Ooi Futo in Tokyo Bay is not a popular cycling destination because of the beauty of the landscape, far from it in fact. The reason why cyclists flock here, although only on Sundays, is for the wide open roads, which are largely free of traffic, giving riders the opportunity to really push themselves.
Riding fast racing bikes, the type which might feature in the Tour de France, people spend the day, or just a morning, putting in the laps, improving average times and building up endurance. Some cyclists opt for speed training, in groups flying up and down a stretch of road. I managed to keep up for a few hundred meters!
Most cyclists—myself included—follow a ten-kilometer circuit around the site. The route mainly consists of long, straight stretches of road, mainly unbroken by traffic lights. The scenery is almost entirely grey, post-industrial: the roads are lined with warehouses, cranes and stacks of shipping containers.
Minatogaoka Futo Koen, one of the few green areas, is a popular meeting place, and it also provides a very welcome refreshment stop. There are, of course, vending machines and there is some pleasant shade.
If you are visiting for the first time, the best way to find your way around is to head to the park, find a cyclist—preferably one who isn’t moving at lightening speed—and follow them, committing the route to memory.
As a word of caution there are three very important facts which need to be borne in mind. Do not come on any day other than Sunday; during the week it is a busy port. The roads are public, and as such normal traffic regulations apply. The police have been known to jump out and nab cyclists who go through red lights, even when there is absolutely no other traffic; the fines are stiff. Finally, although most of the traffic has gone, there are still some trucks which thunder down the road, so stay aware.
Other than that, make sure your bike is nice and shiny, tires are pumped, water bottles are filled, lycra is donned (I don't wear any, but that literally makes me the odd one out) and have a great ride.
