Day 3 – Just one damn long uphill ride

Sameura to Kumakogen

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44666201?privacy_code=P6XZPpH9QHwxzKx21G2aiXGeY7gMB8Ie

The longest ride of the tour, we went 128km and crested one of the highest mountains in Japan. It hurt, but was a rewarding experience. After weaving along rivers in the sun for the first third of the day, we embarked upon the premier climb of the tour: Mount Ishizuchi. Known as “Ishizuchiyama” in Japanese, it is one of Japan’s most iconic and sacred mountains. Mount Ishizuchi is the highest peak on Shikoku, with an elevation of 1,982 meters (6,503 feet). It is often referred to as the “Roof of Shikoku.” So for us, this tested the “roof” of our physical and mental fortitude to conquer. 10km at 6% average gradient later, we made it to the top for lunch, but not before detouring near the top to literally ride into the clouds, the day seemingly changing from fall to winter in just a few kilometers. A long descent yielded another rewarding sight in the Omogo Gorge. A serene sight towards the end of the ride, a small river was flanked by towering rock walls. It was here when the sun finally returned, but too late for our soaked kit… Our hotel tonight is a highlight of the trip, from udon noodles for dinner to the tatami mat rooms where guests make their own futons. The onsen, of course, soaked our tired legs once again ahead of another big day tomorrow.

In Japan, it all starts with breakfast: see below – bamboo um, pieces, egg drop soup (I think, it was good), assorted vegetables (possibly), mackerel (which you cooked at the table) and rice, of course. Not a box of Captain Crunch (with BooBerries) to be seen. Fortunately.

Then onto the ride! There are dams, it seems every few miles, small ones for sure. We would occasionally ride over a few:

And at kilometer 62 arose a massive wall of impenetrable rock, asphalt and concrete – or so it seems as the climb commenced! It was long, tedious and made me think (for the very first time) of the advantages of an EBike. Fortunately, that feeling passed as we crested the summit of the mountain. Or did it…… Anyway, it was a blast cruising down the other side and taking in the great views.

Once we made it back to the hotel, it was a bit of time in the onsen (Japanese Bath – to tired to explain, now) and off for dinner – which strangely looked like breakfast… but was really damn good, although still had no idea what most of this stuff was.

After dinner, off to the room to blog and recover and sleep! Bridger shared the room picture when we came in, below is what it looked like at night – we had to put futons down, make them up and Bingo! A place to sleep, I think.

And now – GOODNIGHT!!!