Welcome to the next edition of our riding odyssey.

Its that time again when we gather in a new land and explore the country by riding our bikes.  Its one way to enjoy a bike ride in a new land and meet and see interesting people and things along the way.  Did I mention that we have to eat the food as well.

Well this year its in Japan which is all about a completely new culture, the ability to eat Japanese food at every meal, stay in tradition Ryokan hotels with hot spring baths.

So we start in Osaka from 22 August for the traditional acclimatisation and then start our ride on Thursday 27 August riding Southeast along the coast (sort of) to the Shimanami Kaido.  Crossing the Inland Sea to Shikuku and after that spending a week in the mountains finishing with a few days exploring Mt Fuji and surrounds.

So sit back and see who can win the Yellow Jersey this time.  Tour rides comprise myself, the Grand Duke, Rocket, Goose, Pedals back from 2011 and the Black Cav backing up for his second attempt.

Here is a diagram of the proposed route.