I went cycling to Iwakuni on my road bike.

This season, with its historic town and cherry blossoms in full bloom, the Iwakuni area of Yamaguchi Prefecture is perfect for cycling.

There are also delicious restaurants and unique shops, making it an ideal place to take a break.

This time, I rode my customized chromoly road bike, the Surly Pacer.

The road from Hiroshima to Iwakuni has many trucks and narrow sections.

During busy morning and evening hours, it can be a rather thrilling route, so it's recommended to go by train with your bike.

Soon after starting our ride in Iwakuni, it was lunchtime. We visited "Grand Chief," a burger shop highly recommended by Grumpy staff member Shimizu.

The juicy burgers were delicious!

Here is the location of Grand Chief.

Along the river leading to Kintaikyo Bridge, there is a beautiful street where cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers bloom together.

There's also a railway bridge nearby, offering a nostalgic view.

It's a recommended spot for photography enthusiasts.

Near the cherry blossom tunnel, there were some rough road surfaces, but the 700x30c tubeless tires really proved their worth! It was very easy to ride.

Slightly wider road bike tires are great!

Here is the location of the Kawanishi Cherry Blossom Tunnel.

Kintaikyo Bridge is a famous tourist spot in Iwakuni.

Although it was a weekday when I visited, it was bustling with many families, probably due to the spring holidays.

You can go down to the riverbank and relax, so it might be a good place for a break!

Here is the location of Kintaikyo Bridge.

About 23 km from Kintaikyo Bridge is "Asahi Shuzo," famous for its sake, Dassai.

At the adjacent Dassai Store, you can enjoy delicious ice cream made with sake lees.

If you take the riverside route to the Dassai Store, you can enjoy a gentle ride.

Here is the location of the Dassai Store.

If you're exhausted after cycling to the Dassai Store, you can always take the train back from Suo-Takamori Station, which is nearby.

Being able to use public transportation freely, depending on your physical condition, is one of the great things about cycling.

Here is Suo-Takamori Station.

Are you ready for your cycling adventure?

Grumpy has new arrivals of spring wear and new bicycles.

Please come visit us to find new items.