Half-Fast Cycling

Rides, 11, 12

2026-07-10T00:10:38Z

GETTING

WARMER

The 29- and 30-degree highs this weekend will be warm but perfectly bikeable. So I’m planning a pair of shorter rides to a pair of beaches for perhaps a pair of beers. There’ll be some clouds, but slather on the sunscreen anyway.

Additionally, this will be my last weekend to ride with you guys until the fall, as I’m planning, as usual, to spend the summer someplace else. Like the Canadian Rockies. James and other cohorts will lead rides, but be careful if you go out when the forecast is for 34+ since, well, you could die. Stay hydrated. We often do night rides when it gets too hot.

Saturday Odaiba Ride

Start at the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills at 11:00 a.m. for a quick, 30-km run out to the magical island in the bay. Beach bar lunch. Back by 2:00.

Sunday Jonan Jima Jaunt

Start at the Hyatt at 11 for another short, 35-km ride out to another beach, across from Haneda Airport. Please bring an eco-bag for your convenience store lunch. Tiny chance of late afternoon rain, but we’ll be back by then and anyway it'll probably be refreshing. Note to you western Tokyo types: we’ll probably arrive at the beach at around 12:15-12:30.

Have a great summer

<><><><><>

Il Padrone, 090-5813-6721

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July Monthly Meetup

2026-07-06T22:17:13Z

C’MON

DOWN

… to the Pink Cow in Akasaka tomorrow evening (Wed) for a burrito and a beer at our regular Half-Fast monthly gathering. Here’s the link: https://www.thepinkcow.com/ Great selection of Cal-Mex goodies and stuff to drink.

It’s a chance to see what we all look like without the shades, helmets and bike kit. And talk about all things cycling. And non-cycling.

We roll in at about 7:00.

This weekend will be dry but warmish at 30 degrees, so I’m planning a pair of easy, 30-km jaunts. Details Friday.

Che deviamo

Il Padrone

090-5813-6721

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Saturday Odaiba Plus

2026-07-02T22:12:43Z

HOPE

That’s the rainy season in our rear-view mirror, and while Sunday still looks a bit sprinkly, Saturday should be fine for a scenic ride out to the bay.

Saturday Bayside Medley

Start at the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills at 11:00 a.m. for a 45-km jaunt out toward the Arakawa River, over bridges, along canals, and through forests to the “Dinosaur Bridge,” then return on back roads to Odaiba for a beach bar lunch. Back by about 3:30.

Wednesday, July 8th Monthly Meetup

Traditionally, on the second Wednesday of each month, we gang and dine at The Pink Cow in Akasaka to see what we each look like without the goggles, helmets and lycra. And talk about bikes, biking, bike touring, bike maintenance and bike technology. You get the idea. Terrific burritos and other Cal-Mex dishes. We roll in at about 7:00. https://www.thepinkcow.com/

Lead a Ride

I’m out of here on the 16th until late September, so James will be organizing the rides. Share your favorite ride by jotting down start/end time/place, degree of difficulty and beer stops, and send it to sw08023@PROTECTED We’ll include it in our Friday bulletin.

<><><><><>

All I got for now,

Il Padrone, 090-5813-6721

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Two Typhoons

2026-06-26T03:08:33Z

IT AIN'T

EASY

…running a cycling club during the rainy season with an added pair (2) of typhoons approaching, so, unsurprisingly, I’m not planning any rides this weekend. Maybe we’ll have better luck next week. Mark your calendars, though, for July 8, when we have our regular monthly meeting and burrito-fest at The Pink Cow in Akasaka. https://www.thepinkcow.com/

Stay safe (and dry).

Il Padrone,

090-5813-6721

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Sunday Odaiba Plus

2026-06-19T20:40:02Z

RAIN

BETWEEN THE

DROPS

Bikers, the forecast, as forecasts will do this rainy time of year, has changed for Sunday, and it now looks like a dry, bikeable afternoon, So I’m proposing a run out to the Arakawa, Wakasu Park, and Odaiba.

Sunday Odaiba Plus

Start at the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills at 11:00 a.m. for a 45-km ride along canals, over bridges, through forests on dedicated bike paths with wonderful ocean vistas, and stopping by Odaiba for a beach bar lunch. Back by around 3:30

All I got for now

Il Padrone, 090-5813-6721

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Friday Between the Raindrops

2026-06-17T23:52:13Z

HAPPY

TSUYU

💦 TSUYU 💦

🎶🎶🎶

Well, the rainy season is finally upon us, with a wet weekend forecast. So no weekend rides.

But, if your work/life balance permits, join me for a run out to Odaiba tomorrow, Friday. Gotta get that exercise. Slightly different parameters:

Start at the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills at >>>> NOON sharp <<<< for a 30-km quickie out to the beach by the bay and back. Beach bar lunch. Back by 3:00 at the latest. Please let me know if you plan to join.

Next monthly Pink Cow meetup: Wednesday, July 8th. https://www.thepinkcow.com/

All for now,

Il Padrone, 090-5813-6721

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Rides, 13, 14

2026-06-11T17:14:27Z

WARMING

First of all thanks to all who helped make last weekend’s Tokyo Bay Cruise such a perfect evening on the water. We’ll do it again next year.

