.

I was exhausted after turning into Lake Yamanaka. As I stopped to check my bearings, both legs buckled and then both hamstrings severely cramped up. I was the living embodiment of the dancing air balloon.

After recovering from that embarrassment , I looked for the nearest campsite and called in a spot.

http://www.misaki-campsite.com

My Garmin recommended to take three days to recover. I felt vindicated knowing I put in a lot of effort and at least I had the whole campground to myself.

South side of campground

North side

With muscles twitching and cramping, I managed to setup camp. I also had time to mess around with new configurations involving the use of a bike.

Mini-porch mode

The winds were kicking and used my bike to create more interior space with the side pulls.

I woke up early the next day feeling great and almost fully recovered.

Using the toilet and dutifully following instructions

Here’s my gear breakdown before packing up with everything laid out...

Handlebar Pack with an extra day of food remaining, cook kit, water kit and toiletries, ditty bag and trash

Inside the saddle pack: Blackbird, UQ protector

In the Fastpack: Quilts, clothes, cordage, tent stakes, tarp and bike carrying bag.

Feed bag; top tube pack with battery kit, repair tools & bike lock; rear bag with two spare tires

Everything packed up

Took some photos of the lake before departing

A group of RC enthusiasts flying their airplanes at 8am on a Thursday. A majestic view of Mt. Fuji hidden behind the clouds.

Planned a direct route back to Otsuki station in order to beat the rain.

The return ride back was a blast as it was mostly all downhill.

I learned a lot, especially in the packing department. Potential off road tracks have been bookmarked and I’m looking forward to my next bike packing trip.

**ObdewlaX** · 07-12-2019, 08:27

Nice bike packing trip report! Thanks for posting.

**ChrisJHC** · 07-12-2019, 20:54

Agree that it’s a great report!

One tip: when you’re using your bike as an anchor point, it will be more stable if it’s “end-on” rather than sideways. The width of the handlebars doesn’t give a lot of sideways stability.

**Shug** · 07-12-2019, 21:10

A nice cold Pocari Sweat to you for that trip.
Shug-san

**KBr00ks** · 07-12-2019, 22:05

Looks fabulous!

**alt.thomas** · 07-13-2019, 00:13

Originally Posted by KBr00ks

Looks fabulous!

Many thanks to your awesome advice on packing!

**alt.thomas** · 07-13-2019, 00:14

Originally Posted by Shug

A nice cold Pocari Sweat to you for that trip.
Shug-san

I certainly guzzled down my share! Thanks Senpai.

**alt.thomas** · 07-13-2019, 00:18

Originally Posted by ChrisJHC

Agree that it’s a great report!

One tip: when you’re using your bike as an anchor point, it will be more stable if it’s “end-on” rather than sideways. The width of the handlebars doesn’t give a lot of sideways stability.

Thanks! Good point — I’ll try laying it the other way. I did tie down the stakes in some iteration. Also nice to know I can just stake the tarp to me bike laying flat to the ground.