When I go cycling in various parts of the country, I often end up making friends with local people and shop owners through all sorts of connections. Those encounters are one of the charms of riding.
A long time ago, on my way back from northern Nagano, I had dinner at the excellent Source Diner in Matsumoto, where a friend introduced me to the team at Son of the Smith Hard Cider. Hearing them passionately talk about the potential of hard cider—made using new methods inspired by craft beer culture—I felt a passion similar to the one we dedicate to cycling, and we’ve been good friends ever since.
The team, comprised of apple farmers, apple researchers, and designers, set up their brewery right by Lake Kizaki, a beautiful lake in Omachi, Nagano Prefecture. I had stopped by their brewery while heading to OMM LITE/BIKE in Hakuba, but I had always just passed by Lake Kizaki and Lake Aoki, thinking only of how beautiful they were.
And now, we’ve been asked to join an event centered around Son of the Smith on the shores of Lake Kizaki, featuring drinks, food, and a sauna. We decided there was no way we could miss it! As such, we want to play our part by organizing a ride event to help everyone build up an appetite and explore the charms of the region. It’s a bit of a trek from Nagoya, Kanto, and Kansai, but that’s exactly why a paradise awaits you there! We hope you’ll join us.
Circles Community Ride
LAKE RIDER on LAKE SIDER
Date & Time:
July 1st (Sat) 10:00 Meetup - Easy Ride
July 2nd (Sun) 9:00 Meetup - Easy Ride / Hard Ride
Easy Ride
A roughly 25km route with few ups and downs. There is some unpaved road, but you should be able to make it on a road bike. Gravel bikes or all-road bikes are recommended. We plan to return to the venue in about 2 hours. Held on both Saturday and Sunday.
Hard Ride
A hard ride of about 30km with 650m of elevation gain. The distance is short, but there are some steep climbs. It is a scenic mountain route with views of the Northern Alps. We plan to return to the venue in about 3 hours. Held on Sunday only.
Participation Fee:
2,000 yen (Includes light support, insurance, a PFM Butter Sandwich, and one Son of the Smith hard cider.)
*Event admission fee is separate. *In case of rain, only the Hard Ride will be held.
Rental Bikes:
You can participate using rental bikes managed by Omachi City. Trek e-bikes can be rented for 2,500 yen per day. Quantities are limited and preparations are required, so please inquire at the link below as soon as possible. (Circles is only providing the referral.)
https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/cycling/
Accommodation:
Please make your own arrangements. There are many affordable and great campsites nearby. We recommend Kizakiko Campsite and POW WOW Campsite, which are close to the mid-evening festival venue.
Mid-Evening Festival:
A mid-evening festival will be held on the night of July 1st (Sat) at the Son of the Smith brewery taproom near the venue. Everyone is welcome to attend, but please let us know if you wish to participate via the form below so we can keep track of numbers.
Admission Discounts:
We can provide discounted admission as Circles guests. Ride participants will be discounted automatically, but if you are planning to attend without participating in the ride, please contact us via the form below. Tickets will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
What kind of event is LAKE SIDER?
This is the inaugural Lake Sider. No one can imagine what it will be like, but the venue and its surroundings that I rode during the test run were absolutely breathtaking, and the lineup of vendors looks delicious. I intend to fully enjoy the charm that only a first-time event can offer. PFM will also be participating with butter sandwiches and coffee!
Please check the event's Instagram for details.
Young brewers are well-networked, and it seems many of them will be gathering for this event as well. Their energetic activities overlap with my image of custom bicycle frame builders. Like them, they don't just make things; they also foster play and culture. I’m already looking forward to participating in such an event!
