Jitensha dewa arimasen

After visiting a giant Bunnings type store, no bike as yet. My options there were a little limited - either a 3 speed 'ladies' style bike - the bog standard basic transport for all in these parts - for about $120 aus, or 6 speed fold-up bike for about $150. add about another $50 to each of those for gear rack, lock and lights. I thought pretty hard about the fold up option - which i could take with me on the trains when i go on the Grand Adventure in 2 weeks time, but just couldnt get my head around the logistics of travelling with it. It remains a definite option though. Opinions, anyone?

Aside from that, the hardware shops here are *far* superior to the ones at home. A backyard engineer's paradise. you want stainless steel cable in sizes down to 0.5mm. no problem. how about plywood? how does under 10 bucks for a large sheet of 12mm 7ply sound? same piece would get you almost no change from a pair of fifties back home. I could go on, but I'd just be torturing people. Including myself. I wonder how much a shipping container would cost to send home...

I'd like to find a real bike shop and see what the situation is there before I buy. Which probably means a trip into Tokyo - which is worthwhile just on its own. I wouldnt mind having some idea where to go before I set off, so I might survey everyone I can find here before I go. There are lots of westfield-style malls around outer Tokyo - I'd say a bike shop was sure to be found in one of them...


Two more photos of retro-style cars. The one on the left looks like on old Wolseley or something. "Enough!" you say, so I promise no more on them from now on.


But they are just so *cute*...








I mean, just look at this one - and two tone cream and beige paintwork!