Hello! This is Yoshimoto from Circles Tokyo!
Last time, many of you joined us for our new project, "Ride To Ride Vol. 1 Tsuchiura." We were blessed with a window of clear weather, and it turned out to be a fantastic day where we all got to experience the charm of the serious gravel areas on the south side of Lake Kasumigaura together. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Details for the highly anticipated Vol. 2
Now, for our upcoming October Vol. 2: Originally, we were preparing a ride to board the cycle train "B.B.BASE" at Ryogoku Station, head to Tateyama via the Sobu and Uchibo lines, and ride gravel routes on the Boso Peninsula.
…Yes, that's right. "Were preparing."
As some of you may have already noticed, due to the impact of recent Typhoon No. 25, the unavoidable Uchibo Line has been suspended for the time being, and we had no choice but to cancel the Tateyama event. (We sincerely apologize to those who were looking forward to it!)
Incidentally, plans are already underway for a November trip to Chichibu via the Seibu Line. With the current situation, the option of using a cycle train to get out to the suburbs from the city center is temporarily off the table.
However! We also want to convey the charm of "Rinko" (packing your bike and heading out), which is an extension of what the cycle train was originally about. So, we've decided to suddenly switch the plan for October to a "Rinko Ride," something we were hoping to do in early spring! Adapting our destination and style flexibly to the situation—this is the very style of "Ride To Ride."
So! We will be holding "Ride To Ride Vol. 2 Kasama/Mashiko" on Saturday, October 10th, the first day of the autumn three-day weekend!
Packed with autumn's charm
I think you were able to feel the richness of Ibaraki's agricultural produce and land during the last ride, but this time we are focusing even more on "autumn flavors." Speaking of autumn, that means chestnuts, and speaking of chestnuts, that means Kasama! So, we have planned a Rinko ride starting and ending at Tomobe Station on the JR Joban Line, where you can feel autumn with your whole body.
Leaving Tomobe, we are aiming for the Mashiko area in Tochigi Prefecture, which is also a famous region for ceramics. Actually, this area around Mashiko is one that I, Yoshimoto, highly recommend, even within the northern Kanto area. It has a very charming streetscape filled with interesting and unique shops—not only galleries for the famous Mashiko-yaki pottery, but also stylish vintage furniture stores, record shops that you'll want to linger in, and even craft beer breweries.
We're planning a ride full of rewards: satisfying our hunger with delicious local food along the way, and after returning to Kasama, soothing our post-ride fatigue with exquisite desserts made from seasonal chestnuts. It’s "sports autumn," when it feels best to be on a bike, and "appetite autumn," when there are countless delicious things to try. It’s an ambitious plan packed to the brim with all the charms of autumn.
The route is planned to be approximately 80km long with about 900m of elevation gain.
The course profile is similar to the last one, but the scenery is quite different from Tsuchiura, which was characterized by the small ups and downs typical of the Kanto Plain.
This area, with great access—just about 1 hour and 15 minutes by express train from Tokyo—is located on the south side of the Yamizo Mountains, which run north to south along the border of Fukushima, Ibaraki, and Tochigi prefectures. I hope to guide you along a route where you can comfortably flow through paved roads with little traffic amidst the peaceful scenery of the satoyama (foothills).
Also, while the previous route included gravel (although we didn't end up riding much of it due to the rain... lol), this one will basically be centered on paved roads!
Of course, as with last time, meeting up locally is also very welcome.
We look forward to your participation!
Ride To Ride vol. 2 Kasama/Mashiko Rinko Ride!
Date: Saturday, October 10th
Meeting Point: Tomobe Station South Exit
Meeting Time: 10:00
※If you are coming by Rinko from Tokyo, taking the "Limited Express Tokiwa No. 53" departing Tokyo Station at 8:23 will get you to Tomobe Station at 9:39 for a smooth arrival.Dismissal: 17:00 (scheduled)
[Route Specs]
Distance: Approx. 80km
Elevation Gain: Approx. 900m
Estimated Pace: A pace to cover 80km in about 5 hours of actual riding time, excluding time for lunch and short breaks.
Road Conditions: We plan to ride on paved roads, or paved roads with poor surfaces. 32C tire size is recommended.Recommended Product
WTB Expanse TCS 700/32c
[What to Bring/Equipment]
・Helmet
・Basic repair kit, such as a spare tube.
Please be prepared to handle your own bicycle trouble.
・Rinko bag set
・Curiosity and a sense of fun.
[Participation Fee] Free (Please cover your own lunch and travel expenses.)
[Capacity] About 10 people
[How to Apply]
・Name
・Phone number
・Mode of transportation to the meeting point
Please send a DM to the Circles Tokyo Instagram with the information above.※Event will be held in light rain, but cancelled in case of heavy rain.
