『サクラサク！／Cherry blossoms!』第152回定期走行会レポート／The 152nd ride meeting report

恒例の糸島お花見ライド。桜はちょうど見頃でお天気にも恵まれ、気持ちの良いライドを楽しみました。
The annual Itoshima cherry blossom viewing ride was a great success. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, the weather was perfect, and we enjoyed a very pleasant ride.

土曜日が雨だったので急遽日曜に変更しましたが、21人が参加してくださいました。今日は桜の下でパチリ。

The event was postponed to Sunday due to rain on Saturday, but 21 people still participated.

まず向かったのは波多江の池田川。両岸に100本以上の桜が植わっていて、それが川面に写って見事な景色を作り出しています。みなさんしばし景色と写真撮影を楽しんでいました。

Our first stop was the Ikeda River in Hatae. More than 100 cherry trees are planted on both banks, and their reflection on the water creates a magnificent scene. Everyone enjoyed the scenery and taking pictures for a while.

次の目的地は二丈深江。車の少ない田舎道を選びながら、のんびりペースで走ります。沿道のそこここに桜や菜の花、麦畑などが見られて、春の訪れを体感できました。

Our next destination was Nijō Fukae. We ride at a leisurely pace, choosing country roads with little traffic. We could see cherry blossoms, rapeseed flowers, and wheat fields here and there along the way, and we could really feel the arrival of spring.

深江のセヴンで休憩後、鎮懐石八幡宮へ。こちらは神功皇后伝説と九州最古の万葉歌碑などに彩られた由緒ある神社で、桜の名所としても知られています。桜を見ながら楽しく会話がはずみ、交流も深まっているようです。

After a break at Seven-Eleven in Fukae, we headed to Chinkaiseki Hachimangu Shrine. This historic shrine is steeped in the legend of Empress Jingu and features the oldest Manyoshu poetry monument in Kyushu, and is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The group seemed to be enjoying lively conversation and deepening their friendships while admiring the cherry blossoms.

今日のハイライトはゆらりんこ橋へのヒルクライム！短いけどなかなかキツい！がんばれ〜！

Today's highlight is the uphill climb to Yurarinko Bridge! It's short but pretty tough! Good luck!

頑張った先にあったのは満開の桜が作るピンクのトンネル！登ってきた甲斐がありました！海と桜のコントラストも見事です。みなさん思い思いに撮影を楽しんでいました。

At the end of our climb was a pink tunnel created by cherry blossoms in full bloom! It was well worth the effort! The contrast between the sea and the cherry blossoms was also magnificent. Everyone was enjoying taking pictures in their own way.

深江からは一貴山へ抜ける田んぼの中の道をライド。もう麦が穂をつけ始めています。いつ来ても気持ちの良い最高のサイクリングロードですね！

From Fukae, We rode along a road through rice paddies leading to Ikisan. The wheat is already starting to stalk. It's a wonderful cycling route that feels great no matter when you come!

今日最後の桜スポットはJRの一貴山駅。朝ドラ「おむすび」のロケ地にもなった場所です。ひなびた風情がまたいいですね。

Today's last cherry blossom spot is JR Ikisan Station. This place was also used as a filming location for the morning drama "Omusubi." Its rustic atmosphere is really nice.

帰路は泉川を通って、水面に映る可也山を眺めながら志摩中央公園へ。
On the way back, we passed through Izumikawa and arrived at Shima Central Park, enjoying the view of Mt. Kaya reflected in the water.

最高に気持ちよく、糸島の人が作ってくださる景色の素晴らしさを体感できたライドになりました。次回5月のライドは遠出を計画しています。決まったらまたお知らせします。

It was an incredibly enjoyable ride, allowing me to fully appreciate the wonderful scenery created by the people of Itoshima. I'm planning a longer ride for our next ride in May. I'll let you know once the details are finalized.

ひとつお知らせがあります。ここ1年4か月ほど参加していただいていた安達さんが、福岡を離れて大阪へ行くことになりました。寂しくなりますが、みなさんとの出会いを大切にしながら、これからも自転車を続けたいとのことです。お元気で頑張ってください！

We have an announcement to make. Ms. Adachi, who has been participating with us for the past year and four months, will be leaving Fukuoka and moving to Osaka. We will miss her, but she says she wants to continue cycling while cherishing the friendships she has made with us. We wish her all the best and hope she stays well!