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The Great Naruto Bridge, built in 1985, had two layers: a highway and the Shinkansen. However, the government stopped the construction of the Shinkansen, and the first floor was wasted.

A ferry that bicycles could ride ran in the past, but it was discontinued. I cannot cross the straits by bicycle. To make a bicycle path, in substitution for the Shinkansen, is a wish of the cyclists. It would be an advancement for Japan. 90.74Km / 6hours

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I cycled to Kamiyama-cho to buy bread baked by firewood. Kamiyama-cho is a depopulated town in the mountains. The municipal government rents out the unoccupied houses at low-cost to revitalize the town. The bakery storekeeper is a couple who moved from Osaka. Because bread is cheap and delicious, they have a good reputation. I bought two pieces of french bread. They are still warm, but will be cold by the time I cycle the 30 kilometers to my house.

Scarecrows decorate the roadside. They are works of art. The population of the town decreases, but the scarecrows increase.

62.5Km / 4hours

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The National highway No.11, that links Tokushima to Takamatsu, has changed the route twice. The route that was used until 1953 has been left as a prefectural road. However, the oldest route, which was built in 1875 and used until 1920, is a disused road now.

There was a monument at the starting point of that road. I imagined the time when this place was a trunk line.

The roadbed was made strong and the way was left clear. However, nobody goes now because has been forgotten, and does not appear on any map. When I approached the mountain pass, the road had been covered by bamboo. I got off my bicycle and pushed it.

A bright view opened up when I passed through the shadowy mountain path. It may be 50 years since a person last went this way. 70.56Km / 6hours

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Since the new year, there was good weather, though it was very cold. I accepted and adapted myself to the low temperature. I cycled within Boso Peninsula with "M", whom is a member of the Uchibo Racing Club. Uchibo Racing Club is an amateur bicycle team. "M" is a judo player also a black belt holder. I do not think that his figure is suitable to be the cyclist. His slipstream was very big. I didn't feel the wind resistance when I pedaled behind him.

After we passed through the tunnel across the mountain, we saw the sea. The sunlight was warm, and we ran enthusiastically. 90.05Km/Total 6h

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On December 22, the cargo boat "SEA ACE" (2,976t) of the Panamanian registry ran aground at the shore in Iwaki-shi. All 15 members of the Chinese and Myanmarese crew were rescued by a helicopter. The strong wind had faded and weather became fine. I brought my bike in a bag on the train. I cycled north from Hitachi Station. I ran over 30km/h easy with fair wind. When I turned the pedals 40Km and went over the prefectural border, I saw an unusual scene in on the shore.

The cargo boat was enshrined in the sandy beach. There were about 20 spectators.

The tower of "the New Year's bonfire" stood on the beach. This bamboo tower is burned with decorated sacred straw festoons which we display for the New Years holidays in the beginning of January.

The tradition of burning the tower is meant to see off the Gods to the sky. "Kami sama" will be surprised because there is a big cargo boat nearby. 73.13Km/Total 6h

We climbed some snowy mountains.
On the first day, it was clouded and sometimes snowed. We could not have a view. There was no icy road that I was afraid of, but there was a steep snow slope. So I attached crampons.
The supper at the Kitayoko hut where we finally arrived was luxurious sukiyaki.

On the second day, the weather was as bad as ever. When we ate breakfast leisurely, the sun shined suddenly.
The temperature points at 18 degrees below zero, however my motivation came forth suddenly like the sun and we began climbing. We had a splendid view from the mountain.

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I was attracted by the good weather, so I cycled to Ohkawara Heights which was 910m in height. Many cyclists in Tokushima, they usually practices hill climb here.

The temperature was below the freezing point, but became hotter when I began climbing the slope. I took off clothes in sequence, and at last I became only wear a T-shirt only.

In a ridge line of the mountaintop, wind-power generators were lined up. I saw the Great Naruto Bridge where was 50km distant. 66.97km/Total 4h