Today we will retrace our steps and ride the Shimanami Kaido in the opposite direction back to Imabari. On a previous trip we have ridden this route in one day, but this time, we want to take our time with a night camping enroute.
We truly like the Kokusai Hotel in Onimichi. It is comfortable, reasonably priced and the bike parking is exceptional.
It has been nice to stay at his hotel again. Raring to go and looking forward to hitting the trail. Yesterday was a challenging ride as my knee was terrible. One leg riding is not the best, but necessary at times. Today feels like a better day.
We met this local couple at the port and had fun visiting with these fellow bike lovers. They admired our trikes and we also admired their Bramptons. Such beautiful bikes with an instant easy fold.
Japan has created an interesting way to travel without carrying luggage. Many travellers leave their luggage at their hotel and then it is delivered to their next hotel. This is the first time we have seen it available at lockers.
As you can see, we are having trouble leaving the city of Onomichi. We do like it here. Mr Donut is very different in Japan with table service, free refills and many savoury items.
Dinner at the konbini next to the campground- ME had beef with ginger noodles and B had a combo plate of spaghetti, hamburger with sauce and an omelet over rice.
Michi no Ekis are fun to visit. Each location features local produce, seafood and crafts. As well, we often eat at the restaurant onsite which features local food and is reasonably priced.
We saw a large group from Indonesia who are cycle touring the Shimanami. This woman, also from Indonesia, is one of the organizers who is leading the tour.
Just taking it all in. We are riding at quite a height on the suspension bridge and enjoying our surroundings…the lush hills and ocean below. Today it is very windy and the crosswinds on the bridge are quite a challenge.
This is called Oden which is very popular. It consists of several ingredients, such as, boiled eggs, daikon and processed fish cakes stewed in a light soy flavoured dashi broth.
A group of riders from Hong Kong. We did this ride a few years ago and we are struck by how much it has grown in attracting riders from all over the world. Today, we have met people from Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Canada, UK etc.
It has been a good ride today on this cool and stormy day. We are back at home base, Imabari. We will head out tomorrow to continue our journey and stay in Matsuyama.
