Steps Part 2

Part 2 of the beurocracy shake down in Japan came in the form of trying to get a bank account. 

Left early this morning for my card registration - next stop was Yokohama Mitsubishi Bank of Japan and is actually the parent company of Union Bank USA formerly Union Bank of California.

I was loaded with all the proper paperwork, my Inkan (official stamp of my last name), and most importantly - money!  Guess what??? No go..  My official residence was too far from the bank I was trying to open an account at. This concept was new to me. The amount of money I wanted to deposit didn't matter. From what I gathered they have become very aggressive about rules regulating where and how you bank in Japan. Why? Not really sure. There is reasoning behind this rule I am sure - I am just not sure what it is yet. All of the bank branches are connected. The exception to the rule is if your work is close to your bank in which case they will make an exception and let you hold an account. You must provide proof (business card) of your work or business in the area and they will grant you an account. Hmm.... Ok. 

This photo is my Inkan. It's a stamp of my last name in Katakana for official business or contracts. 

Anyway, the bank account was a 1/2 busted mission. Opened 1 account and denied the other. What can you do - learn something new every day...

Taking Steps

I was told that everything in Japan can be a bit of a process. Paperwork and beurocracy make this country work. It can work for you or very against your very quickly and I experienced both today!

Upon my entry to Japan I received my foreigner / Gainin residency card. I was directed to a line at the end of the check in counters (closest to the offices) that is reserved for foreign dignataries and special entry permits. I was told to go here because I possessed an entry permit / certificate of eligibility that was pre-approved by the Japanese Consulate in Los Angeles, California USA. Because I had pre approval I was issued a card immediately. They were very clear about the rules of this card and the penalties for not carrying it.

If I am asked for the card by any authority (police, immigration, etc.) and do not have it with me I can be fined ¥200,000 and risk detainment. They are really serious about keeping it on you at all times. Along with a full page of instructions and warnings there was also a paragraph about registering with my local prefecture of residence within 14 days - this is the final step in my imigration to Japan. 

I went to the Funabashi government office in Chiba to register my new card. This was a smooth process but a lengthy one. The local government offices are amazing. Super efficient and organized and amazingly friendly. Such a difference from USA services like the DMV! 

The end result of final registration was a bit of unexpected icing... I have 3 year residency status and unlimited work permission. I am not sure which was the pre-requisite but the girl at the counter "suggested" that I fill out one more piece of paper. It was registration for the national health system! They issued me another card that allows me to see doctors and also covers 30% of my expenses for health related visits. Wha?????  This was a total surprise. I don't want to use it but it's nice to know its there just incase.

I Live In Japan

It's official. I have left Southern California and I now live in Japan!

I am about 45 minutes North East of Tokyo in Chiba. I'll be here for 2-3 weeks while I find another apartment in Shin-Yokohama. Yokohama is about 30 minutes south of central Tokyo.

Things to do today...

Open bank account

Buy cell phones

&

Find all my luggage...

As soon as I get a second I'll explain how bad TSA can be. Yesterday's trip from LAX to Narita was one of the worst on record. Flight was amazing and Narita is the best - LAX TSA seriously need to get their shit together and stop ruining everyone's lives.

-ADVeveryday

Ticking Clock...

T-Minus 36 Hours...

My life changes in 36 hours.  I will board Singapore Air bound for Narita, Japan.  Important stuff is packed.  Ya know, carbon bike bits, kit, etc.  Hah!  Strapped the #Cervelo S5 in the Bike Box Alan today.  I was a bit geeky about it.  Watched the online video step by step - it's how I do it.  Took a bit but now I know.

It all strapped in perfect.  I am not a big fan of laying the frame derailleur side down but at this point I'll roll the dice.  Out of time and energy...  I talked to a few people that have this box and they didn't have issues.  For good measure I wrapped the important bits in a bit of bubble wrap and protected the frame where the straps connect.

