BEE Japan

Woo! We finally made it to Wakkanai, the starting point for our 3500 kilometer tour. Emi, Nicholas, Colin, Fan and I met in Fukui for some pre-ride planning and trouble-shooting before riding a ferry for 19 hours from Tsuruga to Tomakomai ferry port. From the ferry port, we rode 30 kilometers to Tomakomai City, where we stayed at an izakaya, or japanese-style bar and grill with a very colorful owner who kept us well-entertained for the night. From there we caught an 8 hour train to Wakkanai train station, where we were met by some city officials who have planned our schedule for the next few days. We are staying at Midori no Yu, a rider house (a kind of hostel for motorcyclists), that holds a nightly party that includes karaoke and organized chatting. Some of the motorcyclists have shared information with us about road conditions on our route, places where we can find free wi-fi access, as well as recommended places to stay. This afternoon we had our bikes checked at Togawa Bike Shop for safety, and tonight we will meet Cat for the first time. Soon the team will finally be united!! Tomorrow we will have a radio interview followed by a meeting with the major. The following day we will have an event at the city library with elementary students, go on a coastal tour on a patrol boat, and dance in the Wakkanai South Pole festival. Our schedule is packed, and we are looking forward to every second of it!!