Day 47 Sumo vs. the Invisible Rice Spirit—and the

Started our final cycling day with a homemade bacon-and-cheese omelet, then rode into town for Ōyamazumi Shrine’s harvest festival. What a treat! Our Belgian guesthouse hosts joined us, making it even more special.

This peaceful island shrine has national significance: its history stretches back more than 1,300 years, and it heads a network of over 10,000 shrines. Its deity protects mountains, seas and travellers—appropriate for our island-hopping adventure.

The highlight was a sumo wrestler battling an invisible rice spirit. He put up quite a fight, but the spirit won—two bouts to one, as tradition requires. Cindy also spotted a small golden weasel darting beside the sacred rice paddy. At least that one was visible!

Then back on the bikes for 34 miles to Imabari, with beautiful bridges and only a little rain. Bikes returned, groceries bought, and our three-day cycling adventure complete. Cindy’s Japanese cycling underwear gets an enthusiastic thumbs-up. Our backsides are ready for a change of activity!Read more