Hello! This is Yoshimoto from Circles Tokyo!
We are already less than two months away from the end of the year, but Mount Fuji's snowcap is over a month later than usual—we've even entered November without any snow recorded yet. I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling the effects of this warm winter.
While the slow change of seasons feels a bit strange, for us cycling enthusiasts, the continued perfect riding weather is a welcome treat. Personally, I’m filling my schedule with rides to make up for my busy October, which was packed with events and the like.
With that in mind, this is a bit of a last-minute invitation, but I’ve planned an Akigase Gravel Ride for November 9th. Won't you come ride with us?
It all started when I promised Kako-san, who embodies the concept of #ArakawaOutback through his riding, that we should hit the gravel around Akigase together. Since we’re going to do it, I decided to turn it into a personal ride event.
I’ve had Kako-san guide me through the ARAKAWA OUTBACK once before, and the route, which crisscrosses the riverbed in every direction, provides a sensation that is hard to put into words—as Monja-san also says. The gravel that feels like it goes on forever is a mysterious experience that makes you forget you're even in a riverbed so close to Tokyo.
If I had to describe it in a word, the sensation of alternating between the paved paths on the levees and the gravel in the riverbed is like the "Queen of the Classics," Paris-Roubaix.
By the way, Kako-san is the organizer of an event called "Midnight Gravel Arakawa", held during Akigase Forest Bikelore 14 in December; it’s no exaggeration to say he’s the man who knows everything there is to know about Arakawa's gravel. Why not experience a route that only Kako-san, who knows the gravel and the Arakawa river so well, could guide you on, right near Toranomon and Minato City?
This time, we plan to depart from Circles Tokyo at Toranomon Hills, ride about 40km along the Arakawa River to Akigase Park, and then finish up locally after riding about 30km of the Kako-san presents ARAKAWA OUTBACK route. (I’ll be riding back to Toranomon on my own, so feel free to join me if you’re up for it!)
It’s a bit of a distance, but the route is mostly flat, so gravel beginners should definitely feel free to join! Also, since I mentioned the "Classics," I think you can even ride this on a road bike if you have tires around 32C, so please feel free to join with one.
We plan to pass through Asakusa from Toranomon Hills and enter the Arakawa from the Sumida River, so joining us along the way is also very welcome. If you have any questions or want to discuss joining, feel free to contact me, Yoshimoto, at Circles Tokyo. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Akigase Gravel Ride with ARAKAWA OUTBACK
Date: Saturday, November 9th
Meeting Point: In front of the bike parking area at Toranomon Hills Station Tower (please check the map below!)
Meeting Time: 9:00 AM
Capacity: Around 10 people (first-come, first-served)
Content: About 40km through Asakusa to the Akigase area via the Arakawa River. Approximately 30km of gravel riding around Akigase, with time for lunch, etc., on-site.
How to Apply: Please contact us via DM on the Circles Tokyo Instagram! If you would like to test ride a bike, please let us know.
What to Bring: Bicycle (not required if you are test riding), helmet (we can lend you one if you ask in advance), puncture repair kit (spare tubes, etc.), clothing suitable for exercise/cycling.
A pure heart that obeys traffic rules.
Participation Fee: Free
※Cancelled in case of rain