Otarumi - N Shore Tsukui Loop

Mt Fuji from the top of Otarumi Pass. Beautiful reward for the climb.

Thursday was a beautiful, sunny, and not-freezing early winter day. Nils and I headed out for a morning ride. He has wrapped up his year-end projects and is trying to get in 4500kms this year, and must ride on average 60km per day through 12/31 to get there.  I was scheduled to co-teach a class in the evening (actually, a double class, to avoid one next week), but had no commitments through mid-afternoon.

I have not been tracking my mileage closely this year ... but while way beyond 4500kms, am probably not over 10,000km. I will try the Rapha "Festive 500" -- 500kms between 12/24 and 12/31--as in many past years. I hope that 2019 will be a big cycling year for me. After lots of academic travel this year, I am adjusting and will try for more personal and cycling travel in 2019 ... Tasmania (tdt.bike) in February, Europe (including Paris-Brest-Paris) in August, Pacific NW in early September. Japan the rest of the time.

We decided to do the classic half-day (or a bit more) loop out past Takao, over Otarumi pass, then back via the North side of Lake Tsukui, and back to the Tamagawa via Onekansen Doro.

The Tamagawa at our rendezvous point.

Nils was a bit late leaving home, so we changed our meeting place from Futako Tamagawa to the bridge over the river at Setagaya Dori, just beyond the Odakyu Line. Once we met up, we made decent time upriver, and into a headwind.

One of the "one hundred views of Fuji", sponsored by TEPCO Power Grid

Our first stop was at Takao (50kms from home for me). After a quick snack and responding to work emails, we made the climb. I felt pretty lethargic the whole time, including on the climb. But a reward waited at top--a beautiful view over hilltops and trees to a snow-covered Mt. Fuji.

Everything went well as we descended the west side of Otarumi, turned SE and headed back toward town, then took our planned detour across Lake Tsukui and climbed to the rindo.

Early winter farmland near Lake Tsukui

I got a flat on my rear tire just after entering the rindo. Okay, I probably rode over a rock hidden under leaves. Nothing suspicious at all, and I quickly changed my tube. I made it to the other end of the rindo ... when I got a second flat,

We stopped just past the "Columbian drug lord" house as I put in my second spare tube, this time checking VERY carefully for any glass or wire stuck in my tire. Nothing. As I started to change the tire, a call came from an older lady at the house below the road. "Daijyoubu desu ka?" "are you okay?"  Yes, Nils assured her. Just changing a flat tire. Do you have the tools you need? Yes, no problem. This answer was obviously not good enough. Two tall westerners must have been the most exciting thing on their street in awhile. The couple came up to chat. Then the husband went back to get his electric air pump. We reassured him (in Japanese) that we had a hand pump and had it covered. He brought it anyway. He realized there was no outlet to plug in the pump, so the wife drove their little car up the drive and onto the road ... I guess they might have had a 100volt outlet somewhere in the car, though it looked unlikely. Anyway, in the end we had to refuse their help, the tire change was already done and the re-inflation completedly. So instead the brought us to cold beverages in PET bottles. We thanked them and accepted the liquid -- I was grateful since my water was empty and it was another 5kms at least the next potential convenience store.

Anyway, the third tube went flat when we were on the "tank road" in Machida. My replacement tubes were "light weight" thin and, it turned out, useless. I applied one of Nils' patches to my original tube -- having identified the pinch flat holes. With that, I made it down the tank road and almost to Onekan ... but it was still clearly losing air, so we parted ways and I went to Sagamihara Station and hopped the train.

A good ride ... 90 kms in winter, but a reminder that even on one of these shorter half-day rides I need to carry equipment that gets me home.

15th Fuji HC -- 2018

Tokyo Cranks Finishers at 5th Stage lodge

The Mt. Fuji Hill Climb is a "fun ride" mass event up the Subaru Line, nearly 10,000 riders starting around 1000 meters elevation at Fuji Hokuroku Park and going to the Fifth Stage, somewhat over 2300 meters elevation. The timed part of the course is 24 kms, the actual is another km or more from the park entrance to the Subaru Line entrance.

In 2008, Positivista Juliane ("the Gazelle") Prechtl was the 4th place woman finisher, and Tom Wielrenner, only weeks after his 285km breakaway/solo Tokyo-Itoigawa performance, also clocked a great time ... not sure exactly how great, but great.

In 2009, we also had an excellent team, led by James Knott and sponsored by his company. That year, I had my personal best time of 1:34:07, a few weeks before the start of Transalp.

In 2010, our corporate sponsor was gone, and more than one Positivista was planning a departure from Japan. I was recovering from an injury. By 2011, we had other priorities -- Transalp, Étape du Tour, and PBP that summer for me. And the Fuji HC really only is worth it as a weekend out of town with a group of  friends up at the mountain.

