Our ride on Saturday, from Nagahama to Fukui, was the
longest (64 miles), highest (climbing to 1750 feet), and most spectacular of our
trip so far. Much of the ride was on a road along a winding mountain stream. As
we ascended, the road became progressively smaller and rougher. For the highest
few miles of the climb, the road was only about 10 feet wide and was strewn
with rocks (ranging from pebbles to basketball-sized) that had fallen from the steep
side of the mountain. In several places, torrents of water from the
mountainside bathed the road. Twice, Peter hit rocks that caused flat tires,
requiring us to pull over to the side and do the requisite repairs. These
mishaps, however, did little to detract from the marvelous adventure and incredible scenery.
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| Leaving our hotel on Saturday morning, posing with some Japanese cyclists |
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| On the outskirts of Nagahama |
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| In the countryside, approaching the mountains |
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| Heading up the mountain |
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| The mountain stream we followed for miles |
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| The road gets narrower as we ascend ... |
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| ... and rougher ... |
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| ... and wetter |
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| The first of Peter's two flat tires |
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| Taking a break at our highest point on the ride, at the only place to sit |
