A spectacular ride to Miyazaki…Dormy Inn 2 nights

Heading to Miyazaki we found some interesting neighborhoods to ride through.

The flowering part of this plant is almost waxy in texture. It shimmers in the light.

Another example of a head scratcher for us, in trying to figure out what the English word has to do with what the building is.

Now we understand what the woman we met yesterday wanted to show us. She kept saying Cosmos. She wanted to share with us what the city of Saito has done to welcome you to their town. The streets are lined with cosmos…what a sight.

A few of the beauties in the cosmos beds.

Suddenly we heard drumming in the distance and could see this colourful float being pushed by children while they chanted a refrain with enthusiasm. We rode over and following them for a bit. Parents, teachers and neighbours were following them as well. The Kids were so focused and excited. We learned that it is a Children’s Festival day. We are not sure what the significance is of the tree on their float.

Then we met these two women who were also here to see the children.

What a wonderful visit we had with these two women. The one on the right is 92, very active and eager to learn about our journey. No glasses or hearing aids, active, spry and interested in learning new things….inspirational. She and her friend had just come from a calligraphy course.

Coffee choices at a 7 Eleven Convenience store.

There are so many choices at a Konbini that are delicious. Our newest favourite is the strawberry milk from 7 Eleven which has chunks of strawberries in it.

This branch is perfectly wound with long strands from the plant.

This is what the fronds look like without being wound.

We are on the bike route to Miyazaki which we will follow. Today we had 32 kilometres of car free cycling.

A marvellous looking preying mantis checking us out.

The preying mantis is clearly curious as he steps on to one of Barry’s trike wheels.

The bike route to Miyazaki is soaring above the water on this bridge for cyclists and walkers.

And then the route fell apart. No access for us and the route doesn’t continue after a bit.

This is promising…we’ll ride under this bridge and hopefully find the route.

We spent some time lost and unable to find the trail…and then we saw this sign. Hurrah!

We stopped and admired the skill of these kids practicing soccer.

The goalie is quite small but very effective.

We have seen wooden barricades like this along the coast when riding to Sendai last year. Behind the barricade are a forest of pine trees that have been densely planted to help if there is a tsunami.

It is a joy to cycle along the Pacific Coast. How lucky we are to be in Japan where there is such a good infrastructure for cyclists and walkers.

It has been a satisfying day of riding with much of it in the forest and along the coast and no cars.

We encountered a number of cats here who appear to be wild, appear to be well fed and not afraid of us. They were clustered in one area so we think it must be meal time from some good samaritan.

Looking up, you can see that wearing a helmet here is not a bad idea.

Also in this area are two world class golf courses, one of which is Tom Watson.

This complex of accommodation…hotels, cabins, golf courses etc extends for 10 km along the coast as you enter Miyazaki.

A massive complex with towers and cabins offering accommodation along the ocean.

We have been seeing roadies on their racing bikes riding in groups. We later found out that there was a triathlon occurring the day we arrived. The triathlon was part of the World Championship series. Top ranked competitors from around the world were in attendance.

A belated lunch. We have been riding much of the day but away from any commerce. We found a ramen place and I am trying a dish made of rice with veggies and a raw egg added as it is served. The rice is on a cast iron plate which holds it heat and my job is to stir it in. Very tasty.

A 98 cent dessert for each of us…soft serve and chocolate sauce.

Today's ride: 35 km (22 miles)
Total: 929 km (577 miles)

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