So I was happy this year to join the Tokyo Cranks' annual Fuji HC team and try it again after 9 years hiatus. We had 14 members in total. Seven of us (and Yamada-san, a friend of Yuki and Naoko, was just along for the Saturday ride) met along the Tamagawa at Komae a few minutes after 7AM on Saturday. I had planned the route -- over Otarumi Pass, then through Akiyama along Yamanashi Route 35 over Hinazuru Pass to Tsuru, and up the hill to Kawaguchiko.

Along the Asagaway on the way to Takao, with Naoko, Yuki, Lena, Nils and Yamada-san,
waiting for Glenn and Tim as they fix Glenn's flat.

Even with the early start it was a very hot trip. We made good time to Takao, over Otarumi, then onto Route 76 and finally made the turn off to take Routes 518 then 35 through a series of up, down and up sections. It was HOT and HUMID. I overheated and in one of the towns pulled over and asked a lady at a small shop if I could use her outdoor faucet/hose to cool down. She said "no water from that one, wait a minute", and brought out another hose connected to a faucet from her garage. Salvation. She gave me an ice pack that I slid into my rear center jersey pocket.

The shop on the left - life saving water stop.

Akiyama sky and green

We are climbing now.

Glenn at the manju shop

Route 35 is popular with cyclists, and almost no cars.

Then more climbing. The thermometer on my bicycle computer said 36 degrees celsius when in the direct sun. Finally we reached the famous manju shop, and rested in the shade while enjoying miso manju. The old folks in the back brought us green tea, then umeboshi. We took a longer rest than expected. And it was closer to the top of the climb than I had remembered. Through the tunnel we went, then a fast and fun descent to Tsuru.

Our group split. Nils, Lena and I decided we had done our pre-hill climb workout, and took the train up the valley. Everyone else rode (except for Yamada-san, who headed back to Tokyo).

Our Fujikyu train - Thomas the Tank engine version!

At the registration and start village, Glenn hams it up for the camera

Nice relaxed mood.

We had a great dinner, thanks to John K. and Rolf for shopping, and to Jon T., Nils and others from bringing wine. And to everyone, as we all did some of the prep and cooking. Lena "fired" me for cutting my potato slices too thick ... but they worked out just fine.

Slicing zucchini, as instructed.

Tim, Lena and I prep. Tim is Australian, so he manned the barbeque.
Lena is moving back to Chicago this week with husband and 3 daughters. The Fuji HC was on her
"Japan bucket list". I guess it reminded me a bit of the 2009 event,
and how many of those expats I rode with left within the following year or two.

Kampai! Bottoms up!
Maybe Ian and Andreas were faster because they did not drink alcohol? Maybe not

Great rental houses, close to Kawaguchiko station and
ideal for train watching. The trains did not run during the wee hours.

Anyway, after the ride out to Yamanashi, the hill climb itself was almost an anticlimax. Almost.

We awoke early, but decided to skip the speeches, and miss the 6AM luggage drop off deadline. It was slightly wet - a bit of mist - but the mist lifted and we rode to the start in dry, if very cloudy, conditions. Most of us left the house after 7AM. I was supposed to go with the 15th (of 20) waves, and I got to the start area as the 11th wave headed out. Perfect.

There goes wave 12, or is it 13.

Ready and set.

The climb was a bit more painful than I remembered. I knew the first 5kms was steeper than average, so I took it easy so as to have something left in the tank for later. Everything went OK, if slower than I would have liked. I had planned to eat a bit and maybe even pull off for 30 seconds after reaching 1500 meters ... but had no need. Instead, I made it to over 1900 meters elevation, then took a quick break for bathroom, energy bar and cardio rest, maybe two minutes total. I felt much stronger the next few kms and passed many riders I had been with before the break, so I think it was worth it. I remembered the long, 2-3 km, flat stretch near the finish, and I was able to go at decent speed (30kph? more?) through most of that. But my memory had blacked out the agony of the relatively steep last kilometer to follow. I kept looking for the finish markers in the mist. They took a long time to appear, but there was Ian, with his smart phone, and then I was over the recording pad.

My time was 2:02. Just over my target of 2 hours. Not good, but not so bad for my current weight and condition. I should try again next year, and train (and diet) to get back to 1:45.

Almost at the top.

Nils ... right behind me!

The Cranks gathered on the second floor of the main lodge, enjoyed some food (ramen, etc.) and waited until every member had finished and the lines of riders waiting in the cold to descend had shortened. I bought a T shirt and lined my chest with newsprint for warmth on the descent. My thin rain shell just was not going to be warm enough, without full finger gloves or a cap to cover my ears.

Triathletes Naoko and Yuki were much faster climbers than most Cranks.
Both Ian and Andreas were in the 1:17 range, too.

The descent was long, and slow (controlled by staff riders and a pace car.). But it only got touch and go when, over 1/2 way down, it started to rain. My thermometer said 10 degrees C. That's cold with rain and basically summer gear!

The rain got a bit stronger and I cancelled my plan to ride back to Tokyo. It got stronger yet, and I cancelled my plan to ride down the hill to Otsuki before hopping a train. It was pouring. In the end, Jon T. dropped me at Kawaguchiko Station for the 4PM express bus to Shibuya. Actually not a bad way to go, at all. A great group to hang out and ride with, and a successful event.

