Rain, Punctures, Headwinds: Still We Ride | My 500km Permanent Ride Through Hiroshima and Shikoku

Hi, this is Ikeda from Grumpy staff.

This is a real-world report of four permanents, approximately 500km, ridden with the aim of becoming a "Super Permanent Randonneur (SPR)". From the rainy Tokuyama to the nail puncture in Sanbe, and the fierce battle on Shimanami and Tobishima — I recorded the reality of long-distance cycling as it was.

If you're wondering, "What is a permanent in the first place?" or "What kind of bicycle and equipment do I need?", please check out the preparation and equipment section first.

→ What I Learned Starting Brevet: Introducing Permanent Basics, Essential Gear, and My Beloved Bike

Part 1 — It was tougher than expected. My first permanent was in the rain.

The course was Hiroshima → Tokuyama Port, 120km.

To be honest, it was tougher than I expected. I thought I'd have more leeway while visiting each checkpoint in the rain. But in reality, it was quite close. It was a battle against rain, headwinds, and the time limit. It was a ride that truly showed me the reality of long-distance cycling.

The downpour was so intense that I had to put my front bag in a plastic bag to protect it from the rain while riding.

I managed to finish within the time limit, but to be honest, I was incredibly exhausted and couldn't even manage a smile.

What I was glad I brought, what I didn't need, and what I would do differently next time — the first ride was full of things to reflect on. And once again, I felt that a highly waterproof bag is indispensable for long-distance rides on rainy days.

→ Brevet Permanent Equipment List (Waterproof bags, lights, etc.)

Part 2 — Sanbe 200km, a fierce battle after a nail puncture

The course was the Sanbe route along the Gonokawa River, 200km.

Immediately after the start, literally within a few hundred meters. A nail right into my tire! It was a turbulent start, continuing the ride on the verge of a puncture.

The scenery along the Gonokawa River was more beautiful than expected, and I enjoyed riding along the river, mountains, and sky, but the climb up Mount Sanbe drained my energy, and I ran out of water in my bottle in the first half of the ride.

In the latter half, I sped through a dark mountain pass with "broken tension". While feeling a pang of reluctance to leave the beautiful sinking sun behind, I aimed for the finish line.

My body was at its limit, but my spirit was soaring—that feeling can only be experienced on a long ride. It was a ride where I learned my physical limit of 200km in a day.

Part 3 — Shikoku, Shimanami, and Tobishima 150km

The course was Matsuyama → Kure, 150km including a ferry. Since the time limit was quite tight, I thoroughly lightened my equipment for this challenge. As there was a ferry in the middle of the route, it was difficult to accurately gauge the time.

From Itsukaichi to Ujina Port, then on to the ferry bound for Matsuyama — I was surprised by how luxurious the boat trip was.

After landing in Shikoku, I started from Matsuyama Park and raced through Ehime's Shimanami Kaido.

However, I completely underestimated the headwind along the coastline. It ate up more time than I expected, and the climb up Mt. Kiro also drained my energy, making this ride a race against the clock.

In the end, I missed the scheduled ferry... The latter half of the ride, entering Tobishima Kaido, was a full-speed sprint. I ate my provisions on the ferry and minimized breaks as much as possible.

However, in the latter half of the Tobishima Kaido, I was saved by a tailwind. The time limit to the goal was short, and I was almost at full sprint, so I barely stopped to take photos.

After getting off the ferry, I sprinted to each checkpoint and somehow reached the goal. There were many spots where I wanted to take my time, but this time I gritted my teeth and passed them by. That's also part of the fun of permanents, I suppose.

Part 4 — Kure → Peace Memorial Park, shortest 30km

Immediately following the third Tobishima Kaido on the same day, I embarked on the fourth challenge. The route was approximately 30km, from Kure's Yamato Museum to Peace Memorial Park. It's said to be one of the shortest permanent courses.

I had about an hour of break time before the start, so I grabbed a meal at a diner in Kure. The tempura and udon were incredibly delicious.

And then, off I went! I thought it would be an easy ride because it was short, but with traffic lights, construction, and riding at night, it didn't go as smoothly as I'd hoped... Still, I managed to reach the goal within the time limit.

Riding at night was cool and comfortable, and even though I was really tired, it was fun. I've been riding alone from the start, but I actually enjoyed the journey quite a bit, making sure not to get lost and taking photos at checkpoints. Seeing new places for the first time was also a refreshing experience.

Current Progress and What's Next

So, I've covered about 500km out of 1200km. That leaves 700km. Next, I'm thinking of trying a course I haven't ridden yet. Stay tuned for the sequel.

I've compiled information on equipment, preparations, and Sig.Rando in the "Preparation and Equipment" section. If you're thinking of starting brevet/permanent, please start there.

→ What I Learned Starting Brevet: Introducing Permanent Basics, Essential Gear, and My Beloved Bike