Let's enjoy bike riding

I have just returned from what I believe will be one of the most unforgettable highlights of my JET experience. Last Saturday, together with a group of 18 mainly Gifu prefecture JETs, we set off to cycle from Honshu to Shikoku via the Shimanami Kaido for a good cause - to raise funds to help rebuild an Indian village that was devastated by the 2004 Tsunami.

There is just too much to say... and recollecting every single bit will take ages... yet once again, just like the Ski camp at Nagano, I am really glad and so happy that I decided to take part in this project.

It was really strange... I receive many many emails daily from AJET, HAJET, from several JET volunteer groups or committees... there are all sorts of different activities and events, but none jumped at me like this particular project did. I remember being so excited when I read Rosa's email and I just wanted to volunteer and go! Turning to Tom straightaway, we both decided we would make the trip. And also, Anpo sensei decided to join us and his son came along too. And then, Abel decided to go too! Haha... that's half of the Suzu group already!

Yeah, so fund-raising began. Only had less than one week to prepare and solicit funds, and in the end, the total amount from the Kouhoku teachers and staff came to about 34771yen, which is about $450. On the whole, the entire team collected more than 4000 USD I think... and this amount will greatly benefit the Dalit communities of Andhra Pradesh in the southern Indian state.
























What I prepared for the teachers in the school, and dear Fujiike sensei kindly helped me translate everything into Japanese too!

And then, the bike expedition began on Saturday. This entire route from Onomichi to Imabari is about 77km and there are 6 bridges in all that we have to cross. Shimanami Kaido is quite reputable as a cycling route in Japan and the tracks are marked; it's virtually impossible to lose your way... so that was really a relief to me. :) It was so so so so nice... The entire cycling trip, if I have to recapture the entire expe, it will take me the entire night. I could just write on and on... cos while cycling, so many so many thoughts filled my mind, and everything really indeed came together so well to make the whole trip so unforgettable for me.
























The whole route
Shimanamikaido = 島波街道 and the name simply means island-waves-road. It's a very easy name to remember for me because I will cross many islands and ride over the waves via the bridges! Cool name!

Outside, a storm is brewing. My windows and doors are starting to rattle again.

And this is another great testimony too.. cos before setting off, according to the weather forecast, it would rain on Saturday. However, the weather was really fine. Beautiful, sunny day! And Sunday was terrific too. It was only today that it started to rain. :)
























Me and my lovely Mama Charlie
Haha... it's really incredible. I never ever thought I would ride this. For many Japanese, this is their trusty mode of transport. Heez, I was imagining how it would turn out if I bring this back home to Singapore and cycle to work. These days, in Tokyo, there's also this trend of business men in their suits and briefcases cycling on their Charlies to work. I saw it in the news just 3 days ago... The revenge of the Charlies... ahhahaha.




Olenju in Orange Country
Guess what... Onomichi and Imbari, well, basically this area is famous for its ORANGES!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so so so pleasantly surprised! What could be more apt. Miss Olenju going on a trip to Olenju World. And look at the Orange train (Yes, the train is on the road) and the Orange shopping mall in Matsuyama.

I had absolutely no idea whatsoever that this place is so famous for its oranges. :) No wonder this certain JET project jumped at me.

And here are some beautiful pictures of the bridges and the scenery. Cycling up the bridges were pretty tiring, but whizzing down was great fun! Why must bridges be built at such a height? Hmmmm...



















And the Happy Gaijins

休憩 by the coast - Taking a break


We did it!!!!
























And this marks the end of our cycling expe as we got ready for the night - In the road train to Dogo onsen and Matsuyama hostel where we spent the night.


Sleepyzzzz now... write again another time... Enjoy the picts! :)