Bike hire in Shirakawa, Japan?

[velomane]

Another member's thread about bike hiring got me thinking about an impending visit to Japan. Odds are long, I know, but does anyone here have any ideas about bike rental in Shirakawa, Fukushima prefecture?

[RimClencher]

Basket bikes can be borrowed for free from the tourist office at the station

http://shirakawa315.com/news/post_482.html

[velomane]

Thanks. Wasn't exactly what I was after, but, hey, when I absolutely need to ride, any two wheels will suffice.

[sanrensho]

I can only wish you good luck with your search. A few years ago I had zero luck trying to rent a road bike in Matsumoto City, which is considerably larger than Shirakawa. It was not the language barrier, as I speak fluent Japanese.

Your best bet might be to try and hook up with someone there who rides and would be willing to lend you a spare bike.

[urt]

Ask here http://www.tokyocycle.com/bbs/

[velomane]

sanrensho,

That's the conclusion I've reached, but your advice is much appreciated. I don't know why it didn't occur to me to borrow from some kind soul.

urt,

You may have just given me a way to connect with the kind soul who may have a bike to lend me. Thx!

[sanrensho]

Yeah, try the BBS. You never know, you might find someone in a nearby city/prefecture or stopover point that might lend you a bike.