The tour group meets in well-connected Fukuoka, from which you'll quickly head out with a ride along the Chikugo River to an Edo-era town. After climbing up the only significant hill on this trip, there is a leisurely descent to the town of Usa, followed by a visit to a Shinto shrine dating back to 708. Now it's time to ride around the conical 731 m-high (2398 ft) Mt. Futago volcano, which has 28 ravines extending radially from its centre. Cycling around the perimeter avoids a somewhat daunting climb and provides the opportunity to explore the beaches, ports, and hidden temples in the forest. This area is also very rural and known for producing scallions, leeks, tomatoes and prized kabosu limes.
SpiceRoads Cycling