I know its not much compared to the distances run in the US, but in Japan the highways are probably some of the most expensive in the world.  

  Anyways a group of 4 of us decided to bike down to the the biggest bike event here in Japan. We decided not to take the highway because it would run us over $150 in just toll fees,  and this was only one way!!  But who would have thought that there could be traffic for more half the ride there...freakin traffic lights every 100m...stop..go..stop..go..At least the event was held on a different island with not so many people and some of the best biking country that I have yet seen here in Japan.  
     
     The island was so great the my friends went to tour the island more while I was suck taking a ferry back because I had to go back to work.  They ended up riding close to 2000km and were very happy to pay the toll fees to get home faster.

just some pics I took..in no specific order


the best place to get a beef bowl..our first stop for breakfast..thats not me in the pic.


bikes and tent city


touring the island around the event





check part 2 for more pics..(didn't want to post too many for those on dial up)

I'd love to go there sometime.  It's too bad that my annual income would probably only be enough to live there for 4 months though!