Tohoku Coast to Coast Challenge

Sept 19-23rd, 2011


Cost
We’re delighted to report that we have negotiated accommodation and other costs for the trip better than we anticipated, and we are passing that saving on! The cost of the ride is now just 69,000 yen per person, which includes 4 night’s accommodation, breakfast and supper each day, Assos cycling jersey, Japan Coast to Coast sunglasses, support vehicle etc. (each participant will receive over 30,000 yen worth of goods PLUS the use of a new OGK helment for the ride)

Fundraising Challenge
Ask your friends and family to support your challenge with a donation to help the people of Tohoku and Africa. We ask that each participant sets themselves a goal of 200,000 yen (approx. $2500) which will be split between famine relief in the Horn of Africa and economic recovery projects in Tohoku.

NOTE: This is not an enforced goal; however, in our experience even the most timid of fundraisers not only reach their goal but surpass it. We offer some time-proven advice on how to go about this here.

Route and Schedule
This is a supported group ride from Niigata City on the Japan Sea coast to Matsushima City on the Pacific coast. About 280km over four days, and with three mountain passes along the way, it will be a challenging but spectacularly beautiful ride. The Google map to the right is to give a rough idea of the route. You can view the actual planned route online via RunKeeper (there may be minor route changes depending on road and traffic conditions).

Day One (Monday Sept 19th)

  • Arrive Niigata accommodation at 17:00 for registration
  • 18:00 – 19:00 Evening meal
  • 19:30 – 21:00 Orientation

Day Two (Tuesday Sept 20th)

  • Niigata to Oguni (approx. 90km; more or less flat for first 50km and then a climb of 350m over the last 40km)

Day Three (Wednesday Sept 21st)

  • Oguni to Sugo (approx 110 kms; a descent to an elevation of 200m and then a climb to 500m, and then a drop to 300m followed by a climb to the highest pass at 700m…the last 40km are almost all downhill to about 100m)

Day Four (Thursday Sept 22nd)

  • Sugo to Matsushima (approx 60 kms; mild climbs and then following the coast)

Day Five (Friday Sept 23rd)

  • Matsushima to Miyatojima (approx 18 kms)
  • Ceremonial dipping of the front wheel in the Pacific
  • Celebration breakfast on a beautiful beach

JR trains are running normally between Matsushima and Sendai, where you can catch the Tohoku Shinkansen south to Tokyo or north to Morioka.

NOTE: participants in this event are invited to continue their ride east to Ojika Hanto, where we will be hosting the 1st Annual Tohoku Cycling Festival from Friday, Sept 23rd to Sunday, Sept 25th. Tohoku Coast to Coast Challenge participants who also register for the festival can enjoy a discount rate.