Half-Fast Mike
Lanterne Rouge-et-vert
- May 22, 2007
- 4,644
- 3,700
I'm honoured to invite TCC members to participate in the 2015 Cycle Challenge in Norikura. Up a big mountain.
All the details: http://halffastcycling.com/norikura/index.html
This event centers around a 20 km hill climb to the highest tōge in Japan passable on a road bike - Norikura on the border of Nagano and Gifu prefectures.
More importantly, it's a charity event. We raise money for TELL. TELL is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing world-class, effective support and counseling services to Japan's international community and helping to address the country's growing mental health care needs.TELL is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing world-class, effective support and counseling services to Japan's international community and helping to address the country's growing mental health care needs.
We will organize a fun weekend trip, traveling by train and bus to get to the wonderful and friendly Northstar lodge.
This is a great opportunity to make a personal challenge (get fitter, climb faster) and simultaneously help the very important work of TELL. We will organize some half-fast mountain practice rides in the weeks leading up to the event, so there will be plenty of opportunities to get out and practice. Climbing mountains is not easy - it's supposed to be a challenge! But you might be surprised what you can do.
It is NOT a race.
Routes and Groups
There will be three cycling groups:
A: The 'advanced' group ride about 140 km from Chino Station through three mountain ranges to Northstar on Saturday [map], and then 70+ km up and over Norikura and some other hills on Sunday. [map]
I: The 'intermediate' group ride about 85 km from Shiojiri Station through the mountains to Northstar on Saturday [map], and then up and over Norikura and maybe some other hills on Sunday. [map]
C: The 'challenge' group travel by train and bus to Northstar, have a short practice ride on Saturday, and then ride 20 km up and 20 km down Norikura on Sunday. [map]
These groups are not the same level as Half-Fast Cycling Advanced/Intermediate/Beginner rides. It all involves mountains, and is all very different (in a good way) from the Tokyo waterfront!
How much?
The cost for the event is 16,000 yen. This includes:
Bus travel between Northstar and Matsumoto station (where needed)
Overnight stay at Northstar, with yummy meals
Accident insurance
Donation to TELL
Train fares are not included.
All the details: http://halffastcycling.com/norikura/index.html
We've been doing this for several years. Norikura alumni may reflect on past experiences in the comments below.
Entry is open NOW. Write to me!
Last edited: