The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Rescheduled Kyushu and Yakushima Island

May 9th to May 20th

Ride Coordinator: Albert Balingit
Report by: Judy Weiss

Our group of 16, plus three guides from Cycling Japan, met in Yufuin, a tourist town in north mountainous Kyushu Island.  The hotel was representative of our accommodations in having hot spring baths, Japanese-style rooms, delicious multi-course meals, and education in key Japanese phrases and social etiquette at our daily briefings. 

We first pedaled around Mt. Yufuin viewing its’ double peaks and verdant countryside to test our equipment and stopping to pray at Unagihime Shinto Shrine for group safety.  We climbed the next two days on scenic roads of pastureland, mountain forests and through passes attaining views of active Mt. Aso (5,220’) and surrounding caldera.  The fiercely steep final ascent (~18% grade) was worthwhile to peek into the steaming crater.  We spent a night in the caldera (~10 mile across) filled with agriculture and small villages.

Next was Kumamoto, with a renowned castle severely impacted by a major earthquake in 2016.  Due to forecast heavy rain, rest days were switched and we took trains and a private bus to our destination in the remote Amakusa Islands. 

We arrived in tiny Hinoshima Island amid rain.  We awoke to a beautiful day and appreciated the semi-tropical, heavily forested island with its clear blue water and fishing villages.  We cycled around and over the middle of the adjacent Ueshima Island admiring its’ sandy beaches and lush forests.  And the next day, we cycled back across the coastline of Ueshima Island to the larger Shinoshima Island over a pedestrian bridge and then along the coastline to a ferry port.  From the ferry, a private bus shuttled us to a hotel in Hioki situated on the coast of Kyushu with a dramatic sunset view and large delicious “contemporary” Japanese multi-course dinner.

From Hioki, we cycled 25km of bike path along the coast and after lunch, over the ridge with another lovely descent to scenic coastline and the “007 Monument” where “You Only Live Twice” was filmed.  Rolling hills and new vistas of the coast and ocean at every turn.  After a few tunnels, we arrived at Makurasaki - with its’ 50 businesses producing smoked bonito flakes and accompanying scent.  The area also produces Shochu - a sweet potato-based spirit; thus, a tasting was had.  Much of next day’s route to Ibusuki traveled through tea plantations (the area is the major source of Japan’s green tea and sweet potatoes) with views of a conical volcanic mountain.   We stopped for green tea and matcha ice cream, before descending to the coast and our hotel with sand onsen.

Alas, our last day of cycling was aborted due to weather cancelling the ferry transport of our bikes to Yakushima Island.  Instead, we hiked in the rainiest part of Japan (>350” yearly) to see impressive ancient Yakusugi cedars that grow to ~7000 years old, and on our final day, under blue skies to see beaches, waterfalls and native Yaku-zaru (macaques).

It was a wonderful trip without accident or illness, and a group of new and old friends that melded.  Wonderful accommodations with enjoyable onsens and excellent food.  Most importantly, great routes that differed daily, but with uniformly smooth surfaces, generally little traffic and superb scenery.  The seven cycling days included sustained 5-6% grades with intermittent 10% grades, two exceeded 3500’ gain. Cycling Japan provided the wonderful routes, technical support, snacks, sag van, restaurant suggestions, and bicycles (e-bikes and traditional), as well as a daily lead rider.  Albert expertly led when decisions were needed, and subtly ensured that all participants had a good time, needs were met, and they interacted with the group.