Hard Work

　　All the bridges on the Shimanami route span the big artery of ocean which connects the big port cities of Kobe and Osaka with China and both Koreas. So, the height of the bridge beam must be high enough for big cargo ships or tankers to be able to pass under the bridge. The path for bicycles is arranged on the same level of the bridge. The first picture shows me trying to climb up to the height of the beam. It was really hard work for me. I realized my lack of exercise in daily life. It might be my excuse, but jeans were not suitable for cycling. They restricted the movement of my knees.
　　In the second picture, I am riding on the bicycle path. The sky was getting better. This path was for bicycles and small motorcycles up to 50cc. The white line on the road stood for the separator line, but there was no one but us. I could ride freely.
　　The road was even and I was relaxed in the third picture. The weather was getting more and more clear, though distant islands were hazy.
　　The last picture shows a bicycle-parking area on Ohshima island. I've seen something similar in Germany, but I've never seen one in Japan. You would understand that this island welcomes cyclists.

(Vocabulary)
span vt.  〈橋が〉〈川など〉に架かる, を渡る
the bridge spanning the Sava River サバ川に架かる橋
bridge beam  橋桁
separator line  区切り線
hazy かすみがかった

(Vocabulary from comments)
poise 《[他]常に＋[副]/[前]》(特に書き言葉) …を構える, 上に保つ
poise sth over/above sth  ＜…＞の上方に＜…＞を構える
waterline the waterline (船の)（喫）水線; [C] 海岸線
fare
fare well/badly/better(書き言葉)  うまくいく［うまくいかない，もっとうまくいく］
morrow
1 the morrow(やや古) 翌日, 明日
on the morrow of something(文)  ＜…＞の直後に
unused to (doing) sth  ＜…＞（すること）に慣れていない

 
 
 

Comments

[KUMO]

Hi, Shiroi_Tora

You are right. I felt the muscle pain in my legs, but I'll visit beautiful islands again in September.

Thanks

[Shiroi Tora]

Ah...just as I had imagined. Japan has such beautiful mountains and small emerald islands poised just above the waterline. I can feel your pain in the first picture...and I can see your happiness in the second and third shots.

I am curious how you will fare on the morrow. I imagine, since you are unused to cycling for long distances, that your legs may get sore. I am sure, however, that it won't bother you so much if so. You have beautiful scenery, pleasant company, and the spirit of adventure to override any discomfort.

I am looking forward to reading more of your journey.