Sunday 21st March
73km (total elevation 1,318m)
First serious mountain climb challenge, starting from Itsukaichi, riding up the mountains to a peak of about 1,167m. Absolutely stunning scenery. I had planned to get to Okutama for a lunch break and continue around but it was gone 2pm by the time I got to the peak. So, knowing there were more hill climbs on the other side of the lake and my legs were already destroyed, I decided the safest option was to return the way I came. So I had a quick lunch break at “Tomin no mori” (とみんの森) and then returned to Itsukaichi.
I’m determined to complete this ride in the near future.