A trip through Europe - 1968

In 1968, at the age of 16, I was invited by a group of Swedish Boy Scouts whom I had met at the World Jamboree the previous year, to come to the north of Sweden for a camping and hiking trip on the Kungsleden, the "King's Way" across Lapland.

I was the eldest of five, the son of a Japanese/Spanish father and fair-skinned Oklahoma mother who settled in Lawton, Oklahoma. I had graduated from High School at the age of 16, and decided to take this trip in July, and then buy a bicycle and continue to tour the remainder of Europe. I was too young for the Vietnam draft, and too young for college, but I was in the application process for the United States Air Force Academy.

This blog details my daily journey, with maps and some photographs. I did not take many photographs, as film and processing were expensive, and it takes time to compose a memorable photograph. I just wanted to bike and wander with both eyes open (and both hands on the handlebars). The odyssey was indeed the experience of a lifetime, and now 40 years later, it is enjoyable to remember the challenges, victories, views, languages, and odors which would last forever.

Twenty years later, I would find myself in the Air Force, assigned to Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Soon after, the Berlin Wall would come down, with significant changes to Europe. I noted the significant advances in Germany from 1968 to 1988 in infrastructure, highways, and homes, but the enduring country feel and charm remained.

Mike Nishimuta
San Antonio, Texas
September 25, 2008

Update August 2013
I am now 61 years old. In 2012 my wife and I were assigned to Aviano Air Base, 70 miles north of Venice. We live in a small town, where I am able to go out for about 30 minutes each day in the summer on my bicycle. I ride for about 15 minutes north, on a beautiful bicycle path through the cornfields and trees, then 15 minutes back on the road that parallels the mountain range. I still love the bicycle!  It is so interesting to see the changes that have come about in this area over the past 45 years. Slovenia and Croatia are now quite the low-cost vacation destinations for many. The mountains are still beautiful, and Venice is still sinking into history! 

Mike Nishimuta
Aviano, Pordenone
August 11, 2013

45-year Anniversary Ride
On Saturday, October 19, 2013, I re-created the day nearly 45 years ago when I rode from Venice to Bassano. I began the day from home, driving to Mestre. From there I took my bicycle on the train to Venice Santa Lucia, and began at the Piazza Roma at 9:30 am.  I followed the same route as I did in 1968, but the traffic was intense on this Saturday morning. I followed the beautiful canal between Mira and Dolo, and to Villa Pisani.  Once I reached Padua, I followed the ancient Roman road straight to Cittadella, an ancient walled city, and then to Bassano. It was hazy today, and the mountains could just be seen from the old covered bridge across the Fiumi Brenta.  Apart from the occasional villas which are over a hundred years old, it looked like most of the suburban sprawl is from the past twenty years. There were not too many cornfields and gardens to be seen from the highway. Although the five hours had me tired and weary on the saddle, it was fun to re-create the ride of days gone by.  Each day back then was absolutely glorious, because I had no idea of what was to come. In 1968, I still had my 17th birthday, all of Switzerland, France and England in front of me for the first time.  

Mike Nishimuta
Aviano, Pordenone
October 21, 2013