Shortened Shimanami Kaido

Shimanami Kaido, a series of bridges connecting Hongshu (Onomich) and Shikoku (Imabari) islands, does not carry trains, but is a premier route for bicycles.  We had booked many accommodations, at both ends of the bridge, during our trip planning phase, and while on the trip, for the possibility of cycling.  All our efforts for cycling on this bridge were thwarted by cold and windy weather.  In the end we only had one day of bicycling, out and back from Imabari, but it was a most memorable one.

1. I was super impressed with myself getting up on the big bridge with a heavy six-speed. Of course, what is really impressive was the all the gently sloping ramps that were designed into the bridges.  I still find it incredulous how much efforts were made to accommodate bicycles.

2. We were very excited to see the fast moving tides and whirlpools that are special for the Inland Sea, and captivated by the views of blue sea dotted with picturesque islands, fascinated by small working shipyards...

We regret weather wasn't better, at least we had a taste.

You know you are in the right hotel, right place, when there are bike racks in the lobby. ;-)


The bike rental at Imabari Station was as easy as 1,2,3 and we were soon following the blue line of the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Course to Onomichi.


The bridges of the Shimanami Kaido were designed with cyclists in mind. The dedicated bike ramp to the Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge, the bridge closest to Imabari, has a gentle 3% slope as it twists and turns and circles upward. A marvel.




Finally up to the same level as the main roadway.




The three successive suspension bridges of the Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge are over 6 kilometers long in total and hung between 4 towers.


As we head down the ramp at the other end, an excited group of school kids is headed up.


The view back to the bridge and its 4 towers from Oshima Island.


We rode into a headwind across Oshima Island but were rewarded when we reached the Funaori Seto Strait between Oshima and Hakatajima with swirling currents, a roaring tide, fast moving whirlpools, and a beautiful blue Inland Sea.








We rode across the Hakata Oshima Bridge to Hakatajima, had lunch at campground with a view, and rode back to Imabari taking the scenic route. Here's the Hakata Oshima Bridge.


Campground + views.






Returning back to Oshima Island, we rode through some fishing villages and by a shipyard.




This ship is the African Pheasant, a bulk carrier.


Took a long break to relax and admire the bridges and waters.












And back up the ramps to the Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge.






From the end of the bridge it's another 5 kms to the bike rental at Imabari Station. We ditch the blue line and take the long way home.




Our fav radler-of-the-week.


The GPS track of the route.


And finally some additional poorly executed videos from that day - I just couldn't keep the camera in one place.