TCC Obon Tour 2006
- Thread starter thomas
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thomas
The Crank Engine
- Nov 1, 2005
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- #22
Alright, Sunday's getting closer, so here's a little update: 
It appears that only Hank and I are embarking on the Nikko trip departing from Tokyo by bicycle. Therefore, I suggest to meet up on Sunday at 07.00 in front of Tokyo Station (Yaesu Exit, that's the eastern exit, not the Marunouchi side).
There are two possible routes to Nikko:
- the faster option would be to take Route 4 to Utsunomiya, then Route 119 to Nikko (I have absolutely no clue about their bicycle-friendliness)
- or the Nikko route proposed by the Japan Cycling Navigator (189 km and a "bit confusing").
Which one do you prefer, Hank? I do welcome any other route suggestions of course!
Ben-san, Newton-san, are you still joining us for the Iroha Zaka Run on Monday, August 14th?
It appears that only Hank and I are embarking on the Nikko trip departing from Tokyo by bicycle. Therefore, I suggest to meet up on Sunday at 07.00 in front of Tokyo Station (Yaesu Exit, that's the eastern exit, not the Marunouchi side).
There are two possible routes to Nikko:
- the faster option would be to take Route 4 to Utsunomiya, then Route 119 to Nikko (I have absolutely no clue about their bicycle-friendliness)
- or the Nikko route proposed by the Japan Cycling Navigator (189 km and a "bit confusing").
Which one do you prefer, Hank? I do welcome any other route suggestions of course!
Ben-san, Newton-san, are you still joining us for the Iroha Zaka Run on Monday, August 14th?
Hi,
I might have to be at home 14th evening.
So I'm thinking to run around Boso again on 13th.
Ben
I might have to be at home 14th evening.
So I'm thinking to run around Boso again on 13th.
Ben
thomas said:Alright, Sunday's getting closer, so here's a little update:
It appears that only Hank and I are embarking on the Nikko trip departing from Tokyo by bicycle. Therefore, I suggest to meet up on Sunday at 07.00 in front of Tokyo Station (Yaesu Exit, that's the eastern exit, not the Marunouchi side).
There are two possible routes to Nikko:
- the faster option would be to take Route 4 to Utsunomiya, then Route 119 to Nikko (I have absolutely no clue about their bicycle-friendliness)
- or the Nikko route proposed by the Japan Cycling Navigator (189 km and a "bit confusing").
Which one do you prefer, Hank? I do welcome any other route suggestions of course!
Ben-san, Newton-san, are you still joining us for the Iroha Zaka Run on Monday, August 14th?
Hank
Warming-Up
- Jun 17, 2006
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- 0
Well, it turns out my obligations at work won't allow me the liberty I intended on taking. My plan now is to leave with Thomas on Sunday (I'll check the Touring Mapple 3 regarding routes and let you know what I think, sometime this evening), and just turn around and head back that evening or sleep one night and head back the next day.
Since Newton will be arriving on Monday, it'll still be a multi-person tour. Sorry for the inconvenience. I'll make copies of the relevant Mapple parts for you guys.
Since Newton will be arriving on Monday, it'll still be a multi-person tour. Sorry for the inconvenience. I'll make copies of the relevant Mapple parts for you guys.
Hank
Warming-Up
- Jun 17, 2006
- 35
- 0
RE navigation:
Route 4 and Route 119 have few stoplights outside the city limits; if Route 246 is any guide, these roads are not going to be particularly bike-friendly (246 from Gotenba was often single-lane with minimal shoulder, though generally in good repair, and I saw a total of about 10 cyclists in the other lane as I got closer to the city). I'm guessing it would be riskier than some of the roads marked 40 or 50, and from my map it looks like Route 4 has a number of bypasses which are labelled "no bikes". I've ignored those signs a number of times, particularly when the side road seems to veer away from the route I want, but I have to be mindful of merging traffic later on. I would be happy not taking such roads except for stretches where there are more stoplights.
