If you look at the heat map of my rides on Strava, you’ll see I’ve covered some ground. If it’s interesting and it’s within 40 miles or so, I’ll go for it. And then there are the “transportation-assisted” rides I’ve taken — trains up to Seoul or down to Ch’eonan, drives to Seoul and Yich’eon. I’ve found some excellent places and had my share of adventures over the past few years.
And the temperatures are rising now, so it’s time to get excited again. But like I said — the heat map shows I’ve covered most of what I can around here. So it’s time to get creative.
I think last year’s highlight — even more than a couple of hundred-milers — was my ride to the site of the Battle of Ant Hill south of Ch’eonan. Korea is absolutely gorgeous, and even more so the further you get from Seoul. I have great memories of the land down around Ant Hill, and I’d love to go further. Much further. Like, south coast, 3-day trip further.
Face it. When people traverse the country, they think “Four Rivers,” the trail system that runs throughout the country and follows four major river systems. But when I did Ant Hill, I didn’t use any of those trails. I’ve got a route planned all the way to Daejeon that doesn’t use those trails. So why not Yeosu, an island on the south coast (about 2/3 farther than Daejeon)? That’s a route that would pass the tallest mountain on the peninsula proper, and take me over a popular climb in that area. Or even Busan — but not by starting up in Seoul and following the Inch’eon to Busan, but by doing what I usually do — following the highways and farm roads. It’s getting even easier these days, considering the incessant construction of new super-roads that are taking the bulk of the traffic off of the older roads.
Then there are the day-trips I’d like to take — drives to other starting points, new areas to explore. I’ve had a couple of those planned for a while now, and it’s about time.
So let’s see what 2022 has to offer. I’m sure it’ll be good.