Sapporo to Asarigawa

Suitably refreshed after our stay in Sapporo, it was time to hit the road and head west to the coast and the city of Otaru.  We got off to a good start and stopped to check our tire pressure at a park.  Unfortunately in the process of putting in some extra air we found a valve splitting off the tube and had to change it out.  There just so happened to be a fly fishing store and cafe right next to the park, so we took the opportunity to have a look and a coffee.
We got underway again and enjoyed the urban riding, stopping at three different second hand shops in the suburbs.  After a big climb we reached the coast and good views, and what followed was ten kms of fairly strenuous up and downs as the road followed the profile of the cliffs.  Seems the flattest route directly beside the shore is reserved for the train tracks!  We came within sight of Otaru before swinging inland towards the campsite we had seen on the map at Asarigawa.  The campsite was owned by the Winkel corporation (what they do, we do not know), and it was well maintained and most importantly right next to an onsen which we of course visited before having some tasty octopus balls and noodles for dinner.