I haven’t been taking ride photos the last two weeks as I was busy training for a hill climbing race. The race was last Sunday, so now I’m back to shooting pic’s while I’m riding. This ride report captures the blooming cherry trees (and a few others). The cherry trees stay in bloom for about two weeks; unless the rain and wind knock them down. I had planned to take pictures on a day with a clear blue sky; however, the weather hasn’t been too cooperative. I’m going to China next week, so I thought I had better get these photos shot regardless of the weather. I hope you enjoy the photos!!!

Iwakuni is renowned for it’s cherry blossoms and wooden bridge. The two year bridge refurbishment project was just finished last month.

It’s the only time of year that I ride on the bike / pedestrian path; as the tourist traffic is just too crazy around the Kentai Bridge area. Fortunately, I only have to ride around the traffic for a few kilometers before I’m out in the country side.

Another bike path pic. The second shows the cherry trees around a temple (that you can’t see). The road up to the temple we call initiation hill; as it’s a 30+ percent grade for 700 metres.

Heading off the main road and into the mountains. Just another very nice yard, and a tree lined country road.

All different types of trees in bloom; cheery trees by the temple on the hill. I have no idea what type of tree is in the second photo, but it sure was bright yellow!

Another unusual looking tree in bloom. More cherry trees by the road.

There be cherry trees everywhere! The Japanese cherry blossom festival is to celebrate life; as life is beautiful and doesn’t last long, just like the cherry blossom.

It’s not a cherry tree, but it sure was pretty! And then you have Cherry Blossom Train Station!

There was a couple lying in the pretty yellow flowers. You can just see their heads peaking out; “did that cyclist see what we were doing”!

A dam nice row of cherry trees. Note the water level in the reservoir is pretty low. We haven’t had much rain this winter; but there is a big storm coming in tonight that will probably knock down all the pretty blossoms!

That’s all the pic’s for this report. I’ll be traveling for a few weeks, so I won’t be posting any reports until late April. You all enjoy the spring!!!

Beautiful pictures. I want to go to Japan!

The blooms have not been quite as spectacular here in YOKO. I hope to get a few shots this week if it will stop raining!

GeoCyclist]All different types of trees in bloom; cheery trees by the temple on the hill. I have no idea what type of tree is in the second photo, but it sure was bright yellow!
that yellow bush is called a forsythia {sp?} it grows like a weed here in CT. its only yellow for a couple of weeks,if that.then green and growing.thanks for the photos!!

...especially liked the Kentai Bridge shot. What a treat it would be to roam all over those winding roads, past all the farms and old houses and temples and small towns--and with cherry blossoms to top it off.

Thanks for sharing!

The weather forecast was for rain today (big storm starting last night). It rained a bit last night but it's sunny this morning. If it doesn’t start raining soon we’re going to have some water shortage problems. Has your group started their weekend rides? If I don’t pick up another job after my trip to China, I might try cycling in other areas of Japan. Best of luck with your Cherry Blossom photos, and don’t forget to post them!!!

like this:

many thanks for the pics.

ciao

There was a couple lying in the pretty yellow flowers. You can just see their heads peaking out; “did that cyclist see what we were doing”!

A dam nice row of cherry trees. Note the water level in the reservoir is pretty low. We haven’t had much rain this winter; but there is a big storm coming in tonight that will probably knock down all the pretty blossoms!

That’s all the pic’s for this report. I’ll be traveling for a few weeks, so I won’t be posting any reports until late April. You all enjoy the spring!!!

are probably rape (no pun intended).

It used to be considered a weed until it became popular as the source of a highly polyunsaturated cooking oil called Canola oil. When grown as an oilseed crop, entire fields will be bright yellow.

Thanks for the pics; very enjoyable.

Please have a beer and a bento under the flowers for me! Gawd, I miss the sakura! Thanks for taking me back! Arrigatoo gozaimasu!

Thanks for the pics.