My only criticism is the wheel cutout sections.  I have Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLR's and the deep section carbon wheels (often found on tri-bikes, etc.) don't clear properly at the crossover point between the 2 wheels where the anti-crush pole meets the box.  I protected the wheels and spokes with some more bubble wrap.  Ya, maybe the parts can take a beating but that's not how I prep for over-seas travel.

Took a quick snap of the bike in the box and the layout I used to keep things safe.  The bike is a 2013 Cervelo S5, 2013 Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLR's, and a 2013 Bike Box Alan.

Dear TSA Gods - please don't destroy my bike.  Thank you.

Cervelo Saga Part 2

My super awesome mechanic called back today after he talked to the regional Cervelo rep that came in. The rep has decided to push it up the ladder a notch and contact Phil White. Whaa???  

Phil White is one of the creators of Cervelo. For whatever reason cervelo wanted this bike back anyway once they heard about this ongoing issue. They don't get my back until I have a new one at the shop waiting for me.  Because the issue has grown to a quality control inquiry on their end the rep is talking to Phil about sending out another (3rd) frame to fix this problem. 

At this point I would really like @cervelo two step up and some how apologize for all this. New frame in the mail today is expected but it would be good of them to send out an upgrade like a VWD as an apology.  We'll see what happens and I'll update you then!

Harajuku

If you find yourself in Harajuku (ish) make sure you go down the street, around the store, down the alley, cross at the light and turn left, then go down the other alley, and slide the little wooden door open.

Smash It In

This is how you smash your cycling and camping gear into 1/2 of a Japanese suitcase...

Tent, sleeping bag, 4 tires, vans, cycle shoes, camping pillow

2 more tires, Oakley bag and cleaners, Olympus OMD-EM5, Hammer Towels, Toms

More to come - this is just the beginning...

New Kicks for Travel

When packing for Japan remember... Everything name brand that you may take advantage of in the USA costs double there... Stock up before you leave!

Did some shopping over the weekend for shoes.  I don't wear Vans exclusively but I wanted these!  They normally come in only a red and white combo.  These are some kind of "Chili Pepper" combination.  If you say so - they're mine now!

Vans fit true to size.  I am a dead on 9.0 US

For the next round... I like Toms.  Toms is a shoe company that donates 1:1 for every pair you buy.  Have I ever seen a person in need actually wearing them?  Well, no, but no matter really - I like them.  This is the one style I buy and they are some of the most comfy shoes I have ever worn.

Cervelo Saga

So.... Quick background.  I am on a 2013 Cervelo S5.  It's a phenomenal bike.  Top notch.  If it would only stop making noise in the bottom bracket...

My bike shop / mechanic where I got it has truly gone to war on this one.  He's good.  Really good.  Top level race mechanic and has a vast background - I trust him.  I am currently on my 2nd S5 frame from Cervelo.  For the same problem...  The damned BBright bottom bracket won't stop clicking / creaking / making noise.  Ya, carbon bikes make a bit of noise, but it can almost always be silenced.  That is the name of the game with top end bikes.  The more technology you pack into them - the more tweaking they require.

Cervelo offered up a fix a month ago.  Their partner in dev, Rotor, developed a new bottom bracket bearing system called the Rotor Press Fit 4630 Bottom Bracket that eliminates the absolutely ridiculous plastic cup system that Cervelo thought would be a good idea.  The solution seemed to work.  For about 20 miles.  On Rotor's defense the entire bottom end really did feel better.  Stiffer and more efficient for sure.  I am not a Tour de France rider but I know my bike and how I pedal.  It was a good step forward.  But WTF to the noise that won't go away?!

Mechanic isolated the noise to the spindle in the crank set.  Ripped that out, Rotor warrantied it, sound disappeared for another 20 miles then came back just as bad - maybe worse.

So mechanic calls today.  Cervelo wants the frame - in Canada.  Um, I leave for Japan in 2 weeks!?  Mechanic wasn't having any of this either so he is on the case.  USA Western regional rep comes in tomorrow and I feel bad for him.

The bike is stellar.  Fast, stiff, light, and honestly I really like it!  Just get rid of the effin' bottom bracket noise and I will be a happy cyclist!!!

