Brevet CALENDAR
2015 Aug 1st & 2nd Tsuruoka - Aizuwakamatsu 250km Bikepacking brevet - Level 3 ( 2 days )
2016 June 18th & 19th Shibata - Aizuwakamatsu 220km Bikepacking brevet - Level 2 ( 2 days )
2016 June 18th & 19th Shibata - Aizuwakamatsu 220km Bikepacking brevet - Level 2 ( 2 days )
Castle to castle 220km - shibata to Aizuwakamatsu
IMPORTANT NEWS - Course change please read the blog or Facebook for the new course info !
2016 Castle to Castle "城から城" 地図
Map, here: http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=487819
Interactive map of the course http://www.scribblemaps.com/maps/view/Castle_to_Castle_2016/gFK1OQvF_F
2016 Castle to Castle "城から城" 地図
Map, here: http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=487819
Interactive map of the course http://www.scribblemaps.com/maps/view/Castle_to_Castle_2016/gFK1OQvF_F
The start at Shibata Castle
Our campsite for Saturday night
Mountain side rest area and fresh water spring
Lunch break on day 2 at Ochijiku historic village
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No Entry Fee, No Prizes & No Support 会費無料、賞品ない、自己サポート The dates for the Castle to Castle Brevet are June 18th & 19th Saturday & Sunday ITINERARY 旅行日程 Friday night : Riders dinner at Albannach Celtic Bar in Niigata City from 7pm ,this is a great chance to meet all the riders taking part and one of our sponsors. Also located 1 min walk from Albannach is Furumachi Bicycle if you require any last minute supplies , the shop is open until 8pm - Castle to Castle riders most welcome ! For location please see the link below http://albannachbar.weebly.com/contact.html Note the route has limited supplies so please stock up on Friday or bring it with you. Saturday : Day 1 Start time 7am at the Omote - Mon gate at Shibata castle 130km , highest point is over 1000 mtrs Riders can either wake up early and take the train to Shibata station ( if staying overnight in Niigata city ) or if staying in Shibata cycle to the start which is located at the remains of Shibata castle , our meeting point is the well known Omote - Mon Gate , it is from here where we will take a group photo before departing. Note : If cycling from Niigata City to the start line please allow 1.5 hours https://www.flickr.com/photos/27102950@N06/23831572096 /in/album-72157650466115209/ The route which we have picked leads out over the railway line towards to mountains and links up with the Shibata cycle road. Near the top of route 14 you will turn right at the village of Kamiakatani and continue down hill towards Mikawa . After crossing the Araya river just after the bridge you take a left turn and pass the Shintani post office , then take the 2nd right and continue riding uphill ( see attached link to a photo of the corner ) https://www.flickr.com/photos/27102950@ N06/24251506341/in/dateposted-public/ This small mountain pass takes you into the tiny village of Yukuji . Once you enter the village just continue cycling straight ahead then the sealed road soon disappears and the 1st off road section starts . From the summit it is all downhill and you will bypass an onsen which is a good place to stop for an early lunch or 2nd breakfast. You will then ride over the Agano river on route 49 where you will find a 7/11 ( stock up as next you have a 3 hour climb to the top of the Niigata / Fukushima border ) , an off road section leads you down to the Tadami river and from there you go straight along route 252 to Lake Numazawa camp ground , Kaneyamachi , Fukushima Ken . It is a fantastic campsite beside a lake for more info please ring the following number -- 0 241- 55-3140 The standard tent fee for one night per person is 1300 yen |
Sunday Day 2:
Start time - your choice but a early start before 7pm is advised
90km
From the campsite take route 237 which will link up will
route 400 where you turn left heading towards Azuwakamatsu ,
stay on this route until you come to the left turn onto route 346 - go left and then turn left onto route 131 this route offers
some short but steep climbs passing through small villages and the highlight is being able to ride up the main street of Ochijiku
which is dirt and surrounded by historic thatched roof houses , this is part of the old Nikko highway .
I recommend stopping in the village for lunch at one of the many shops before your final leg into Auzuwakumatsu
and the finish line at Tsuruga castle . The decent from the top of Mt Rokkokuyama is very steep with sharp switchbacks
( extreme care must be taken and make sure your brakes are in good condition )
At the bottom of the mountain head into the center of Aizuwakumatsu city, you can take the Aizuwakumatsu Atsushi onsen cycling road which follows the river and from there head to the finish line at Tsuruga Castle .
If returning to Niigata City by train , the last train leaves at 6.35pm bound for Niigata city
For riders who want to meet up at Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu for a photo and a celebration drink , the following link shows a map of the castle and the meeting point. The meeting point has toilets, coffee, beer and food plus parking for bicycles https://www.flickr.com/photos/27102950@N06/16564682812/in/album-72157650466115209/
上のリンクをクリックすると鶴が城境内と集合点が見えます。後者の近くに駐輪場、トイレ、喫茶店などがあり。
* Use the contact form if you have questions or concerns.
もし不明なことあったらコンタクトしてください。CONTACT ページを使いください。
The following list is a rough guide to the type of gear required for the Castle to Castle.
ギアーなんですが、ふさわしい自転車(ロード自転車以外)をはじめ、そしてヘルメット、小道具、キャンプ具、雨具、給水容器、救急箱など。
Bicycle type: This brevet involves a large section of off road , so the ideal type of bicycle is either a MTB or a Cyclo cross type bicycle. Pictured below is a typical bike packing set up , yes I am a crazy single speed bikepacker but you are welcome to use a geared bike!
Safety : Although Japan does not have a bicycle helmet law, there are some very long and windy downhills which would be unsafe to ride without a helmet - so please wear one. All riders will be totally responsible for their own safety, and should your bicycle need repairs you need to carry the tools and have the skills to be able to fix your own bicycle.
Camping: Because this event is not a race, we want riders to enjoy the scenery and part of that experience is staying overnight at the campsite.
Tent - A lightweight one person tent will be fine, but make sure its waterproof and you know how to use it!
Air mattress - You will be tired after the first day so a good night's sleep is in order.
Sleeping bag - It will not be cold at that time of the year , so a light weight bag will be fine.
Cook set - Bring whatever you like , but light weight and simple is best
Food - Can be purchased along the route on Day 1 and other places along the route on day 2.
Water - You will need to carry a lot of water, either bottles or hydration bladder - 2ltrs.
Map - This is not provided so please research the route and bring your own maps.
Footnote : As mentioned above this brevet is not a race and there are no prizes for the fastest rider to reach Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu , its an amazing route that offers a wide variety of spectacular scenery , take your time and enjoy it and send us some photos of your experience as we would love to see them !
Castle to Castle はレースではありません。賞品はありません。
Q: What if I get hurt?
もし怪我なら?Castle to Castle は全て自己サポート、自己責任です。十分注意して下さい。
A: It cannot be stressed enough that you are ON YOUR OWN out there and must take personal responsibility for yourself!! There are some seriously remote sections of trail at high altitude where cellphone service is nonexistent and any medical assistance may be far, far away. The organizers of the Castle to Castle Brevet will not be held responsible if something should happen to you whilst riding the route 。