06/06/2026
And that’s Tour #3 for 2026 complete! What an incredible journey it has been.
From the deep country (inaka) of Fukuoka to the islands of the Shimanami, we packed so much into this adventure. We tackled the legendary 20km climb to Koishiwara, rolled through beautiful mountain samurai forests, hunted down exceptional ceramics, and discovered countless hidden corners of Japan along the way.
Our final day in Fukuoka may have been cut short by rain, but not before we squeezed in visits to torii gates and some quiet rolls through local farmland and wheat fields. Then on to the Shimanami, where we took on some serious climbs, including the legendary Rose Park hill and the punchy 3km ascent at 10% to beautiful Kirosan. The reward? Spectacular views, plenty of laughs, and that wonderful sense of accomplishment that comes from sharing challenges together.
Sadly, our final day on the Shimanami fell victim to the approaching typhoon. But after all, I did promise adventure, and adventure is exactly what we got! While it was disappointing to miss that last ride, I think my tired little legs were quietly grateful for the rest.
Over the course of Spring tour season we've ridden hundreds of kilometres, climbed countless hills, shared amazing meals, immersed ourselves in local culture, and created memories made new friends.
So that's a wrap for the Spring tours. What a season it has been.
Now we wait excitedly for October and the next adventure to begin!
