Recently Brian & I have been exploring the vast array of mountain roads located in the Mikawa region upriver from Niigata City. It is possible to cycle there but it's a long boring ride on a busy road next to the Agano river so it's far easier to put your bicycle in a rinko bag and board the train at Niigata station and depart at Mikawa station were you are right in the middle of the mountains . This time we took 5 of my customers from my bicycle shop as Brian had found a great 30km route up and over a low mountain range with a good 5km of off road. This short ride offered everything from 8 % sealed climbs , fast winding downhills, fantastic views and a great rough section of 4WD tracks through the shade of the forest which was very welcome as it was about 30 deg that day. The hills tested everyone's climbing skills and gave the single speeders a good workout as well. The end of the ride was at a large roadside rest area with all sorts of food available, I enjoyed a nice cold beer and some ramen and even though it was only 30km and finished before lunch time it was a great day out. Check out all the photos in the link below
https://www.flickr.com/photos/27102950@N06/sets/72157647081884582/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/27102950@N06/sets/72157647081884582/