Event report on “Nagano Blue Ocean Ride mini2023

Cycling event along the Sea of Japan

On Saturday, March 4, the "Nagato Blue Ocean Ride mini2023" cycling event was held along the coast of Nagato and Shimonoseki cities.

This is a short version of the "Nagato Blue Ocean Ride" held every autumn. This year, a 54-km course was set up, starting and finishing at Senza Kitchen, a roadside station in the Senzaki district, and taking in points along the Sea of Japan.

At 9:30 a.m., about 40 participants from around the prefecture and beyond will start off in order.

Continuing west on Route 191 with a view of Fukagawa Bay, the course gradually leads into the mountains. After passing through a series of severe ups and downs, Motonosumi Shrine, a superb shrine with 123 torii gates lined up along the sea, awaits you.

After admiring the shrine, the participants went straight to the first aid point. Participants were served "Forest Special Spiced Curry" by NaNaya Farm, a kitchen car.

Everyone who tasted the curry, which included locally produced venison and yellow potatoes, and plenty of vegetables to add color, smiled and said, "I feel more energetic now.

After returning to the national road along the coastline, participants crossed the city border into Toyokita-cho, Shimonoseki City. The second aid point, "Choshu Road Confectionery Daruma-do," awaits them here.

The spring-only "Strawberry Daifuku" and the mouth-watering "Daruma Taiko" dorayaki will provide energy for the second half of the season.

The scenery, which was hazy and white in the morning, became clear and blue in the afternoon. Amaigase Park, reached after a 50-km run from the start, offers a panoramic view of the Kakunoshima Ohashi Bridge, a popular spot with a spectacular view.

Then, heading back the way you came, you will reach the last aid point, Agawa Station. Here you will find Agawa, a café that serves food and drinks made from local products and also offers rental bicycles.

This year's menu included drinks packed with the tart and sweet flavors of sweet summer, hot and iced coffee, and biscuits made with homemade jams to help you relax and unwind from a pleasant ride.

As we waited, reflecting on the scenery we had seen and the local food we had tasted during the 54 km of the day, the train arrived around 2:30 pm. On the way home, we boarded the special "cycle train" together with our bicycles and headed for Senzaki Station, admiring the scenery from the train windows.

After the 50-minute train ride, the last spurt is over. At Senza Kitchen, a roadside station illuminated by the setting sun, participants crossed the finish line with smiles on their faces. The participants were able to enjoy a ride that warmed their hearts and bodies amidst the spring weather.

Related Links

Cycling information for Nagato