The third, even more amazing

Cycle Challenge in Norikura for TELL
Sat. 22nd & Sun. 23rd July, 2017
(optionally also 24th July)

Deadline 30th June or as soon as
all places are filled

This event centers around a 20 km hill climb to the highest road in Japan passable on a road bike - Norikura on the border of Nagano and Gifu prefectures.

More importantly, it's a charity event. We raise money for TELL. TELL is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing world-class, effective support and counseling services to Japan's international community and helping to address the country's growing mental health care needs.

We will organize a fun weekend trip, traveling by train and bus to get to the wonderful and friendly Northstar lodge.

This is a great opportunity to make a personal challenge (get fitter, climb faster) and simultaneously help the very important work of TELL. We will organize some half-fast mountain practice rides in the weeks leading up to the event, so there will be plenty of opportunities to get out and practice. Climbing mountains is not easy - it's supposed to be a challenge! But you might be surprised what you can do.

It is NOT a race.

For Monday 24th July we can stay on at Northstar for another night and day if we want to. Activity options include more cycling (yay!), hiking, mountain bike guided tours (great fun!), relaxing in the onsen, etc.

Routes and Groups

There will be two cycling groups:

I: The 'intermediate' group travel by train then ride about 85 km from Shiojiri Station through the mountains to Northstar on Saturday [map], and then up and over Norikura and maybe some other hills on Sunday. [map]

C: The 'challenge' group travel by train and bus to Northstar, have a short practice ride on Saturday, and then ride 20 km up and 20 km down Norikura on Sunday. [map]

These groups are not the same level as Half-Fast Cycling Advanced/Intermediate/Beginner rides. It all involves mountains, and is all very different (in a good way) from cycling around the Tokyo waterfront!

How much?

The cost for the event is 16,000 yen. This includes:

Bus travel between Northstar and Matsumoto station (where needed)
Overnight stay at Northstar, with yummy meals
Accident insurance
Donation to TELL

Payment methods are here.

Travel

You are responsible for getting yourself from home to the starting station (Chino, Shiojiri or Matsumoto). Tickets can be found at discount shops for approx. 9,000 yen return, and go on sale one month before the travel date. The cost difference is very small between Chino, Shiojiri and Matsumoto, so even those in Advanced and Intermediate groups might want to get tickets all the way to Matsumoto just in case the weather is terrible and you don't want to ride.

Please get your ticket early. They sell out quickly. It's a holiday weekend!

Saturday 22nd July
JR Super Azusa 1
0700 departure from Shinjuku station

Sunday 23rd July
JR Super Azusa 32
1835 departure from Matsumoto station

You must have a bike bag (rinko-bukuro) to carry your bike on the train. If you haven't used one before, please practice so that you're not delayed at the last minute.

The NorthStar bus come to Matsumoto station on Saturday morning to collect Challenge Group riders.

If you have a car, you can drive to NorthStar if you wish. The roads can get crowded. Free parking!

Accommodation

Northstar lodge is situated halfway up the mountain, and is the perfect spot for us to stay. The bilingual staff are friendly and helpful.

Northstar can also arrange for a massage service for weary cyclists. There's an extra charge, and you'll need to make an appointment a few days in advance. Ask for details.

The food is wonderful and the beds comfortable. But it's not a ryokan. Bring your own toothbrush and nightwear, please!

How to participate

Please write to Mike Sims-Williams if you want to go. He'll write back to ask you for your personal details and your payment of 16,000 yen.

Participation is confirmed only by receipt of your participation fee. Please pay in full straight away. Payment methods are here.

The maximum total number of participants and supporters at Northstar is 45.

If you have questions please ask Mike.

Media

This is the first year we're supporting TELL. Here are some photos and video from identical events in previous years supporting a different NPO.

Photos from 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009

YouTube movies from 2011 | 2010 | 2009

Article from Jitensha-jin magazine (in Japanese)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Should I have my bike checked before I go?

A. We strongly recommend that you have your bike checked and any necessary maintenance carried out by a competent mechanic before you depart for Norikura. Because of the long downhill sections, please pay special attention to your brakes.

Q. Can I bring my family members?

A. Yes of course. They'll eachhave to pay the same. (Very small children are somewhat cheaper.)

Q. What if I have to cancel once I've paid?

A. If you cancel your participation after payment, we will deduct the charity donation (50%) plus an administration fee from any monies to be refunded.

Depending on the timing we may need to keep a percentage of the total payment to cover cancelation costs of the accommodation at NorthStar:

30 days before - 20% of the remaining bill
7 days before - 50% of the remaining bill
72 hours before - 80% of the remaining bill
24 hours before - 100% of the remaining bill

Q. What do I do with my spare clothes, etc.?

A. Intermediate Group riders on Day 1 should either carry their spare clothes etc. with them or send them in advance to NorthStar by takkyubin. Challenge riders can also use takkyubin, or carry their luggage with them on the bus to NorthStar.

We will all be getting the bus back to Matsumoto Station on Day 2, so we can take luggage with us.

You might need train tickets, sunscreen, lights (for advanced/intermediate - there will be tunnels), beer money, gaijin card or passport (or a copy), health insurance card (or a copy), spare inner tube & pump, any prescription medications, toothbrush, towel, camera, phone & charger, helmet, sense of humor.

Q. What's the insurance for?

A. We will take out a group activity policy for the event, just in case something bad happens. If you already have personal accident insurance that's great, but we need to take out this policy for all participants so unfortunately we cannot reduce your entry fee. The cover levels are:

Death/Long-term illness 8,500,000 yen
Hospital benefits insurance 6,000 yen/day
Surgery - Between 10 times and 40 times the per diem health insurance payment, depending on the type of surgery
Outpatient 4,000 yen/day
Indemnity liability 10,000,000 yen
Personal Effects Protection 100,000 yen
Rescuer fee 300,000 yen