Another probably wet weekend. Saturday looks totally rainy, again, but Sunday we may be able to get in a ride between the raindrops. I’ll send out a note Saturday afternoon if the weather looks even marginally cooperative. It would be an early start (around 9 a.m.) Odaiba ride.

That’s all I have. The rest of this note is an advance notice from Thien Che about an upcoming century (miles) he’s panning on September 26th.

Ciao for now,

Il Padrone, 090-5813-6721

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Time: Meet at 08:00, Saturday, September 26th.  Depart by 08:15 sharp.

Start: In front of Mr. Farmer, Komazawa Olympic Park (https://goo.gl/maps/6PhFcRgjfCcqohJN8) 

Rendezvous spots: Grand Hyatt Roppongi @ 9 AM Sharp

End: Grand Hyatt Roppongi

Distance: 163.4 km (~101.6 miles)

Total Accumulated Elevation: + 1,294 m (4,245 ft) / - 1,299 m (4263 ft) --> +10.5% / -4.9%.

Highest Elevation: 107 m (351 ft)

Thien Che

080-8117-1985 (cell)

Hey there Half-fasters!

Fall is quickly approaching, and with it comes tolerable temperatures and a perfect excuse to ride during the daytime.  I'm planning a century ride for the weekend of 9/26 - we'll leave from Komazawa at roughly 8 AM, passing through Grand Hyatt Roppongi by 9 AM and following the 96.9 mile Tokyo Super Looper 2015 route set by Mike: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/6813791.  Barring severe weather, the intention is to do the ride regardless of rain or shine.

The start from Komazawa will give us an additional 4.7 miles, which will just put us over the 100 mile mark by the end.  The majority of the ride will be along the Tama river and Arakawa cycling paths and otherwise inside Tokyo proper, so we'll always be well within reach of restrooms, convenience stores, and cycling shops in case of bonking, punctures, and general bicycle mishaps.  My suggestion would be to bring a lightweight bike bag (輪行袋) so that you'll have the flexibility to bail on the ride at any time and take the train home.  In addition, don't forget to clean your bike chain, check your brakes, bike position, and other general maintenance prior to the trip to ensure your trusty steed runs smoothly!  In case of light rain or showers, don't forget a breathable, waterproof shell, and non-cotton clothing/socks (spare socks and microfiber towels also help splendidly).  Lastly, if you have the luxury of a bike computer and heart/cadence/power sensors and meters, they could come in very handy with helping you pace yourself across the journey.

I'll do my best to be accommodating to all riders with pacing and frequency/duration of breaks, but I ask that you at least have some experience with 60km+ or 4hr+ rides before attempting this session.  This is a set of long training rides that I'm planning to do this fall season (in addition to a 3-day, double-century, round-trip ride to Nikko; TBA), to practice and build up to longer trips.  Personally, this will also be the longest single ride that I will have ever done and thus it looks to be a learning experience.  The goal is to simply finish as a group, and celebrate with beers and food if we still have the energy at the end.

Please let me know no later than 9/19 if you'd like to go, as I'll release a more specific soft itinerary.  Thanks, and hope to see some of you there!