Wataru Takada’s "Jitensha ni Notte" (Riding a Bike), recently covered by never young beach. The song features the lyrics "Riding a bike—riding a bike—I want to walk a little way there," capturing that unique sense of "walking on a bicycle." There are many ways to ride a bike, but Yamatomichi Festival is one I’d love to ride and walk to with people who understand this feeling of effortless riding.
Yamatomichi Festival is the first hiking festival held by Yamatomichi, a brand that creates lightweight and functional apparel and bags. We have had a close relationship with Yamatomichi since our TOE to TOP collaboration in Yatsugatake two years ago as part of a special RIDEALIVE edition. As Circles, a group that loves the compatible activities of cycling and hiking, we simply have to go—and for me personally, having a history of "festival" attendance that spans longer than my time spent cycling, I have even more reason to be there.
Fortunately, FDA (which provides free bicycle transport boxes) flies from Nagoya to Hanamaki. JAL flies from Osaka. Those coming from the Kanto region can take the Shinkansen or drive.
Whether by bike or on foot, we’re heading to the festival through the roads, fields, and mountains. You can go alone, or you can join us for the ride. If you do both cycling and hiking, try using the hashtag #BIKEtoYamatomichiFestival.
I, Monja, am planning to head out as follows—would anyone like to join me?
BIKE to Yamatomichi Festival
"BIKE to Yamatomichi Festival" is a network for participants cycling to the festival venue (please note: this is not a guided ride tour). Please participate according to your own fitness level and skills. Of course, feel free to contact us with any questions regarding gear or the ride.
※Joining or leaving the group midway is absolutely fine.
Saturday the 28th: Approx. 60km
Departing Ogal around 10:00 AM → Morioka Castle → Koiwai Farm → Yamatomichi Festival Venue (Amihari Onsen Campsite)
Sunday the 29th: A few hours of hiking - 50km ride
Venue → Hike up Mt. Iwate → Hot springs → Morioka
The itinerary works without staying over before or after, but scheduling some buffer time on either end can make for cheaper travel and a more relaxed trip. If you would like to join, please contact us via this form.
For anyone else riding there, I’d love it if you could share your journey using the #BIKEtoYamatomichiFestival tag.
Yamatomichi Festival −Yamatomichi HLC Hiking Festival
Date:
Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, September 29, 2019. Doors open at 14:00. Free departure on Sunday, September 29 (Event held rain or shine).Venue:
Amihari Onsen Campsite (14-3 Komatsukura, Nagayama, Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture)Participation Fee:
2,000 yen (Free for elementary school students and younger)
Tent site fee: 1,500 yen (1 plot: 3m x 3m)Registration:
https://www.yamatomichi.com/news/16776/
The background photo in the title is from a preview report by Mr. Mita, editor-in-chief of Yamatomichi JOURNALS. It looks absolutely amazing!
Let’s head to the Yamatomichi Festival (even if by bike)!