The trip was spectacular. The island is very rural and void of big cities like Osaka or Tokyo.
The people were very friendly and accommodating. The island [displayed] majestic mountains and valleys which we had the pleasure of riding through on a daily basis” added Arenovski.
There were 6 people from team Manatee that attended the trip; Steve Nutting (organizer and initial idea man), John Jones, Mark Blackburn, Andy Nutting 16 years old, and Angelo Jones 13 years old, and last but not least Jim Arenovski.
After taking off from Saipan at 4:30 am the team arrived in Osaka (kansai airport) and immediately had to unpack and put their bike gear in light travel bags (required for public transportation in Japan).
The team then took a bus to Wakayama where team Manatee had to complete putting their bikes together and cycle 5KM to the Ferry.
The team then took ferry ride (2 hours) to Tokushima, where they then cycled 4km to their designated hotel followed by a great dinner.
Day two took them through Tokushima to Tsurugi Town 63 km trail along the river and a slight beginning to ascent to Mt Tsurugi.
Day 3 took them through Tsurugi Town to the top of Mt Tsurugi (4500ft) then down to Kazurayabashi, home of the Vine Bridge also a 63 km trail. 22 KM up to the top the temperature dropped significantly requiring team Manatee to gear up for the cold weather. Once on top the team then headed down into the first part of the Iya Valley.
Day 4 Day 4 took them through the Kazurayabashi to Happy Raft on the Yoshino River 44 km. The first half of the trail consisted of a downhill descend and sheer cliffs and hairpin turns most of the way down.
The second half was much colder after the participants faced a heavy rain 25 km into the Happy Raft Company 600 ft above the Yoshino River.
Day 6 Followed by the River rafting was the 132 km or 82 mile training through the City of Kochi to Nishitosa.
Then the team took an early morning train to Kochi, where they visited the Kochi Castle and then the 80 mile ride took the team along the coast and eventually into the Shimanto River valley.
The following day was a ride to Uwajima 25 KM then team Manatee cycled to Matusuyama and short ride to the Dogo Onsen.
The team was completely on their own with no guide, and no vans. All the hotels and the plotting of the routes were made in advance. However, the people that did receive them their along with the people they met through their cycling routes were quite nice.
