[RIDEALIVE in Yamanashi] After every climb, there is a descent. It’s only natural.

What goes up must come down, that goes without saying. As I mentioned yesterday, the first day’s itinerary is mostly uphill once you start from Kofu Station, leading you to your destination, Kinpusanso Campground. The highest point on the route is just under 1,700m, and the campground sits at about 1,500m. If the weather is good, you’ll likely find yourselves enjoying a feast under a magnificent starry sky, but please be mindful of the temperature. When I visited recently, the daytime temperature was around 13°C, but expect it to drop into the low single digits once the sun goes down, so please make sure to bring adequate cold-weather gear.
　

Now, since you’ve worked hard and pedaled your way up to such a high altitude with heavy luggage, I’ve prepared a route for the return trip that you could call a reward. In a premier setting surrounded by mountains, there are some roads you just have to check out. I’ll keep the hike up Mt. Kinpu on the second day as a surprise for the day of, but I’d like to introduce this route a little bit.
　

　

　

　
You might call it a jeep road; it’s an unpaved surface, but it stays relatively easy to ride, and you’ll enjoy a pleasant journey as you repeat the ups and downs. Tires around 28–30c wide should be fine. Of course, given the weight of your luggage, there’s no doubt that the wider they are, the more secure and stable you’ll be. There are some parts where the road gets a bit rockier, but just like on a tough climb, if you feel it’s too difficult, don’t push it—just get off your bike and walk.
　

　

　
Once you pass the gravel section, you’ll head straight down toward the town. After the ride, wash off the day’s sweat and head to naomi camp, the venue for our final dinner.
　

The interior of the renovated old folk house has a relaxed atmosphere. The variety of carefully prepared dishes makes you feel like you’ve traveled through various lands. On top of that, the portions are hearty. My expectations for the food we’ll be served on the day are only growing.
　
With three days and two nights, this RIDEALIVE is packed with volume, and even as one of the organizers, I’m just so, so excited for the main event…