2008 marked the third year I did the Sado Long Ride. For those not in the know, the ride is in late May and follows the circumference of Sado Island, Niigata, Japan. 210 km in all. Sado is a windswept island in the Sea of Japan. Generally, May means unpredictable and blustery weather. The initial editions had featured significant rain and wind. Year three brought warm sunshine and low winds the entire day. Just unbelievable. Four of us had driven up from Tokyo, Hiro (an IAC member), my friend Larry from Singapore ( a former Tokyo resident who had done the 2007 ride), and Larry's friend Nick from Singapore (not Leeson by the way).
Given the favorable weather, the ride was great. Having experienced it previously, I was also better able to deal with the length and finish up strong. The organization was very good; marked improvements had been made on the prior year. Even our hotel had refurbished the restaurant with spectacular views down the coastline. The weather may never be as nice again, but all in all it is a highly recommended event.
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