This is the "grand finale" of the route to Shikoku: the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, a six-kilometer-long, 60-meter-high bridge system that leads to the Shikoku mainland via two intermediary stepping-stone islands. Ending the ride with this spectacular sight is one reason to do the route in this direction.

I decided to indulge in a self-portrait on the entrance to this final bridge. If nothing else, it will show you my particular (peculiar?) mode of travel. On the rear is a bag containing the heavier items plus miscellaneous clothes. On the front is another bag containing a luxury that is for me a necessity: believe it or not, it's a lightweight espresso machine. (Other cyclists have made fun of me for this - but they all seem to enjoy the lattes in the morning). Valuable and/or breakable items go in a backpack strapped on the back.