Apparently, today it should not rain. Or at least this afternoon. Hopefully not because the plan is to reach the bicycle shop that I contacted 3-4 months ago to order my folding bicycle. I will go there by bus and then cycle back to the guesthouse using as much cycle lanes as possible.
It’s 10:40 am and I’m finally ready to go. I prepared for the worse :-)
Leaving the alley of the guesthouse.
On my way down to the bus stop I saw the the 461 was coming soon. When I arrived the bus was there except that it was the 641… Let’s see where it brings me. With a bit of luck it might reach the second bus I need to take.
So far so good :-)
Arf! The bus passed the Yeouido station and I thought it was going to go straight which was perfect. But suddenly I’m totally of track.
I came off before I would go completely in the opposite direction. Now I need to take 3 more buses to reach the shop.
3 buses later
Now waiting for the 4th bus!
Reaching the last bus stop
Here were are. This district is a little different from what I’ve seen so far. It feels more like a small town.
Each building are kind a modern and also different from on another.
Still, there are a lot of towers.
Almost there
Here is Violi!
That’s mine :-) It looks cool. I’ve brought a lot of accessories with me that the team will install for me: Pedals, lights, handle bar bridge, handles and bell.
Pimp my bike
The seller at Violi shop reminded me that there is a Ikea nearby. That’s great because I need to buy 2 Dimpa bags. They are supposed to fit perfectly folded Brompton bikes. As this one is pretty much the same dimensions, it should fit too.
One more bus trip
Here we are.
It’s 2:30 pm now. I better get something to eat now so I won’t have to search for any place once I’m cycling.
Lunch time
After a quick tour through the showroom, I finally find what I need.
Done! Let’s go back to Violi now.
Testing packing
The seller helped me cutting the delivery box into several pieces and after bout 20 minutes the bike is now packed. I will remove the saddle before flying of course. It’s just a test so I can bring back all those cardboard pieces with me today.
Getting ready!
I just left the shop. Thank you Violi for your kindness and patience. You are the best :-)
It looks small but it’s actually great to ride!
I’m stating off the road.
I’ve seen those crossing a few times here. I like the way they mix the practicality and nature. The bike is light (11kg) so it’s very easy to pass through here.
Oups, I thought I would be able to use that lane but I need to cross that bridge over the river.
Now cycling along the river. They even tell us the weather forecast.
And the date and time of the day :-)
That lane must be new! It’s so bright!
People here are playing a kind of golf. The ball is bigger and the distance between the starting point and the hole is shorter. It’s golf for anyone who wants to enjoy it.
The left lane is for cycling, the other for walking. Very organized here.
A round-about for cyclists. Wow!
The cars are above and we are cycling safely down there.
Tunnels feels completely safe. In France you would see 50 tents here.
This section even has light markings on the floor. That’s cool.
I’m getting close to the end of the cycle path.
When there are no path to come up, stairs provide a ramp anyway. Seoul is definitely cyclist friendly.
I’m now in Silim. A district not far from where I stay. I have to cycle on the foot path now.
Reaching the guesthouse
Finally, after 2 hours and 30 minutes riding (+ taking photos) and 23 km, I’m back to the guesthouse. Sun allows me to keep my bike under the house.
Short rest
Sun recommended me that tiny restaurant nearby. 2 grandmas own it.
Again, the Koreans are so well organized. Each table has a drawer containing the chopsticks and spoons.
I’ve got a bibimbap for 7000 won (4.6 USD / 4 EUR). Way better than my dinner yesterday.
After that, sleep!