a red carpet ride

The other day at Enosan's shop we were talking, “When will Komura Pass open?”, “Ishikawa Pass open?”, Sakurazaka Pass open?”

The passes around Kashiwazaki close when the first snow falls and open when the last snow melts. There is no snow ploughing these roads. These are single lane winding passes, usually a few kilometres in length and a few hundred metres in height gain. Not important enough to spend money ploughing. Free of traffic in the warmer months. Great training roads.

Once the snow melts, the roads are cleaned of debris and the inevitable land slides mostly by hand. The guard rails are then erected and the roads reopened to traffic.

Today I rode to the foot of Komura Pass. The hillside looking green on the approach. Maybe it's open? A little closer. Still barriered off. But wait, what's that sign say? “Cleaning in progress. Sorry for the inconvenience”.

Inconvenience? Thanks for the invitation! Sunshine. A spotless road. No cars (not that there ever are anyway!). A red carpet! VIPs only!

Next week I'll be hammering up his road. 180HR. Shifting through the gears. Trying to beat my best time.

Today was a recovery spin but I couldn't resist the chance to climb in these conditions. Into the easiest gear. 38 × 27. Spin, spin, spin. 130 / 140 HR. Perfect!

The road is spotless but the guard rails aren't up yet. If you have the chance, check it out!

Monday's training:

Recovery ride: bike to work / Komura Pass spin (45 km, 350 m climbing)