Looking for a cooler place to escape this heat...
With that in mind, I visited Norikura for the first time last month.
I’m certainly not a fan of climbing, but I had seen photos of the scenery at Norikura and thought that one day I’d like to climb it by bike, which is why I decided to head out there.
Mt. Norikura, which straddles Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture and Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture, attracts not only mountaineers captivated by its magnificent alpine scenery but also many cyclists during this season, as its summit at 2,702 meters is said to be the highest point in Japan accessible by bicycle.
For this trip, I rode the Norikura Echo Line located on the Matsumoto side. The starting point is the Norikura Kogen Visitor Center, and it is about 20km to the Tatamidaira bus terminal at the summit of Mt. Norikura.
After about 2 hours of pedaling while enjoying the scenery and saddle talk, I finally arrived at the Tatamidaira summit.
The view after passing the tree line was breathtaking, and the sensation of literally riding above the clouds was truly memorable.
By the way, I didn't hesitate to take my road bike for the day. Surely I'm not the only one who would want to make a 20km climb as easy as possible. Also, I really wanted to go for a ride wearing the QUOC NIGHT shoes that I’ve been using for about a year now.
As always, I tightened my laces, ready to go. Based on this Norikura ride, let me introduce their features.
◆ Available from Size 38
First of all, last year, a Size 40 (24.5cm) was added for the Japanese market, but now, smaller sizes, Size 38 (22.5cm) and Size 39 (23.5cm), have been newly added to the lineup. This is great news for those who have been interested in Quoc shoes but have struggled with foot sizing or given up because their size wasn't available. Personally, I would love for women to try these shoes.
◆ Microfiber and Black Leather Uppers
I chose the microfiber version from the two available upper materials for the Night.
The leather version, which conforms to the rider's foot shape the more you wear it, was tempting, but personally, I found the microfiber to be even more comfortable than I expected. I also chose white to match the cycling apparel I always wear.
Leather only comes in black, but microfiber is available in three colors: black, white, and pink.
(*Size 38 and 39 are only available in black leather, and black or white microfiber.)
Microfiber is characterized by its excellent breathability, extreme light weight, and ease of care. On the other hand, the cowhide models—a specialty of Quoc, who excels with leather—will only develop more character as the years and miles go by. Care is the same as for regular leather shoes.
◆ Patented New Lacing System
They feature the new Lock-Lace system developed by QUOC. Its dual-lacing pattern at the center and end points provides an excellent fit, reduces slippage, and ensures there's no need to worry about them loosening during your ride.
While lace-up shoes can be a chore to put on and take off, the act of sliding your feet in and tightening the laces is like a ritual that sharpens your focus before a ride. The feeling of the shoe wrapping snugly around your foot is a sensation unique to laces.
Changing the laces can significantly change the look of the shoes, making them feel quite vibrant. Not only is it fun to change the look, but a bold change of style now and then is nice too. There are three colors available, sold individually or as a set.
The heel cup on the NIGHT is replaceable when it wears down, allowing you to use your favorite pair of shoes for a long time.
Unlike their calm, Quoc-like appearance, the Night road shoes hide a great deal of potential. With the heat subsiding, they are sure to be a great pair of shoes for the coming season. Available in black leather and two microfiber colors, black and white.
All sizes are available for trying on in-store, so please come in and put your feet into them.
