Watch the Relive video here: https://www.relive.com/view/v4OG8Ry15m6
On the Road – Distance 86km/54mi | Elevation 1386m/4548ft
As yesterday’s ride was finishing up in the last 5km the wind really picked up as shown by these beautiful wind socks…a much needed hydration was in order!
We rolled on today, as always on the quiet and atmospheric rindo roads surrounded by forests as we cruised out of Saijo and made our way to more fantastic cycling. This was a magnificent ride bridging two cities in Ehime. Started fairly flat with a few small ups and downs, past rice paddy’s, nice landscaped homes and nesting cranes, the mountains looming.
At the 49 km mark we had an option to extend the route by 8 km and an extra 400 metres (1,312ft)of climbing on what was supposed to a poor road surface. I opted for this and except for an abundance of pine needles and tree branches it was a beautiful ride in the forest. Indeed, this road less travelled had many hidden gems!
The road was steep through the forest, the pavement on this rindo was excellent…when you could see it! A mess of pine needles, twigs and branches made for a challenging climb at points reaching 17%, and the descent equally so. But some beautiful rock formations as we rode along in this river gorge.
We rode past the banks of Lake Tawagawa before heading down the tiny rindo roads where we were surprised by how these tiny roads instantly turned to city roads after lunch.
A fantastic picnic lunch prepared by Gypsy, our Girl Friday, she does all kinds of things for us, especially keeping us nourished! Today she made a vegetable curry, garden salad, breads, cheese, meatballs,eggs, bread, sushi and ribs. We are so appreciative of her. Good thing we only had 20 km left in our ride for the day!
We’re now in Imabari where we rest at the JR Clement Inn, a bike friendly hotel. There is a bike rack in the room, air pump and tools by the elevator on each floor as well as laundry facilities on each floor.
Just steps from the hotel was the restaurant we ate at tonight, good thing it was close by because we were so full that we could hardly walk!
This town is the gateway to the Shimanami Kaido – another world renowned Japanese cycling landmark! And tomorrow we will ride it!
Here is a synopsis about the Kaido
Shimanami Kaido
The Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道, Shimanami Kaidō) is a 60 kilometer long toll road that connects the island of Shikoku to Japan’s main island of Honshu, passing over six small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. It is also known as the Nishiseto Expressway.
There are two other land connections between Shikoku and Honshu, but the Shimanami Kaido is the only one traversable by foot or bicycle.
The Shimanami Kaido begins on Shikoku in Imbari City. It then leads across the six islands of Oshima, Hakatajima, Omishima, Ikuchijima, Innoshima and Mukaishima, before terminating on Honshu in Onomichi City.
The route was opened in 1999, so the bridges are modern and attractive. Along the way, travelers can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea and the islands’ small towns.
The bicycle route is well marked and maintained, and diverges from the expressway on the islands. The ramps leading up to the bridges were built at small inclines with cyclists in mind.
Highlights beyond the cycling..
Kurushima Kaikyo Ohashi
First, the Kurushima Kaikyo Ohashi (Ohashi means big bridge) is the second longest suspension bridge in Japan. Besides having a dedicated cycling lane separate from the cars, this bridge also offers amazing views of the ocean below where Naruto whirlpools regularly form. Being the first bridge, there is a great observation deck just before you cross where you can soak in the views of your next accomplishments.
Kosanji Temple Complex
The Kosanji Temple Complex is one of a kind. More a museum than a temple, the Kosanji offers visitors a chance to go on a journey of redemption through the caves of Buddha! Also our lunch spot, this temple (yes I know you have seen a few!) is worth a post lunch wander.
Senkoji Temple
The Senkoji Temple rests on the hill behind the town of Onomichi where the Shimanami Kaido ends. It’s a beautiful walk or bike up the backside of the hill. It takes you to a beautiful Buddhist temple nestled in the rocks. Just above the temple is a large observation deck with sweeping views of the Onomichi Strait and the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
More about this tomorrow.
Life is Good in Imabari
Sayonara
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