Our fun project, RIDEALIVE, which centers on the theme of "Circles' Summer Vacation," returns for its fifth year as we seek out new terrain and encounters with masters of adventure. Playing and living. We’re going to enjoy that creativity to the fullest.
Based on the concepts of riding and camping, RIDEALIVE approaches cycling as a lifestyle that expands into various outdoor activities. Last year, we ventured beyond our local Aichi home, focusing on three main events in Mie, Shizuoka, and Gifu, plus a special Yatsugatake edition. This year, we’ve decided to expand our field even further afield!
2018 RIDEALIVE in SHINSYU INA Valley
The first RIDEALIVE of 2018 is a special edition. I, JUS, will be in charge.
When I thought about where to host an event that could truly capture "what I find most fun," only one place came to mind—or rather, it was my only choice.
Shinshu Ina Valley
Nestled between the 3,000-meter peaks of the Southern and Central Alps, the Shinshu Ina Valley is the only place in Japan where you can see both ranges at the same time. This special RIDEALIVE will start at Mt. Oshiro in the northern part of the Ina Valley, right where this photo was taken. We’ll kick things off with a spectacular descent down a forest road from this stunning location, with the Southern Alps on our left and the Central Alps on our right.
We’ll connect dirt trails, paved roads, and more dirt, stopping for lunch and breaks as we make our way toward Hatobuki Park at the foot of the Central Alps.
This is our campsite, home to a large windmill. While camping isn't usually permitted here, we’ve received special permission to stay in this incredible location. We’re also planning a night trail ride.
On Day 2, we’ll use the campsite as our base to enjoy some trail riding! After a good, tough climb, an exquisite downhill run awaits you. We’ve also received special permission to ride these trails just for this event! Afterward, we’ll refresh our tired bodies with a soak in a hot spring before heading to the after-party!
And to help us host this "RIDEALIVE in SHINSYU INA Valley," I’d like to introduce our two incredible ambassadors!
Nobuhiro Takemura
Manager of the CLAMP bike shop in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture—a man who couldn't live without bikes and the outdoors.
After working at a bike shop in Osaka, he got hooked on MTB trials and has about 20 years of cycling experience.
Since moving to Nagano about 10 years ago, he has spent his days guiding outdoor sports like mountain biking, kayaking, and backcountry skiing, all while riding bikes, and sliding down mountains in the winter.
A life-changing encounter led him to launch CLAMP in 2011.
Recently, in addition to MTB trail riding and backcountry skiing, he has been active in incorporating activities that can be enjoyed in the Ina Valley, such as snow-surfing, tenkara fishing, and trail running.
Instagram: @clamp_take
Ryohei Oguchi
He departed on a round-Japan trip on March 9, 2007 (lasting about a year), and then set off on a trip around the world on March 9, 2009, finally arriving at his hometown of Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture on October 9, 2016 (after about 7.5 years). Over a total of about 8.5 years including Japan, he covered 155,502 km across 157 countries (1st in Japan, estimated 3rd in the world).
Author: "Smile! A Bicycle Journey Around the World Meeting Smiles: 157 Countries, 155,502km (Kawade Shobo Shinsha)"
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ryohei.oguchi
Instagram: @ryohei_oguchi
This will be a special bike-packing tour through the Ina Valley, hosted with these two amazing ambassadors!
Event Overview
April 21–April 22, 2018 (Sat, Sun) - Event held rain or shine
4/21 (Sat) DAY 1
Meet at Circles at 5:00 AM. We will load the bikes onto trucks and head to Ina City, Nagano Prefecture by truck and HiAce van. We will transport participants and bikes to near the summit of "Mt. Oshiro." We will head to the campsite, mixing dirt climbs, descents, and paved roads, with lunch and breaks along the way. After dinner, a night trail ride is planned.
4/22 (Sun) DAY 2
Enjoy activities like trail riding with the campsite as your base. Ambassador Takemura will also be holding a trail riding skills workshop. Curry will be served for lunch. We will take a dip in a hot spring, then hold an after-party at the event space on the 2nd floor of "Kusa no Oto" at 17:00, where they will provide delicious dishes made with local ingredients.
Entry Capacity: 10 people (Registration will close once capacity is reached.)
Entry Fee: ¥18,000
Includes round-trip transportation between Nagoya and Ina, lunch on Day 2, and food and drink for the Day 2 after-party (drinks after the first two are cash-on).
Entry Requirements: There is an intermediate-level single-track downhill trail on Day 2. Mountain bikes only (full-rigid is acceptable).
Required Equipment
・MTB tires suitable for dirt (2.3 inches or wider recommended)
・Tent
・Sleeping bag and mat
・Water bottle/hydration pack
・Puncture and bike repair kit
・Light with enough output for night trail riding (800 lumens or higher recommended)
・Helmet
・Eyewear (branches, rocks, dirt, etc. will fly around during the downhill run.)
・We recommend wearing protective gear, as the Day 2 single-track downhill includes steep descents, drop-offs, and other dangerous sections.
・Health insurance card (copy allowed)
・Headlamp
・Energy snacks
・Cooker and fuel
・Food for Day 1 (we plan to go shopping for groceries on the night of Day 1 before arriving at the campsite.)
・Rainwear
・Cold-weather gear
・First-aid kit (bandages, disinfectant, athletic tape, etc.)
・Equipment to pack all of the above onto your bike (backpacks are acceptable)
We look forward to your entry!
Register here