[GeoCyclist]

My cycling buddy (Tom) and I decided to ride across the six bridges and islands that connect the main island of Honshu to Shikoku. We both had previously cycled an abridge (pun intended) route of this ride before, so it was time to ride the whole way. Our ride started on Honshu in the port city of Onomichi (Right side of the attached map). Unfortunately, we had to take a short half kilometer ferry ride across the first channel, as there was no cycling lane on the first bridge. The first toll of the day was 110 Yen for the ferry ride; 100 Yen for each passenger and 10Yen per bike. The bridge tolls varied between 50 and 200 Yen.

 

[GeoCyclist]

After disembarking the ferry we mounted up and set off on another excellent cycling adventure. First photo was taken as we were getting ready to cycle out of the ferry terminal. The second photo shows a rather unique bridge bike lane; this was the only bike lane that was suspended underneath the bridge road bed. Our bike ride took us along a designated recreational bike route (third pic), and you can cycle the whole way inside a posted bike lane if you desire. I wouldn’t recommend cycling in the bike lane at speed. We used the bike lane for crossing the bridges and kept to the road while on the island; as there are numerous obstacles in the bike lanes that are not navigable at speed. Tom is a GPS enthusiast, so we turned left at this sign to test his navigation skills! Actually, we turned off the designated bike route to add more kilometers (and unknowingly more hills) to the route. The last photo shows bridge number two.

 

[GeoCyclist]

Bridges and more bridges!

 

[GeoCyclist]

The flying carp; papa san, mama san, and four kids (a large Japanese family). A few more bridges before arriving at Shikoku.

 

[GeoCyclist]

The cheery blossoms are not in bloom yet; however, there are some lovely plum blossoms to look at. Another bridge photo followed by lots of flying carp. I don’t believe these flying carp have any family designation, as that would be one very large family! One final bridge photo to end the report. The ride was 165 kms, 1500 m climbing, ride time 5:48.

I hope you enjoyed the photos. Keep a watch for the up coming Cheery Blossom report.

 

[rodetoruin]

Where is everybody?

8 shots of bridges, one car spotted. I thought it was a crowded, tight little country. Nice report(s), by the way.

 

[The Walrus]

Two GeoCyclist posts in two days! I'm stoked!

How widespread are bicycle-specific routes in Japan? I recall the other bridge report, and the ride you did featuring the tunnels, but can't think of other rides you've done where this kind of infrastructure was present. If we had anything that elaborate in SoCal, I'd give serious thought to selling my car...

Enjoyable post, as always!

 

[toshi]

Awesome shots... GeoCyclist, do you know where I might be able to buy Japanese cycling jerseys online?

 

[GeoCyclist]

It was a Monday!

8 shots of bridges, one car spotted. I thought it was a crowded, tight little country. Nice report(s), by the way.

There's not a lot of traffic on this route during the business days. The truck traffic comes in mostly by ferry or the Northern bridge.

 

[GeoCyclist]

No luck with Japanese jerseys.

Awesome shots... GeoCyclist, do you know where I might be able to buy Japanese cycling jerseys online?

I've looked for Japanese club jerseys, but have only found Jerseys with English writing. It's kind of funny, you would think they would put their club name on their Jerseys in Japanese.