RIDEALIVE SHIKOKU will be the grand finale of this year's RIDEALIVE. Yes, I, Yuya Takahashi, will be heading to the Shikoku region, where my home prefecture of Kochi is located.
We will start at "SHIOKAZE STORE," a shop that has helped me out several times since I first started riding fixed-gear bikes, and spend two days aiming for "Hirome Market" in the heart of Kochi Prefecture, 170km away.
When I’ve done long-distance touring rides over several days in the past, I’ve experienced that feeling of pedaling with a clear mind and the sense of relief that comes when the destination is near.
It was tough today, but I made it.
The view from that road was beautiful.
It was just an ordinary road, but it felt great to ride along such a pleasant route.
Touring that lets you think things like that is, after all, a lot of fun!
When I realized that, I also realized that I hadn’t really ridden much in my own hometown, and I felt a strong desire to ride the roads of my home region.
Our route is set to pass through Mount Tsurugi, the second-highest peak in Shikoku (Mount Ishizuchi in Ehime being the first), as we steer toward Kochi Prefecture.
We will ride along National Route 439, famous as one of Japan's "three most treacherous roads" and nicknamed "Yosaku," which winds through the steep valleys carved by the Yoshino River—one of Japan’s most significant rivers, known by its nickname "Shikoku Saburo" for its wild nature—and then incorporate some forest roads before descending into the castle town of Kochi.
Once we pass through Mount Tsurugi, we will get closer to Kochi Prefecture along the powerful and beautiful flow of the Yoshino River's tributaries, passing the famous Kazurabashi bridge in the Iya Valley. Upon entering Kochi, we will head toward the Hito and Kyobashira passes. Kyobashira Pass serves as the starting or ending point for many forest roads, and we will take one of them to steer toward the Monobe River basin. Once we reach the Nankoku Plains, Kochi's rice-growing hub, Kochi City is just a stone's throw away.
Come join me in riding through this rugged region, and let's have a drink at "Hirome" while savoring some delicious bonito and reflecting on the road we just conquered.
I will be riding with everything I've got, too.
Event Dates
November 2 (Sat) – 3 (Sun)
Meeting Point
Shiokaze Store
The start point is Shiokaze Store, located near the mouth of the Yoshino River in Tokushima Prefecture.
The finish line is in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, so please utilize Rinko (bicycle rail transport) to get to the starting point.
Inquiries
For inquiries, please contact Yuya Takahashi at Circles.
We look forward to receiving your questions via email as well.
Please contact us in-store or via this link.