Cycling Onomichi to Imabari

A friend had heard about a cycle route in Hiroshima that runs 76km over 7 islands with amazing views. I've never cycled that far before, but it sounded like a good challenge; so we decided to take it on.

There were six of us in totally, we hired our bikes and set off; untrained and unfit. The weather was in our favour, sunny but with a cooling breeze. It really was a beautiful. The paths were made for cyclists and smooth to ride on. The bridges that spanned the islands were massive and each unique. We planned to make a night stop in Ikuchi island, only 27km into our journey as we had used most of the day to drive to the start from our respective homes. By the time we reached the mishuku (cheap style B&B) our rears were saddle sore and our legs like jelly. We made it to a small beach and soothed our aching bones in the salty water, after which we ate, drank and slept like babies.

Even the next day, I'm not sure any of us had full confidence we would be able to make the remaining distance, especially as we winced in pain climbing into our seats to set off. But our determination out-weighed the pain and we soon clocked up the kilometres. We sang and kept going, only stopping to grab a drink or take a quick snap-shot. The last bridge seemed to stretch on for ever and the following 6km felt like 20km, but finally reach the final destination. 49km in one day. It didn't hurt as much as it was tiring but I think we all felt good having achieved such a challenge. The reward, a well deserved bowl of steaming Onomichi Ramen (Chinese style noodles in soup with pork belly).