Since the SR600 Fuji does not count toward the standard 200/300/400/600 series needed to qualify for PBP, and since Jerome's travel schedule kept him out of a few planned 600 km rides in May and early June, today Jerome is riding a Chubu Audax-sponsored 600km brevet to complete his PBP qualifications.
Tanaka-san is also participating as 実走スタッフ-- I guess Chubu Audax staff who get to ride the event. His Facebook note mentions that "other than [Litt] the entire [2014] Fleche team is participating and everyone is hanging in there." Bonne route, Jerome, Tanaka-san, Kozakai-san and Higuchi-san.
Makes me wish I was there! And I look forward to being reunited at PBP.
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| 8AM, early checkpoint. Note the Audax Japan PBP 2015 jersey on the approaching rider. |
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| Lots of castles in the Aichi/Gifu area. Ground zero in the Oda/Toyotomi/Tokugawa transitions. |
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| A later PC, during the Noon hour. Jerome's Look and yellow water bottle on the left side. |
At this blistering pace, as long as the weather does not get too hot, I think Jerome is going to set a record for his 600 km time. 30 hours? Not impossible by any means on this course.
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| Messrs. Tanaka and Kozakai outside of famous sushi restaurant |
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| dinner and message check, photo shoot |
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| Spectacular Kaisendon for Jerome |
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| Happy camper, shiny top light |
Moonlight swim in the Sea of Japan ...
Recalls other famous Jerome swims. ...
The group stopped at a Kanzawa "Kenko Land" for a decent sleep, and suffered through some heat on the second day. In the end, Jerome finished together with Messrs. Tanaka, Kozakai and Higuchi, in around 37:40. A leisurely time, but one that allowed plenty of leeway in case of difficulty and time for good food, some sleep and a swim in the ocean!
En route to the start, Jerome reports that he stopped to visit his homestay family from many decades past. Little did they realize when they accepted a homestay member that it would be a relationship of this length! Based on the garlands around his neck, he seems welcomed home as the hero returned from battle.
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