The directions on the Japan Cycling Navigator certainly are a bit confusing and involve bike paths; my map book isn't going to be much use there. I prefer roads that cars use because they are often/sometimes signposted.
I'm thinking Route 122 from Tokyo looks good (several ways to get on it), and there are smaller highways (1 and 5, marked in green on my map; 122 is in red) useful for bypassing the section of 122 that parallels the Tollway (if necessary). 122 heads north-north-west and eventually goes right into Nikko. However, if we get off 122 near Tatebayashi and go pretty much due north on 2-7-270-16-66 (no actual turns; along this path the road numbers seem to change a lot...). There is a left on 66, which leads into the mountains and along a road marked "good to travel on" for motorcycles, at least, because of the scenery. There are a number of switchbacks after leaving 66 for 337, and then you're back on 122 and heading north-north-east to Nikko.
For the last 1/3 or so of this possibility there will likely be minimal traffic and more fresh air than normal, judging by the lack of road-web after getting on 66.
It is easier to discuss routes with a map physically between us; we could meet 15 minutes earlier, or just stop an hour or two later once we're out of the city and check the map.
Route 4 and Route 119 have few stoplights outside the city limits; if Route 246 is any guide, these roads are not going to be particularly bike-friendly (246 from Gotenba was often single-lane with minimal shoulder, though generally in good repair, and I saw a total of about 10 cyclists in the other lane as I got closer to the city). I'm guessing it would be riskier than some of the roads marked 40 or 50, and from my map it looks like Route 4 has a number of bypasses which are labelled "no bikes". I've ignored those signs a number of times, particularly when the side road seems to veer away from the route I want, but I have to be mindful of merging traffic later on. I would be happy not taking such roads except for stretches where there are more stoplights.
The directions on the Japan Cycling Navigator certainly are a bit confusing and involve bike paths; my map book isn't going to be much use there. I prefer roads that cars use because they are often/sometimes signposted.
I'm thinking Route 122 from Tokyo looks good (several ways to get on it), and there are smaller highways (1 and 5, marked in green on my map; 122 is in red) useful for bypassing the section of 122 that parallels the Tollway (if necessary). 122 heads north-north-west and eventually goes right into Nikko. However, if we get off 122 near Tatebayashi and go pretty much due north on 2-7-270-16-66 (no actual turns; along this path the road numbers seem to change a lot...). There is a left on 66, which leads into the mountains and along a road marked "good to travel on" for motorcycles, at least, because of the scenery. There are a number of switchbacks after leaving 66 for 337, and then you're back on 122 and heading north-north-east to Nikko.
For the last 1/3 or so of this possibility there will likely be minimal traffic and more fresh air than normal, judging by the lack of road-web after getting on 66.
It is easier to discuss routes with a map physically between us; we could meet 15 minutes earlier, or just stop an hour or two later once we're out of the city and check the map.
thomas
The Crank Engine
- Nov 1, 2005
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- 598
- Thread starter
- #29
I agree with you, perhaps it is better to avoid Route 4, in particular if it's similar to Route 246 which is fast, but dangerous due to heavy and fast truck traffic.
If you want we can meet at 6.30am at Tokyo Sta. and take a closer look at your maps.
If you want we can meet at 6.30am at Tokyo Sta. and take a closer look at your maps.
Newton
Senior Cyclist
- Feb 15, 2006
- 127
- 0
Sora said:
Thanks Sora-san.
Hello Thomas,
Well, I will send an email to your mobile on sunday evening, and you can tell me where you guys will be. And them, monday I will get the first train from Tokyo to Nikko and find you guys there. :thumb:
If you have another idea, let me know.
thomas
The Crank Engine
- Nov 1, 2005
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- #34
Update: the Obon Tour to Nikko has been cancelled. Unfortunately, Hank has hurt his knee and was unable to do the 360km to Nikko and back to Tokyo. uch:
FYI: Newton and I are planning a one-day run tomorrow Monday. More info to follow soon.
uch: FYI: Newton and I are planning a one-day run tomorrow Monday. More info to follow soon.
