take a hike

Hi,

I hope you don't mind me posting a question here. I'm a weekend cyclist living in Joetsu. I enjoy touring and am looking for a GPS system, English if possible.

You don't have any suggestions do you?

Brendon

Hi Brendon,

Thanks for posting! I hope you're enjoying yourself down in Joetsu.

Sorry, I don't use GPS. What I do know is that "Garmin" is the leader in GPS and cycling computers these days. If you check their website, you should be able to decide what you are looking for - they have a wide range of models.

If you want to buy one, I would recommend "Chain Reaction Cycles" or "Wiggle" in the UK. You will get a much better price than in Japan due the strength of the yen against the pound.

Also, bear in mind that you may need to buy additional software to make the maps work in Japan.

The shop here in kashiwazaki has a used Garmin 705 up for grabs, but it's perhaps more expensive than what you are looking for.

I posted your comment on the Tokyo Cycling Club website:

http://www.tokyocycle.com/bbs/showthread.php?p=28646#post28646

The guys over there are well up on GPS so hopefully they will leave some comments to steer you in the right direction.

In the meantime, I would recommend getting hold of the large scale "Mapple" map book for Niigata-ken. You can get it in any convenience store. The scale is good so even minor roads show up.

If you want any advice about good places to ride around Joetsu just let me know.

We also have a club run a few times a year heading up to Lake Nojiriko just over the Nagano border and back down to Takada, Joetsu for a BBQ / booze up. It's all very relaxed and the BBQ is the main draw. If you're interested let me know.

Happy cycling!

Andy

Andy

Thanks for the reply. I'll look into garmin but I might end up getting an i-phone. I'm planning to ride to Manza/Tsumagoi on the 29th and am a little worried about getting lost.

I'd love some route suggestions. On the routes I ride I seldom see serious cyclists so that suggests they're not so good. Personally I like the hills more than the flat. I, naturally detest cars and bear warning signs freak me out more than they should in quiet areas.

At present I ride the following routes.

1. Naoetsu to Nojiriko: Enjoy going up hate coming down. traffic and stones are a little much.

2. Naoetsu to Itoigawa: I use the cycling path due to the speed of the cars. I prefer more hills.

3. Naoetsu to Cupid Valley: I like this type of ride but it is a little short.

4. I keep trying to go up the coast but the trucks eventually make me turn back. I have to find a quieter route.

I keep meaning to try Hikari-ga-hara and might do it on the 23rd.

Sure, let me know whenever your in the area. I'm a big fan of BBQs and beer. As I wrote I can really only ride on weekends. I used to ride a lot before Japan but only really started again a couple of years ago. You seem really hardcore and your blog is pretty inspirational actually. I'm generally quite fit (for my age) but no where near bike fit enough to cycle with you for any length of time. I'd be more than happy to meet up, have a beer and introduce myself.

Brendon

Tsumagoi on the 29th and am a little worried about getting lost.

Tsumagoi? I think that would be R292 - the highest national road in Japan, but I'd have to check the map. I'm racing up the other side from Kusatsu on Sunday. Be warned, it's very cold at the top, so be prepared for the descent.

At present I ride the following routes.

1. Naoetsu to Nojiriko: Enjoy going up hate coming down. traffic and stones are a little much.

As you head up that busy road to Nojiriko, there are some great roads going up to the right. The one singnposted "Seki" takes you up past seki Onsen and to Tsubame onsen at the top where you are rewarded with a free outdoor rotenburo onsen.

The climb up Suginohara is also great but will still be in snow now. The road is actually a pass which goes all the way to Otari (inland from Itoigawa).

2. Naoetsu to Itoigawa: I use the cycling path due to the speed of the cars. I prefer more hills.

Maybe you would be interested in the Gran Fondo Itoigawa? If not the event, the course itself is really good:

http://www.nunagawa.ne.jp/gf/

3. Naoetsu to Cupid Valley: I like this type of ride but it is a little short.

From Cupid Valley, the road to Matsunoyama is really good but again it may still be out due to snow. Around Cupid valley there are lots of minor roads that you could use to make up some interesting loops.

4. I keep trying to go up the coast but the trucks eventually make me turn back. I have to find a quieter route.

There is actually another road. The old route 8, closer to the sea. Just try to keep to the coastline. You can pick it up in Naoetsu. As you get near to Kashiwazaki, there are lots of headlands, with nice roads. Ocasionally the road no longer exists, so you have to use R8 but only briefly.

After Kashiwazaki, the coast road all the way up to Niigata is great cycling.

I keep meaning to try Hikari-ga-hara and might do it on the 23rd.

This is a great road from sea level to 1000m. The road is great from both the Joetsu and Nagano sides so you should try to make a loop taking in Madarao. Again, I wouldn't think you can get all the way up and over yet though due to snow.

Just some ideas off the top of my head! Hope they help!

Andy

Thanks for he tips, Tsubame sounds especially good.

I'm back thinking about a Garmin but I think I'll take a little more time. My bike shop suggested a GPS caled Yupiteru if all I want is navigation.

Lots to think about and can't wait to get out at the weekend. Best of luck in you race.

Thanks again.

Brendon