Tokyo to Nagano City Route

[TrufflesEater]

Heading off at the crack of dawn Wednesday morning for the annual Obon
journey to Nagano City. This year, however, the vehicle will be a bicycle. I
have a very vague plan of heading up the Arakawa, making it to somewhere
near Takasaki, heading over a pass and descending to the Chikuma River,
which should lead me to my destination (before sunset, I hope).

Does anyone have tips on navigating the upper reaches of the Arakawa? On
how to proceed from the Arakawa to Takasaki. The best way over the
mountains? What to avoid? What to include?

Cheers,

David

 

[Edogawakikkoman]

Can't help you much with route advice...

2 of my friends are riding from Edo river to Tone river to Karuizawa (stay one night) then to Nagano the next morning. (they leave today).

I'm in Hakuba for a few weeks so if you come that far let me know... (45kms from Nagano on route 406).

 

[kiwisimon]

My old haunting ground.. Used to commute Omiya to Takasaki by bike. Take route 17. After Kumagaya you will have a hard time following the river and it bends around to Chichibu. I would hop on route 17 from say Konosu or Kumagaya.Gyouda is real close to the road and cycling road. Just take a hard right on one of the bridges you meet The road up isn't that busy and you'll be in a good position to go left (route 18)to Karuizawa. Getting all the way to Nagano (city?) in one day might be a bit of an ask but to be honest I haven't been over the Usui pass on bike. Lots of fun on a motorbike though. Watch out for hoons trying their drifting on the corners. A Touring mapple should offer good assistance in planning your route. Ride safe.

 

[TrufflesEater]

Coming back Sunday, with one day filled by a "camping" trip and another
with ohaka mairi. Very keen on exploring the surrounding area on two
wheels, though, so if I can find a day to get away I may head your direction
(in which case I'll PM you).

David

Can't help you much with route advice...

2 of my friends are riding from Edo river to Tone river to Karuizawa (stay one night) then to Nagano the next morning. (they leave today).

I'm in Hakuba for a few weeks so if you come that far let me know... (45kms from Nagano on route 406).

 

[TrufflesEater]

Thanks a bunch. Heading up the river till Konosu or so :bike:; then finding
Rt. 17 to Takasaki and Rt. 18 ; finally up and over Usui pass to
Karuizawa uch: (and eventually Nagano City): sounds like a plan!

Taking a bike bag in case I run out of time.

David

My old haunting ground.. Used to commute Omiya
to Takasaki by bike. Take route 17. After Kumagaya you will have a hard
time following the river and it bends around to Chichibu. I would hop on
route 17 from say Konosu or Kumagaya.Gyouda is real close to the road and
cycling road. Just take a hard right on one of the bridges you meet The road
up isn't that busy and you'll be in a good position to go left (route 18)to
Karuizawa. Getting all the way to Nagano (city?) in one day might be a bit of
an ask but to be honest I haven't been over the Usui pass on bike. Lots of
fun on a motorbike though. Watch out for hoons trying their drifting on the
corners. A Touring mapple should offer good assistance in planning your
route. Ride safe.