Next year, faster!

(*There is another event a week later, the Mt. Fuji INTERNATIONAL Hill Climb, which goes up the Azami Line from Subashiri. That is NOT a mass event, but rather a JBCF race. Why? About the same elevation gain ... in less than half the distance! It boasts an average grade of over 10% and is just brutal.)

Training for Velothon Berlin ... in Tokyo?!?

Fabian, one of MOB's close friends and a former Japan resident (for 3 years quite a long time back), was in town this weekend. He brought his cycling gear and got a pass from his wife and daughter so we could go for a ride, as we did the last time he was in Tokyo several years back (more years than I would like to admit).

Fabian said that MOB will come to Berlin next week from Bremen for the annual Velothon event. Some of you will remember reading about the massive Velothon event on this blog from 2011 or 2010. I think for more recent news, you can find reports on MOB's blog, "there is no "I" in cyclyng."

This was an important part of -- perhaps THE MOST important part of -- his training regimen. Seriously, Fabian does ride regularly, but said he tends to stick to short, after work rides, typically 35 kms.  Today we made it around 110 kms - the classic Otarumi/Tsukui loop. I promised him if he comes back again in the next few years, we will definitely put bikes in rinko bags and go to the countryside for something different and a bit more impressive. Still, for a return to Japan after many years, riding out along the river and through the sprawling suburbs may not be so bad.

Anyway, I have had a cold and am not yet fully recovered, but was happy to try to "ride through it" on this special occasion, as today was rare, remarkably decent cycling weather for June in Tokyo. Not too hot. Dry. Not too humid. Mostly overcast to keep the sun from being to harsh. A bit of a wind from the E/SE so a headwind on the return, but not as bad as sometimes.

Fabian borrowed the Renovo -- his first time on a wood frame, and first experience with Di2 and hydraulic disk brakes. All good.

I rode the sky blue Parlee.
I thought the color went very well with the blue hydrangeas along the Tank Road.

We went out Onekan, then took the tank road, the North side of Lake Tsukui, then up the west climb of Otarumi Pass, stopped at the ramen shop for ramen (me) and chahan (Fabian), then back via Takao and Hachioji.

Fabian Escobar outside the drug lord's house

Bikes welcome at the ramen shop near the top of Otarumi Pass. They treated us like kings, as usual.
Incredibly nice people running this shop, who are delighted at repeat visitors.

View from our garden table.

One stretch of path was closed off along the Asagawa east of Hachioji. It was easy to get over the barriers and ride along the nice new pavement. The other end was a bit more difficult.

I went around the fence first, then Fabiand handed over the bikes and joined me.

A tight fit for Fabian.

An even tighter fit for me!

A very successful outing.

First Otarumi of 2017

Made it to Otarumi Pass just beyond Takao on Saturday riding the Renovo -- smooth as silk.

Mt. Fuji between the power lines and poles.

Along the Asagawa the usual winter activity of moving piles of dirt and rock around was well underway.

Your tax dollars at work ... to save the town from any flooding!

Today, Sunday, it is cold and cloudy, with rain expected later.  A cold feet kind of cycling day gives an opportunity to demonstrate the proper way to use chemical feet warmers (使い捨てカイロ？) to the blog readership.  Place them on TOP of your toes outside the socks (in my case double socks - thin and thick wool pairs), inside your cycling shoes. Make sure your toes have room inside the shoes. If you place them on the BOTTOM of your toes, then as the chemical material hardens it can cause discomfort. Also, they may get damp ... and these warmers FAIL as soon as they get wet.

With this morning's "Tokyo Cranks" coffee ride, I am well clear of 500 kms for January (actually I was there by the 7th) -- a Festive New Year 500.

It was a major effort to get the Renovo set up again.
Learned all about hydraulic disk brakes, Di2 shifting installation, and more!
Look forward to riding it on some major trips in Japan this year.

Basic route with Gunjira

I took a 4.5 hour ride today with Gunjira.  I was still tired from the week, and not in great shape in my post PBP slide. Gunjira has a new baby daughter, Nona, and has been off the bike for most of the past 6 months.  So a welcome event to ride in warm, dry November weather.

Crossing the Tamagawa and heading toward Onekan.  A quiet morning.

Mega Solar peacefully co-exists with giant spider, at the far end of the Tank Road.

Bike leaning -- Sky Blue Parlee Altum R, with the Gokiso wheels!

My bike and Gunjira's

Today Gunjira rode one of his Equilibrium bikes, made by Vlad. Road disc brakes, single front chainring.

More pix over the North side of Lake Tsukui

On the bridge over Lake Tsukui.  Twist body for photo.

Gunjira's Equilibrium tries to climb over the rail and escape

I headed back via Otarumi and Takao.  Gunjira continued on for Kobu Tunnel and Tomin no mori.

At Otarumi.  Is that, yes, surely it must be ... Mt. Fuji in the distant haze!

It was great to catch up with Gunjira and great to get on the bike and out of town a wee bit!