Pedals, Pours & Serendipitous Stories.

The ultimate Japanese adventure with Mira & Francisca.

By Black Sheep Cycling

In May of this year, we announced our Future Project Bursary competition. At Black Sheep, we believe that everyone harbors a dream, whether it's a new bike, a bucket-list race, or the ultimate adventure with a best friend. The first-place winners, Mira and Francisca from Sydney, were awarded $6000 in cash and apparel. They shared their beautiful story about their upcoming bike-packing challenge in the south of Japan, a 1500 km ride in 10 days.

Mira, a Interior Designer and Francisca, a professional photographer and editor, are women in their forties. Like many women in their forties and fifties, they face hormonal changes linked to menopause, impacting mood, mental health, and energy levels. Despite this, they tackled their physical challenges together, using their love for cycling and adventure to overcome hurdles. This is where their bike-packing adventure begins in Osaka, Japan.

"They tackled their physical challenges together, using their love for cycling and adventure to overcome hurdles.”

Both agreed camping was not the best decision for them on this trip.

The ladies took the train to Onimichi to cross the famous Shimanami Kaido (7 Bridges). As they assembled their bikes, racks, and bags and started pedalling, they realised, "How are we going to do this? We were so slow, even downhill."

The heavy bikes required constant handlebar grip. Despite the initial challenges, after a slow and rough start, they marvelled at the landscape and culture, feeling like turtles on bikes. Shimanami Kaido proved easier with perfect weather and welcoming faces. What could go wrong?

Reaching Shikoku Island, they decided to explore the middle, leading to hilly mountain terrain. Torrential rain during steep climbs caused a panic attack for Mira, contrasting with Francisca's love for the rain. Emotional but determined, they reached the campsite well after dark. Exhausted and confused, the decision to stay in an old hotel at the campsite turned out to be the "best decision ever." A good meal and some beers revived their spirits.

Despite hiccups at the start, soaked tents, mosquitoes, and damp floors, they gave camping another try. The third and final camping day, in front of a temple, ended with Mira waking up with a swollen face where she couldn't open her eyes. Both agreed camping was not the best decision for them on this trip.

In the midst of their journey, a captivating encounter with a woman named Sayara became a cherished highlight. Riding through mountainous terrain on a scorching day, they took a break in a quaint riverside village in search of a vending machine, their reliable companions throughout the trip. As they enjoyed Coca-Cola, the beauty of the surroundings inspired a photo of a stunning woman with an umbrella and cute dress. What ensued was a delightful and humorous chat, marked by giggles due to the language barrier. Intrigued by Sayara, they followed her to a garden with koi, where she generously treated them to traditional mochi (sweet rice cake). Sayara invited the ladies to lunch in her humble home, creating an unforgettable and heartwarming memory to be treasured forever.

"Mira and Francisca’s shared journey became a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure, leaving indelible imprints on their lives."

Another notable highlight unfolded during the last week in Kyoto, where they undertook an epic 250-kilometer ride around the lake, testing their endurance on a challenging day. Adding a humorous twist to the narrative, a funny incident occurred when Mira unknowingly booked them into a "love hotel” which had everything you needed for a fun night. A good chuckle and one for the memory bank that’s for sure.

As the wheels of their bikes came to a rest in Kyoto, the echoes of laughter, challenges faced, and the warmth of newfound friendships lingered in the air. This adventure unfolded into a kaleidoscope of experiences, from the highs of conquering daunting landscapes to the lows that tested resilience.

In the end, amidst the picturesque beauty of Kyoto's lake and the humour of a "love hotel" detour, Mira and Francisca’s shared journey became a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure, leaving indelible imprints on their lives. Grateful for the opportunity, they carried the essence of Japan in their hearts, forever bound by the pedals, pours, and serendipitous stories that painted the landscape of their unforgettable expedition.

FUTURE PROJECT

The Future Project is a dedication to the next generation. It emphasises equality across women and men, a focus on U23 elite cycling, and funding to enable global racing opportunities. To learn more about our Future Project, click the link below.