I sometimes think back on my actions and words and realize I’ve done something foolish, but I like to think I’m not the kind of idiot who gets carried away just because I’m being flattered or praised. Then again, I wonder how that looks to everyone else.
That said, I simply love climbing to high places, like mountain passes or summits with a great view. Beyond the sense of accomplishment from overcoming a tough journey, being able to see the beautiful scenery waiting for you at the end brings a sense of fulfillment that’s hard to put into words.
It was this desire to experience that fulfillment to the fullest that led me to start "Bike to Hike," which blends riding and hiking. My GW (Golden Week) ride plan will be this now-annual Bike to Hike event. Our destination this time is again the summit of Mt. Ryugadake, one of the Suzuka Seven Mountains. Sometimes you can see a perfectly blue sky without a single cloud, and other times it’s so covered in clouds you can’t see more than a few meters ahead, but that becomes a good memory in its own way. I wonder what kind of view we'll be able to enjoy this time. I hope you’re all looking forward to it.
【Bike to Hike】
Date: Monday, April 29, 2019 (Holiday)
Meeting Time: 7:00 AM
Meeting Place: PINE FIELDS MARKET
Please have breakfast or coffee on your own; we will depart around 7:30 AM.Fee: Free (Meals and transportation costs are at your own expense)
Destination: Mt. Ryugadake Summit
Lunch: Bring your own (At the summit if the weather is nice! Self-cooking is also okay! Regardless, we will be taking a lunch break during the hike. Style it however you like!)
Dinner: Kamiki Shokudo
What to Bring: Bicycle, bike transport bag, helmet, and shoes suitable for hiking.
※ The hike is expected to take about 1 to 1.5 hours each way. The temperature will be lower than on flat ground, and there is absolutely no shelter from the wind near the summit, so please bring warm clothing.
Itinerary: Departing from PINE FIELDS MARKET, we will head past the east side of Nagoya Station, take the old Minoji and Tsushima Kaido routes, cross the Tokai Bridge, and head toward Ninose Pass. After that, we’ll pass by Ageki Station, enter National Route 412, and attack the Ishigure Pass. We will start the hike from the trailhead at the highest point of the old pass. We’ll have lunch along the way and aim for the summit. After descending, we’ll warm up at Ageki Onsen and then have a delicious meal at Kamiki Shokudo. After dinner, we plan to head home by taking our bikes on the Sangi Railway from Ageki Station.Note: Cancelled in case of rain.
* If the meeting time or location doesn't work for you, please let us know as you can join or leave midway. We will do our best to accommodate you.
I think it’s rare to do both riding and hiking at the same time. If you’re worried about equipment or anything else, please feel free to reach out.
I personally plan to head out in pretty much the same style I use for trail rides. I'll be wearing a SEARCH AND STATE / Merino Wool Long Sleeve Jersey over a long-sleeve base layer, and will bring an ACLIMA / Woolshell Jacket with Hood and a SEARCH AND STATE / S1 Riding Jacket for warmth. Please be very mindful of temperature differences and sudden changes in the weather.
I plan to wear HOUDINI / W’s Thrill Twill Pants with PATAGONIA / M’s Endless Ride Liner Bibs underneath. Whether or not to wear padded shorts is up to the individual, but personally, I make sure to wear them for rides over 50km. Also, since I'll be riding my road bike to the top of the mountain pass, I'll be wearing clipless cycling shoes, but I'll bring along BEDROCK SANDALS to change into for the hike.
Except for in winter, I pretty much wear my BEDROCKs every time I hike, but I’m currently debating whether to buy the new Cairn 3D Pro.
I imagine many of you might be hesitant, thinking it’s a bit high of a hurdle, but if you’re interested, please get in touch. Let’s be fools together!