Hello everyone! This is Daisaku.
When I look up, the clouds are high and I can really feel the autumn season upon us. The weather has been unsettled, but even when I’m not actually going for a ride, those perfect cycling days in between make me feel excited.
RIDEALIVE—the event where you can fully enjoy this autumn—is just around the corner (it’s coming up way too fast!!). Have you finished preparing for your ride and camping, and have you purchased your tickets yet?
I’m sure many of you have a bike but don’t own camping gear, so please be sure to read Chan Mai’s BIKE to CAMP!! article. It’s incredibly helpful. Also, it’ll make you want to try smoking some food.
I’ve introduced the routes and food for RIDEALIVE so far, but this time I’m here to guide you through the ride on day two!
Just like on the first day, deciding your own route and aiming for the finish line at your own pace is one of the joys of RIDEALIVE.
However, since you’re already here, I thought it would be great to ride together while visiting local spots and enjoying the nature of Kawane and Oku-Oi. With that in mind, the staff in charge has put together a special program for day two!
If you’re interested in joining us, please read on to the end.
Katsuo Trail Gravel Ride
The “Katsuo Trail” is a 205km long-distance loop that connects tea plantations, old highways, and forest roads, traveling from the port of Yaizu—known for its bonito (katsuo) fishing—to Oku-Oi, a region blessed with tea, water, and rich nature.
If you’re riding in this area, you’ll want to experience its charm to the fullest.
For this event, we have planned a ride that connects parts of the Katsuo Trail with the Tokai Nature Trail, allowing you to fully enjoy the nature and gravel roads around the Oi River!
Starting from the campsite, we head toward the upper reaches of the Sasama River, which flows into the Oi River. We’ll ride while surrounded by trees and the sound of the river, with a stop along the way at the 70-meter-high “Unore Falls.”
If the water level is good, you’ll be able to see a truly impressive waterfall.
In the middle of the ride, one of the steepest climbs on this route awaits. It’s a bit of a tough ascent, but when you look back, the scenery will make you forget your fatigue—and the long-awaited gravel section lies just ahead.
The gravel section does have some of the typical scattered stones and rocks, but the majority of the surface is closer to sand.
Forget the pain of the climb and enjoy the flowing, comfortable ride.
After enjoying the gravel, we’ll descend as much as we climbed, heading straight toward the Oi River. From there, we aim for our final destination of day two, Yaizu.
This ride is more about enjoying the pure act of riding than the food. Due to the route, it may be difficult to stop at restaurants to take a long lunch. Please be sure to bring your own nutrition/snacks needed for the ride!
It’s a demanding route, but it offers spectacular views and some of the best gravel riding. We hope you’ll join us!
The Perfect Opportunity to Try Out POC Helmets and Sunglasses!
And for this gravel ride, Kyon-san, the POC representative from Fullmarks, will be joining us!
He will actually be providing sunglasses and helmets for you to use during the ride!
This is a great opportunity to actually wear and test items that you usually can only try on in the shop. Personally, I’m excited to be able to actually use the sunglasses on forest roads and gravel to see how they enhance the visibility of the road surface, which is something I always pay attention to while riding.
Please consider it!
BIKE to Katsuo Trail Gravel
Capacity: 6 people
Departure time: 8:30Distance/Elevation Gain: 45km / 1300m
Dissolution point: Near Shimada City Outdoor Activity Center "Yama no Ie"
Recommended tire width: 40mm or wider
Recommended gear ratio: At least 1:1
What to bring: Nutrition (Not quite lunch, but enough to keep you fueled is recommended.)*Cancelled in case of rain (as the route will be impassable)
RIDEALIVE is an event where, while the finish line is set, how you get there and how you enjoy the journey is completely up to you. It’s an event where you can taste the kind of fun that only cycling can provide.
Whether you choose to ride with friends and staff or enjoy your own unique route, let’s have a great time sharing the scenery, experiences, and the roads we traveled together at the venue at the end!
We look forward to your participation!!
