565 Cyclists Pedal around Osumi Peninsula!

On November 27^th 2011, 565 cyclists from Saitama in the north to Okinawa in the south pedaled through autumn streets of the Osumi peninsula at Tour de Osumi 2011.

on the starting line 

Tour de Osumi 2011 has three courses. “A” course is 110km long with more than 1600m vertical climb. It’s for the experienced cyclists, but it has very beautiful views!

They started at 8:40 from Kirishimagaoka of Kanoya and were supposed to come back by 16:00.

Three Japanese top-level pro cyclists joined the cycle event. In a way, I, a hobby cyclist, had a great feeling to get passed by them.

I tried to chase one of them during an uphill section. But I was distanced after chasing him for about 300m.

The participants enjoyed delicious local foods at every aid stations.

at the Hanaze Aid Station

lunchtime

lunch

What was the most wonderful was the cheer from spectators and the hospitality provided by staff members!

Chirimen Zan-mai Don ~S-1 Grand Prix Winner, WAKA, Shibushi City~

In recent years, Japanese people look forward to seeing what local dish wins B-1 Grand Prix. B-1 Grand Prix is a nationwide contest to find the best “cheap but delicious local dish (B Class Local Dish)” every year. It is said that this came from the fact that we can see the movement to boost local economic development through the promotion of B Class Local Dishes in various regions these days.
 

In Kagoshima, to have the same effect, S-1 Grand Prix was held last February. “S” of S-1 came from “SHO-TEN-GAI (local shopping avenue)” and S-1 means the best local easy-to-eat dish like which is served at “SHO-TEN-GAI”.

Sejiro Chirimen Zan-mai Don (a bowl of rice topped with boiled young sardine, young sardine fritters and fried burdock root and young sardine) won the first S-1 Gran Prix.

 Sejiro Chirimen Zan-mai Don

It was really delicious!

 

This bowl of rice is supposed to participate in the All Japan Local Bowl of Rice Championship which will take place at Tokyo Dome early January in 2012.

You can enjoy it at 1000 yen at the ”Restaurant WAKA” in Shibushi City.

Please be advised that the restaurant closes between lunch and dinner. Please get there by 14:00.

Why don't you stop by the restaurant when you go for cycling toward Shibushi?