Embarking on a world class cycle route - Shimamani Kaido - Six Wheels Through Japan Part 2

October 27, 2023

Embarking on a world class cycle route - Shimamani Kaido

Wow, what a night we had. The skies turned black late in the afternoon and it kicked off once we were settled in our room. We experienced extreme, unpredicted weather with heavy lightning, thunder and pounding rain. We wondered at times if we would be able to ride in the morning, but we were greeted with clear skies and sun the next morning. Prices seem to be a bit high for a hotel here, but we were grateful we hadn’t tried to camp. We’re pretty hardy when it comes to camping, but a full night of this can be pretty stressful.

The Imabari Hotel Crown Hill gave us shelter from an incredible storm. Barry had a bit of trouble turning around in our 13 sq m room, the decor has seen better days and the bed was as soft as it could be…but on the positive side, the room kept out the storm.it was Mary Ellen got a bit of a tummy bug earlier…hoping today is better.

The lobby was lovely with this internal garden.

We think this happy couple are the owners of this hotel chain, but not sure.

These massage chairs are everywhere and available for all to use. The hotel also had capsule rooms, so we wondered if this was for the guests who might have trouble untangling themselves from their sleeping spaces.

I had a sweet potato tart and Barry can never resist this dessert made of two mini pancakes. He loves the one filled with red bean, but he couldn’t resist this one with apple pieces and caramel in the centre.

We are on our way, but as usual, young lads are excited to interact with us and ask about our trikes. These fellows exude such joy and curiosity.

We have arrived at the beginning of the route. Note the blue lines painted on the lane for cyclists to follow. We will be ascending on a curved path to the height of the suspension bridge and will enjoy riding on a dedicated cycle path.

Looking back at the cranes in the shipyards

Note the incredible infrastructure with signage and the well marked lane. There is also a pedestrian lane for those who want to walk across the bridge and their lane is separated by a cement curb. The first bridge, Kurushimakaikyo at 6.4 Km is the longest suspension bridge in the world. What a way to start our adventure.

It is hard to capture the sheer grandeur of the sight of this bridge as it stretches across the water.

It is thrilling to begin…this will be the first of seven bridges we will cross before we reach Onomichi, our end point before we turn around to return.

Aquamarine waters, stunning beaches and forested hilly islands are there for us to enjoy.

Our first Michi-no-Eki on the route. This eating place is the ultimate in fresh seafood…you take a basket around and select the fish and shellfish you want, then you cook it at your table on a charcoal barbq at your table. Incredible.

It is great to be immersed, with a bird’s eye view of our surroundings.

We spent a lot of time looking at the seafood in the tanks and especially enjoyed watching locals select their fish.

These barrel shaped barbq’s are set at your table to prepare your feast.

These cute pottery characters are very popular. We see these locally made characters at the Michi-no-Eki’s.

A favourite way to bring your small pooch for an outing is to dress it in its favourite outfit and put it in a baby stroller.

We were sitting by the Michi food area and a stranger approached me with a gift of this matcha ice cream sandwich to share with my husband. With a twinkle in his eye, he mimiced breaking it in half so that I would share it with Barry. As we experienced on our previous trip to Japan, the kindness of strangers is touching and so memorable.

Yes, I did share this with Barry. You can tell, as this is Barry’s injured thumb as proof!

We think this may be rice drying in the field…could be wrong.

We love this quirky image of the fellow (in the rear) with a cell phone in his hand.

Another bridge to cross on this fine day.

Could it get any better?! A free campsite with toilets and water, right at the water’s edge (the inland Seto Sea). Due to it being the w/e, there are many locals out for a w/e ride. We will stay here tonight.

A beautiful evening for camping. It will be a cold night as the winds are high. We have had an incredible day - can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. The riding is pretty easy while on the bridges. The climbing up and down to the bridge can be challenging, but doable. Usually the path loops around to lower the gradient and it is often a Km or two.

Today's ride: 30 km (19 miles)
Total: 98 km (61 miles)

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Cindy AbbeyHello Mary Ellen and Barry,
I am so enjoying your bicycle travels in Japan! Such a wonderful country to visit. When you get to Onomichi be sure to experience the temple walk. It’s around two kilometers with about 25 temples.
Cindy Abbey
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6 months ago

Rich FrasierAmazing. I’m in awe of what you’re doing!
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6 months ago

Barry BartlettUs too. Everyday is full of such surprises and joy. Appreciate your comment and interest.
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6 months ago

Barry BartlettTo Cindy AbbeyDarn, we didn’t see your post until we were on our way back. In reading about it, we will have to return one day. Thanks for the tip.
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6 months ago