I'll keep everyone posted on this one as I am sure there are others out there with this issue.  Before this I was on a 2013 Cervelo S2.  Guess what?  No noise!  

This is the last thing I need before I travel half way around the world.  Bags are half way packed, Bike Box Alan is ready to party, and I am dealing with frame warranty BS.  

As a side note this has been an issue from DAY ONE.  This isn't a result of neglect or build.  It is specific to this model.  Please @cervelo do the right thing and sort out this BBright madness!

Bike Box Alan

What do you do when you need to transport a race bicycle to Japan?  I asked the same questions, did some serious research, and decided Bike Box Alan was my best chance for a safe delivery.

I have a 2013 Cervelo S5.  For me it's a training tool and a decent investment in top end bike technology.  Strapped to my trusty steed are my Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLR's.  Equally important.

I need to fly from Los Angeles, California to Narita, Japan.  First problem... Not the airline, they're pretty good... TSA and ground crew could give a shit what anything you own costs.  Makes me sick but I don't have another option.  I had a conversation with pro racer Dave Koesel from Felt / Audi about traveling with high end gear.  He said a hard box with an anti-crush pole is necessary and when it comes to TSA just pray to the bike gods they are having a good day.

So with all my research and advice I purchased a black Bike Box Alan from their USA distributor and received delivery in only 2 days!  Cost on the box was about $700 and $90 for shipping.  Did you just throw up reading that?  Gotta pay to play sometimes...  It came perfectly wrapped in 3 layers of plastic via FedEx and it's as well constructed as the reviews say (which were a bit scarce and that is why I am writing this).

If you have a bike that needs a case like this for transport you should know some basic bike mechanics and be comfortable doing a little bit of packing.  Wheels go in space specific cutouts that separate the wheels from the frame.  Remove the handlebars at the headset, remove the seat post and pedals and bam you're done.  Bike Box Alan doesn't say you have to remove the rear derailleur but I am going to out of principle.

Aside from that the process is simple and the opening and closing is simple enough for TSA (but ya never know).

Below is the official video from Bike Box Alan along with detailed photos of the unit I received.  I will do a follow-up post with the packing of the bike in a couple weeks.  If you have experience with this box or questions about it please chime in!  Thanks!

Triple-sealed for protection

Don't tell TSA

Shows the wheel cutouts - front side

Back side - handle included

Like TSA would read this...

Stylish

These are solid and easy to use

Loading instructions

Inside view of wheel cutouts

Where the bike will go strapped down with velcro

1 Foot Out the Door - Moving To Japan!

Here we go!  First post and quick background!  34 year old guy, married, no kids, current home in Dana Point, California USA and 2 weeks from now I will live in Japan!

USA Passport

Visa Addition to USA Passport

What do you do now?  I'm a multi-sport athlete by trade (tennis and cycling) with background in nutrition, social media / media production, science, business, and education.

Facebook Feature by Hammer Nutrition

2013 Tennis Summer Camp

Have I been to Japan before?  Yes, a bunch of times  Do I speak Japanese? Functionally yes, much to learn though  I can read / write Hiragana and Katakana with a little bit of Kanji.

View of Yokohama from Akarenga

じてんしゃ / Bicycle

R25 Cafe - Ginza

Waiting for the train

Inside Akarenga in Yokohama

Where will I live?  To start Chiba (45 minutes North East of Tokyo) but will relocate, most likely, to Yokohama (ish).

Why would I do this? (Asked all the time) I've been self employed now for almost 9 years.  I am taking what I know to Japan and want to build my dream business there.  It will take at least a year to get it rolling (yay Japanese paperwork) but I have a few job offers already upon arrival.

What is this blog about then?  I have an active business ADVeveryday Facebook page and ADVeveryday YouTube channel, but this is where I can write, share, educate, learn, and interact a bit more freely.

What's it like relocating to another country?  I'll get into this in other posts.  Lots of planning especially when I am bringing my race bike, gear, cat, etc.  Craziness!

I'll keep the content flowing.  Lots to talk about and I always welcome questions, comments, requests, etc.  Thanks!