[Philip]

Here is a great idea now that the snow is melting on Mount Fuji.

A ride out from Tokyo via R246 - R16 (to Hashimoto) - R413 - R412 (just South of Sagamiko) - R517 - R35 (just south of Ootsuki) - R319 - Fuji Subaru Line from Kawaguchi-ko to Mount Fuji 5th station at an elevation of 2,300 meters.

The outbound journey is 137 km (274 km return). But the real story is the total climb involved. This would be at least 3,000 meters for the day and would require a horribly early start. Ohh! but what a day!

See the map (outbound journey) here: http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/japan/setagaya/409730138
Use the left margin to change mile to KM etc. and bottom tab to view the elevation (it maps elevation across KM resulting in a significant underestimation)

No beer bribes - this is a personal challenge. Remember, you could break the journey using the train. Anyone interested?

Once I gauge interest I can set a date for the ride.

Cheers,

Philip

[AlanW]

Philip,
For a while now I've been thinking of doing exactly that ride, and combining it with a climb of Fuji-san itself. Obviously this would have to wait till later in the year (I'm thinking just before the 'official' climbing season). Ride from sea level to the 5th station, lock up the bike, climb the mountain overnight, and ride or take the train home.
So as training for the above I will come on your jaunt for sure. 23rd June is out for me. Other days are OK so far.

AW.

[Thomas]

Sounds challenging, Philip!

I'll be definitely aboard, as long as it's a Saturday. What do you think about organizing the ride as an official TCC tour?

[Philip]

I have run up Mount Fuji from Fuji Yoshida at 784 meters above level to the top (3,600 meters or there abouts). It took me 3 hours 30 mins (there is an annual race).

Maybe after our training ride we could do your ride - bike over night - run to the top for sunrise - back down and cycle back to Tokyo. Now that would be really crazy. Or, could go home via Yamanakako and swim across. OK, now we are really talking . . .

OK, for now we just bike to the 5th station

Philip

[Philip]

Your the boss! Definitely a Saturday! I think the severity of the ride warrants an official title - and those who wish to join via train can do so in many convenient locations - so it does not have to be exclusive!

How is your new smoke free life evolving? Maybe we should make this a smoke free ride (with a special waiver for Travis for obvious reasons )

If enough people participate I have a few ideas for stage prizes to make things a little more interesting

Cheers,

Philip

[cinelli]

what's about next saturday - I'am in - if official or not......
(I hope I'am gonna be back already)

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by Philip

Definitely a Saturday! I think the severity of the ride warrants an official title - and those who wish to join via train can do so in many convenient locations - so it does not have to be exclusive!

Tour de Torture...? Tour de Fuji?

It's going to be your tour, Philip, so I believe we should entrust you with organising as well naming the event.

Originally Posted by Philip

How is your new smoke free life evolving? Maybe we should make this a smoke free ride (with a special waiver for Travis for obvious reasons.

Definitely smoke-free on my part. I've had a short relapse during our Tohoku trip, but will abstain from tobacco from now on. I don't even miss it.

[Philip]

Congratulations on giving up smoking. Giving up smoking has been a very important decision in my life. (Without wishing to moralize) it has opened up so many opportunities to me. Gambatte!

Regarding the Fuji ride I will take the initiative on organizing. I will give people a few days too register interest and in the mean time come up with a good name.

Cheers,

Philip

[Ash]

[QUOTE=Thomas;2933]Tour de Torture...? Tour de Fuji?

How about Tour de Red Fuji? Considering when you guys will be having to get out of bed?

Tour de 36 Views of The Heart Rate Monitor? (apologies to the artist)

Hmm... anyway, sounds incredibly challenging, good luck!

Ash

[YellowGiant]

However, can we make it in about 2-3 weeks time?
The short-notice for these kinds of rides isn't congenial for a large-ish group.
If we can set a definite date, where everyone has time to re-arrange schedules, and set the whole day aside, then a lot more people can come along.

For me, tentatively, Sat, 2nd 9th, or 16th of June is good.

Hoping some more people can get in on this one too, and we can make it an "Official Tour".
Looking forward to it!
Travis