Often, wanting to see something or wanting to go somewhere becomes the guiding principle for my actions. Most of the time, the means to reach those places is by bicycle, but what if the destination is a place where a bike can't take you?
That is how we at Circles have explored various ways to enjoy activities involving "bicycles plus something extra." Hiking/mountaineering, fishing, camping... personally, there was also the TOEtoTOP special edition of RIDEALIVE that I went on with Natsume-san and others from Yamatomichi, and the #swSurfBikeTrip that I did with Liewo from SimWorks USA.
And as those who follow my Instagram may already know, last year, after several years of preparation, I finally reached a place I had always wanted to go—a place you can't get to by bicycle. It was a snowy mountain.
I want to see the Hyakujo Waterfall on Mt. Hakusan
I first learned of this bizarre sight through a ride report from the Kyoto University Cycling Club (KUCC) that I follow. KUCC rides are always intense, and although I wanted to go see the Hyakujo Waterfall myself, the hurdle for snowy mountaineering was high. After going for a site visit in the summer, gathering equipment, and doing winter mountain training, I finally fulfilled that long-held wish four or five years after first seeing it. It was even more powerful than I had imagined.
Let's get some snowy mountain gear!
As is the case with all outdoor activities, including cycling, you need the proper equipment to keep yourself safe. I especially have this image that if you don't have the right gear for snowy mountains, you could die in an instant.
We carry outdoor goods at Circles too, but the lineup is mostly small and lightweight gear for bikepacking, and it doesn't cover snowy mountain equipment. When that's the case, I rely on Keisuke-san at Moose in Tenpaku Ward.
I told him everything—the mountains I wanted to go to, my climbing level, and even my budget—and purchased the minimum necessary gear, including boots, crampons, and an ice axe. It’s reassuring to have a shop and staff you can actually consult with.
This is the gear I used when I went to practice on Mt. Ryozen. My pants and backpack are from Yamatomichi, and my top is Norrøna.
So, I finally reached my destination, but since it would be a waste not to use the snowy mountain gear I’d gone to the trouble of collecting, I went and climbed Mt. Akadake in the Yatsugatake Mountains.
Photo by Rachel
It looks intense in the photos, but it was just a bit windy, and I was able to climb it without any trouble. I checked the weather forecast, made a summit push, and held a party at the mountain hut's tent site. I felt like it was easier to climb than in summer, but since conditions can change instantly depending on the weather, it might just be that I haven't encountered any truly hardcore snowy mountain conditions yet.
I plan to climb Mt. Tanigawadake next. I still lack knowledge and experience, but I want to grow little by little.