Gambrilliant（ガンバリアント）: 『梅雨入り？』第154回定期走行会レポート／"Is the rainy season starting?" Report from the 154th regular riding meeting

九州北部に梅雨入りが発表されましたが、お天気に恵まれた1日でした。

The rainy season has been announced for northern Kyushu, but it was a beautiful day.

本日のライド参加者は18名でした。初参加は1名。お久しぶりの方もちらほら。

There were 18 participants in today's ride. One was a first-timer, and there were a few familiar faces we hadn't seen in a while.

まず向かったのは泊にある「ヲベタ清正公堂」。加藤清正を祀るお堂の石段両脇に植えられた紫陽花が見頃を迎えていました。このお堂は管理している唐人町の妙法寺が「参拝者に楽しんでもらいたい」との思いから植栽と手入れを行っています。

Our first stop was the Obeta Kiyomasa-ko-do in Tomari. The hydrangeas planted on both sides of the stone steps leading to the hall dedicated to Kato Kiyomasa were in full bloom. Myohoji Temple in Tojinmachi, which manages the hall, plants and maintains the hydrangeas with the hope that visitors will enjoy them.

九州大学の講内はほどよい坂があり、クルマも少なくて意外にグッドなサイクリングコースです。

The campus of Kyushu University has some gentle slopes and not much traffic, making it a surprisingly good cycling course.

今津のセヴンイレブンで休憩後、二見ヶ浦までフリー走行。ここのパーキングはこのごろ観光客が増えて座る場所がないですね〜

After a break at the Seven-Eleven in Imazu, We rode freely to Futamigaura. The parking lot here has gotten so crowded with tourists lately that there's hardly any place to sit!

お次は彦山越えです。みなさんそれぞれのペースで登りました。海が見える峠道はいいですね！

Next up was the climb over Mount Hikoyama. Everyone climbed at their own pace. The mountain pass with ocean views was wonderful!

Thalia Coffeeでお楽しみのカフェ・ブレイク。おしゃべりに花が咲きます。みなさん年齢のせいか腰痛や足攣りのお話が多い気がしますねｗ。

Enjoying a coffee break at Thalia Coffee. The conversation is lively. It seems like a lot of people are talking about back pain and leg cramps, probably because of their age lol.

芥屋まではいくつかのトレインを組んでライド。今日の海は青くビューティフルでした！この頃「トトロの森」が外国人にも人気になっています。

We rode in several trains to Keya. The sea was beautifully blue today! Lately, "Totoro's Forest" has become popular with foreigners as well.

帰路の途中でリニューアルされた新町遺跡の展示館に立ち寄りました。ここは紀元前300年ごろの支石墓群です。地域の歴史も学ぶことができるサイクリングなんていいですよね〜

On the way back, We stopped by the newly renovated Shinmachi Ruins Exhibition Hall. This is a group of dolmens dating back to around 300 BC. Cycling while learning about local history is a great way to spend time!