Ride Stories

CO2-free Nonstop Lausitz-Stoneman-Lausitz Hello team, After several Gold Rides over the 298km/4.800 climbing Meters of the Stoneman track, this time it was "only" enough for the 2-day "Silver" version. Because the goal this time was not only to "experience" the 298 km through the Erzgebirge Mountains paradise, but also to rack up the 130 km up and down the route on a racing bike. Friday at 4:30 a.m., we set off from our front door, across the Elbe via Pirna and the watchmaking town of Glashütte up to Altenberg, and then on the Stoneman roads to the stamping point at the 3Brüder Höhe. After 315 km, I checked into the hotel across the street at 7 p.m. – highly recommended, with Czech cuisine and Czech dark beer – and on Saturday, after stretching in the lobby at 5:30 a.m., I continued straight to the starting point and from there, via small roads through the Czech Republic and Saxon Switzerland, back home. By 4 p.m., I had pedaled exactly 555 km with over 8,000 meters of elevation gain in perfect athletic weather. Unfortunately, it was awesome! Ride on and active greetings from East Germany

Shimanami Kaido Day 1 - First half of island explorer route, Onomichi to Omishima. Less than a week after the Tokyo Marathon @visitshimanamijapan @shimanamijapan #しまなみjapan

Started night before in Kobe, before catching the Shinkansen to Fuyukama then local train on to Onomichi. Grabbed a snack at Koro bakery, then picked up my rental bike at the Giant Store to start my adventure for the next 3 days.

Ferry over to Mukaishima and I was off on my adventure. Old fashion soda @maru5_gotokosensho_official for my first stop then around the island to @ushio_chocolatl

Over the first Innoshima bridge and a stop at Hassakuya for Hassaku Daifuku a sweet lemon snack. More cycling around the outer island to see the Cherry blossoms at Funakakushi Park, though the view would have been a lot more spectacular a fortnight after.

Over the Ikuchi bridge and on to Setoda with a must stop @shimanami_dolce for awesome Lemon Gelato. Quick look at the outside of Kousanji and a Croquette, before I head off to circumnavigate Takaneshima Island.

Onwards I went through the lemon valley Terrace and onto Omishima Island. Not much left when I got to @marumado.bakery, finished off my cycle at my extremely small hotel room Co-Living Cafe Sando after a very scenic 89kms.

Late lunch of Sushi and Beer from the supermarket before I stretched my legs, seeing a spectacular sunset near Mare Grassia. A beverage at @omishimabrewery and a okonomiyaki before I retired from an eventful day.

Strava - https://www.strava.com/activities/13819744627

Shimanami Kaido Day 2 - Second half of island explorer route, Omishima to Imabari @visitshimanamijapan @shimanamijapan #しまなみjapan

Cool start to the morning, wearing 2 long sleeve jerseys to keep me warm @lecoluk @lecolcyclingclub, I explored the outer edge of Omishima island and the roller coaster roads.

Less populated area this time and I was glad for the advice to have some snacks with me, Onigiri from @akiko_lawson. Still quiet as I explored Hakata Island and onto the final island Oshima.

Great lunch at @cafe_shozan to keep me going as I made a quick stop at a very dead Yoshiumi Rose Park. Would look alot more spectacular when blooming.

Passed more shipyards and a quick stop at @paysan2006, before the main challenge of the cycle. The steep cycle up to Kirosan Observation Deck. 263m climb in just over 3km is not easy. I was wishing I had my own bike and definitely my bike shoes for the extra boost.

The view from the top made it worth all the effort, seeing the 3 Kurushima Kaikyo bridges which will take me into Imabari where I was staying for the night.

Free beer as I checked into my hotel, I explored Imabari viewing the castle, before a set dinner at Kuroshio another small restaurant for a bargain price of 700 yen.

Strava - https://www.strava.com/activities/13829346378

Shimanami Kaido Day 3 -Imabari to Onomichi. The more direct route back

Quick photo stop at Sunrise Itoyama which I forgot on the way in, then back over the 3 bridges of Kurushima Kaikyo. Then the short way through Oshima island to my second photo stop at Hakata Beach.

Selfie over the bridge as I go to Omishima Island, ride on till an early lunch break at Roadside Station Tatara Shimanami Park. Spetactular Scenery as I enjoy a Set with Sashimi and Tempura.

Unfortunately the Coffee van was closed on a monday, so I just Passed the halfway mark as I crossed the bridge to Setoda and then on to see the dinosaur at Innoshima.

Over the bridge to Mukaishima and time to start snacking. First stop @willowsnursery for Pancakes then @tsubuta_sank for Gelato. Quick detour to circumnavigate Iwashi Island and to see Iwashijima Itsukushima Shrine Torii.

Finished my cycle back to the ferry terminal where I crossed back over to Onomichi with a short cycle to explore the time before returning my bike to Giant. @giant_store_onomichi

Strava - https://www.strava.com/activities/13839830964

I had cycled 12 hours, 55 minutes over 3 awesome days. Travelling 267km with close to 3,000 m of elevation. @shimanamijapan @visitshimanamijapan #しまなみjapan

Gravel riding has completely different demands on the body and the bike than other types of riding, it requires some technical abilities like mountain biking or cyclocross on typically less treacherous terrain which makes it fun for beginners.