On the 7th of October 2024, our guest speaker Jackie Reid, enthralled us with her three-month cycle tour adventures around southern Japan. She has extensive working experience in Japan on the JET programme (Japan Exchange and Teaching) and went on to work for a UK company in Tokyo. Jackie has raced MTB all over Japan winning many national titles.
Her knowledgeable presentation reflected her deep love for Japanese people and society and with breathtaking photography. Starting out from Taiwan and visiting small islands in the Ryukyus that are actually nearer Taiwan than Tokyo and making her way to Kyushu and beyond.
Covering over 4363 kilometres via ferries, but mostly pedal power, Jackie toured the Japanese countryside observing local traditions: pottery, textile dyeing and weaving, sake, farming, as well as engaging with local communities to WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). Initially, she started out camping, but then stayed in small hostelries and the like.
We were taken on a magical armchair tour, sadly only reaching Kyushu when it was time to stop. However, Jackie has promised to come back again to present “Part 2” when we can resume her wonderful journey. Thank you, Jackie.
For information about the JET programme click here. https://www.jet-uk.org/….
Deadline for 2025 applications is 8th November 2024.
