Shimanami Kaido Bike Trip

I woke up this last Saturday morning at 4am. Not because the humidity was too sweltering, or because my slightly crazy neighbor was out in the street shouting, but because there was a loooong journey ahead that day.

14 of us ALTs & friends took the 3 hour drive out to neighboring prefecture, Ehime, so that we could suit up, mount our rented bikes, and hit the road. There is a well known bike trail from Imabari city to Onimichi in Hiroshima prefecture hosting beautiful, scenic views along the way. It's a 46 mile route, crossing 7 bridges and 7 islands, with a well marked bike trail on the road.

It was hard work, but we stopped plenty of times for snacks and rests, stretching it out to take about 7 hours. At about 4:30, we arrived in the port town of Onomichi. Refreshed with ice cream, cleaned up at an onsen, and stocked up on plenty of carbs with a delicious, filling round of Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki. That night we all slept in a big tatami room on futons. Not sure about everyone else, but I slept like a rock, and woke up perfectly refreshed 8 hours later.

 In the morning, those of us who woke up at 6 went out to explore the town, climbing up the hillside to see the abandoned, castle-like art museum. Half the town was situated on that little hill, and seemed to fit together like a puzzle. It would have been the perfect town to roll up into a giant Katamari...

Breakfast at a bakery, and got going again at 9:30 to cycle back to Ehime and drive home. It was a great trip!

Here's a video compilation of the weekend. :)