Looking gorgeously bikeable this weekend — Saturday (sunny, 28) and Sunday (cloudy, 26) — so let’s stretch it out with an Odaiba Plus ride on Saturday and a Jonan Jima ride on Sunday. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Next monthly meetup at the Pink Cow July 8th. Mark your calendars.

Saturday Odaiba Plus

We tack 15km on to our standard Odaiba run to make it a 45-km adventure over bridges, along canals, through forests on dedicated bike trails way out into the bay, and ending up at a beach bar for lunch. Start at the grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills at 11:00; back by about 3:30

Sunday Jonan Jima Jaunt

Start at the Hyatt at 11:00 for a 35-km ride out to another little beach park across from Haneda Airport. Please bring an eco-bag for your convenience store lunch. Back by, say, 2:30

<><><><><>

The hits just keep on comin’, guys and gals.

Il Padrone

090-5813-6721

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(non) events

2026-06-04T02:00:04Z

I GOT NOTHIN'

THIS WEEKEND

If you don’t count our annual Tokyo Bay Cruise. The boat is full! (Although there may be a few spots left if sought with suitable groveling and bribery. Fine Italian wines have been known to work.) Optimists refer to the attached flyer.

Those who have signed up will get a separate message tomorrow with final directions.

Meanwhile, I’m planning nothing for Saturday as I’ll be busy preparing. Some afternoon rain is forecast for Sunday. And we’re passing on our monthly Pink Cow meeting because 1) I have to work, and 2) Traci has booked a large party that will take up most of the place.

Things are looking better next weekend.

<><><><><>

Il Padrone 090-5813-6721

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Cruise, rides 30, 31

2026-05-28T21:36:56Z

AHOY!

First, an update on this year’s Tokyo Bay Cruise on June 6. Our crew strength is now up to 64, and there’s room for maybe a dozen more. I’ll cut it off if it gets too crowded. So if you’re been sitting on the fence, now is the time to reserve your spot. Printable details attached here: Please take special note of the new gathering place, just down the canal from last year. Oedo Line Exit 5. It’s a new exit that comes up right at the boat. I’ll send a note a few days before sailing date. The weather forecast is good, mid-20s with only a very slight chance of some sprinkles.

Cycling-wise, this weekend I’ll keep it to a pair of short, keep-fit rides, to Odaiba and Jonan. It’s going to be HOT, at 29-30 degrees, so please stay hydrated, put on plenty of sunscreen and don’t overdo.

Saturday Odaiba Run

Start at the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills at 11:00 a.m. for an easy, 30-km ride out to the magical island in the bay for a beach bar lunch, and perhaps a brew or two. Back by around 2:00.

Sunday Jonan Jaunt

Start at the Grand Hyatt at 11:00 a.m. for a 35-km ride out to another little beach park, near Haneda Airport. Please bring an eco-bag for your convenience store lunch. Back by 2:30 at the latest.

<><><><><>

All I got for now, matey.

Il Padrone, 090-5813-6721

P.S. Crew count just went up to 65!

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Rides, 23, 24

2026-05-21T21:40:04Z

SPRING HAS RETURNED

after that brief hot flash of summer, with temps this weekend down to a refreshing 18 and 22, with clouds. So dress accordingly. Odaiba is closed for a special multi-media fireworks event, so I’ve concocted a pair of rides that avoid all that: A Saturday Jonan Plus and a Sunday Kasai Rinkai ramble.

BUT FIRST

I need 10 to 15 more crew members for our June 6th Tokyo Bay Cruise, so if you’ve been mulling over coming along, now’s the time to let me know. Invite your friends! Printable flyer here:

Saturday Jonan Jima Jaunt

Start at the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills at 11:00 a.m. for a scenic 35-km ride out to a little beach park across from Haneda Airport. Please bring an eco-bag for your convenience store lunch. Back by 2:30 or so.

Sunday Kasai Rinkai Adventure

Start at the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills at 11:00 a.m. Head to the bay, then north and across the Mighty Arakawa for lunch at a lovely seaside park, then back toward Odaiba before cutting right and back to central Tokyo. Please bring an eco-bag for your convenience store lunch. Dedicated bike paths, ocean vistas, canals, bridges, etc. Back by 3:00 at the latest. About 40 km.

<><><><><><>

All I got for now

Il Padrone, 090-5813-6721

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Fwd: Izu Oshima Overnight

2026-05-17T22:20:07Z

Begin forwarded message:

From: Max Titze <max.titze@PROTECTED>
Subject: Izu Oshima Overnight
Date: May 18, 2026 at 12:30:47 JST
To: Don Morton <hfpadrone@PROTECTED>

There’s still room for a few more riders on the Izu Oshima trip this weekend!

This is one of the best overnight cycling trips you can do from Tokyo. Don't miss it.

We’ll take the overnight ferry from Takeshiba on May 22, ride a scenic ~50 km coastal loop around the island on May 23, then ferry back that evening. The pace will be social and very much in the usual Half Fast fashion. Expect ocean views, volcanic scenery, fishing villages, dramatic coastlines, and an outdoor onsen stop after the ride.

If you’re in, get in touch while there are still spots on the ferry. max.titze@PROTECTED or 080-8181-1310

Max

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