A LONG ride to the Beach

A Happy Trails Bicycle Club Adventure to Ishikari Bay

Words: David Onadipe

Photos and Video: Theo Brennan 

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On a bright Sunday morning in October, the Happy Trails Bike Club ventured out on an intense 78-kilometer, 7 hour journey to the beautiful Ishikari Bay. Beginning our journey at 8 o’clock in the morning, we shook off our morning drowsiness within the first three kilometers of biking and commenced the true excursion. 

Pedaling away, we saw a good spot by an empty parking lot to take our first restroom and snack break. We talked amongst ourselves, exchanged snacks, and once we were ready, set off again. This time, we didn’t need a  break. Like well-oiled machines, we rode our bikes fast and far without tiring. Nearing the beach, our eyes sparkled at the sight of a wooden Hokkaido milk ice cream shack. Nothing is more rewarding than a nice refreshing Hokkaido milk ice cream on a hot day after a 34 kilometer bike ride, just before arriving at the main event: Ishikari bay.

Ishikari bay was gorgeous: we found ourselves hypnotized by the sound of the waves dancing on the shore, and spellbound by the picturesque horizon; the sky bleeding vibrant shades of orange and pink gilded with gold slowly seeping into the pale blue color of late afternoon, mirrored by the ocean below. With our stomachs full from the hearty lunch we packed, it was time to head home. As always, the ride back felt quicker but tiring. We pulled through and crossed the finish line at about 4:30 pm, exhausted by satisfied by our LONG ride to the beach.