Inachiku Long Ride
Event Introduction
The setting is the Chikusa River, which is famous for its clear water and has been selected as one of the best 100 rivers in Japan. The mountainous area of “Inaba Kaido” connecting Himeji in Harima Province (Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture) and Tottori in Inaba Province (Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture), which was maintained in the Edo Period.
The event’s website comments, with the cooperation of four municipalities, Sayo Town, Mimasaka City, Nishiawakura Village, and Shiso City, we aim to create an event where people can enjoy the natural scenery of the Inaba Highway and Chikusa River, the activities, history, and culture of the people who have been handed down in the region, and local products created by the local nature, while feeling the warm heart of people living in the region.
2024.11.10
I participated in the Inachiku Long Ride, a ride event that starts from Sayo Town, crosses the Chikusa Plateau, passes through Nishiawakura in Okayama Prefecture, and returns along the Inaba Highway, a 92-km ride with an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 meters, as a support rider for the sponsor company.。
The amount of aids is as usual, and the hospitality is as impressive as ever.
The locals are cheering us on along the way, making this a truly heartwarming ride event.
Opening Ceremony
The MC was Akemi Takeuchi, an energetic MC.
According to the weekly weather forecast, rain was expected, but it cleared up thanks to MC Ake!
Preparation exercise is stretching under the guidance of cycling instructor Yukari Hirano.
We will do it well to prevent injury.
Started sequentially in order of number, with spacing between each.
Start and head north along the riverside road to the first aid station at Michi-no-Eki Chikusa.
The apple pie is delicious!
From here, we will slowly climb up to the Chikusa Plateau.
A water station and a warp vehicle were waiting for us in front of the steep hill.
Warp vehicles are cool!
I was climbing up without using the warp car, but on the way up, I thought ‘I wish I had warped…’ ……
I arrived somehow at the Chikusa Plateau.
I were well nourished with Tonjiru (miso soup with pork and vegetables) and Sansai Okowa (rice cooked with wild vegetables)! From here, the last 1 km uphill is the descent zone toward Nishiawakura
The descent is steep and has many sharp corners, so speed is slowed down and descend safely.
After arriving at Nishiawakura, the entire route was downhill.
It was a light headwind, but I felt good on the way down and arrived at base101.
The hot lemonade felt good on my cold body!
It was delicious.
The next aid station is Hirafuku Station.
I arrived at Heifuku Station feeling comfortable and easy to run.
I was happy to see the cheering along the roadside!
At Hirafuku station, venison croquettes and Tororo soba were served.I will still eat. lol
Now it is about 20 km to the goal!
Riding with other participants, I arrived at the goal safely!
After the goal, it were also provided in abundance as Hormone yaki udon (grilled offal nudle), Ohagi (rice cakes), and coffee here.
I took in more calories than I burned. lol
After the finish goal, the participants interacted with customers at the booths.
We exhibited basket bags for pets, handlebar covers, and wheeled bags, making it a day for participants to know and touch Okubo Seisakusho’s products.
