Nagato Blue Ocean Ride mini

Rides starting with YUKUTE

The cyclist exchange program "Nagato Blue Ocean Ride mini" was held on Saturday, March 16.

This event was planned as a short version of the "Nagato Blue Ocean Ride with Akiyoshidai," which was held last November and attracted more than 400 entries. At 9:30 a.m., the riders were divided into seven groups and set off in order from the tourist information center "YUKUTE" at Senza Kitchen, a roadside station.

The 57.3-km course will take participants through the Hioki and Aburaya areas of Nagato City to the Kakunoshima Bridge in Shimonoseki City.

It had been raining since early morning, but after the start of the tour, the skies gradually began to clear. Participants entered the Hioki district with a view of Fukagawa Bay, and gradually the scenery around them changed from sea to mountains.

Blissful Aide" by the Sea

At the 22km mark, participants were greeted at Motonosumi Shrine, lined with 123 torii gates.

The contrast between the blue of the ocean, the green of nature, and the red of the torii gate has earned it a reputation as a "spectacular view" spot for its photogenic qualities.

The first aid "bliss point" was prepared in the space under the shrine.

This is where you can taste the popular chicken curry at Cafe bliss point by the sea, located in the Tateishi district of Aburaya.

The owner, Mr. Touya (right), and more than 10 staff members hand out curry with smiles on their faces.

Local residents and regulars of the café also came to cheer us on, creating a cozy and very cheerful atmosphere at the aid.

Chicken meat on the bone that falls apart in your mouth.

Perhaps it was the fact that we had crossed a mountain road, but the curry was so full of flavor that the spoon would not stop spooning.

Another round! Everyone was having a blissful time.

Guest rider is Naogo Ichimaru

The guest rider for this year's event was Naogo Ichimaru of the Shimano Racing Team and a member of Japan's national team.

On the day before the event, the team held an exchange event with students at Fukagawa Junior High School in the city, where Ichimaru introduced the appeal of cycling to the students by explaining the body of the bike, the events, and riding on a road bike.

At the Motonosumi Aid, they tasted curry, talked with participants, and at the end of the day, they agreed to take a commemorative photo with the aid staff.

Swiss by electric bicycle

The only bicycle with a basket we encountered at the first aid station.

This is one of the rental bicycles at the tourist information center "YUKUTE," an electrically power assisted bicycle.

Electric bicycles with electric power assists whiz by as participants tackle an uphill climb on their road bikes.

Although they were not going very fast, they were enjoying cycling at their own pace and taking in the scenery.

The "cross bike" running next to it is also one of the "YUKUTE" rental bikes.

The "YUKUTE" is the only bike station in the city with a wide variety of bicycles of all types and sizes, as well as tools and racks.

Second Aid to Taste Spring

Participants proceed westward along Route 191 Battle with a view of Aburaya Bay.

Entering Shimonoseki City, at the 41 km point is the second aid "Daruma-do".

The store offers a lineup of freshly made wagashi (Japanese confectionery) made in the adjacent workshop.

At this year's aid, "sakura mochi" (cherry blossom cakes) with a slight aroma of cherry blossoms were served.

Before you know it, the sky will be blue and the weather will be spring.

After taking a break, participants went to "Kakunoshima Ohashi Bridge," which is one of the most scenic points of this course along with "Motonosumi Shrine. The contrast between the cobalt blue sea and the 1,780-meter-long Kakunoshima Ohashi Bridge was viewed from "Amaigase Park.

Temporary "Cycle Train

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted the participants as they arrived at JR Agawa Station at the 56.8km mark.

At this last aid location, "scones" made at "Eucalyptus and Taiyo" in Tawarayama, Nagato City, and deep-roasted coffee from "COFFEE&ROASTER YAMA" next to the same store were available.

As the participants enjoy their last rest, a train entering the station comes into view.

The words "NAGATO blue ocean ride" were painted on the blue headmark.

It is a proof of the extra train prepared for this competition.

Participants protect their bicycles with blankets and board the train together.

Some said it was "refreshing" to have an experience that they could not normally have.

Fix it in the car and you are ready to go.

The train begins to move slowly toward Nagato City Station.

The train continued eastward, seen off by the staff involved in running the aids and guarding the course.

And to YUKUTE.

After disembarking at Nagato City Station, participants rode their bicycles again to Senza Kitchen, a roadside station.

After completing the 57.3-km journey, participants were confronted with a line of photos taken at the start of the tour. These were free to take home with them, and the place was crowded with participants who looked closely at each photo and selected one to take home.

All the staff members who supported the event while actually running, from leading the race to following the last runner, gathered around the Ichimaru athletes for a commemorative photo. Everyone is all smiles after the event.

The sight of them exchanging back and forth on their walkie-talkies while keeping an eye on their watches was impressive. Dressed in matching blue vests, all of them have now gathered at the venue as staff members from inside and outside the prefecture.

The generous support of these staff members was behind the participants' ability to enjoy cycling with peace of mind, as they were sometimes given a push and helped with bicycle "troubleshooting.

The next cycling event will be the "Nagano Blue Ocean Ride with Akiyoshidai", scheduled for Saturday, November 23, 2019. We hope that through cycling, many people will be able to enjoy the "spectacular scenery" and "food" of this region, and that it will also provide an opportunity to interact with the local community.

We hope to see everyone who loves cycling at this location again.

Related Links

Roadside Station Senza Kitchen

Motonosumi Shrine

Special Feature "Cycling" (Nanavi)