Gentlemen, how are you doing in the autumn plum blossom season?

The rainy season has started, but it hasn't rained much, and the days have been hot and sunny.

Although there were areas where evacuation warnings were issued due to downpours the other day, the total rainfall for this season is probably quite low. I'm a bit worried because in recent rainy seasons, when we think it's not going to rain at all, it often suddenly starts pouring down in batches.

On 8 June, I rode 120 km through the city centre of Niigata in the Niigata City Ride event, and this time I will report on my participation in the Long Ride Uonuma held on 15 June.

The Long Ride Uonuma is an event in which cyclists ride through the green Uonuma wilderness, feeling a rush of negative ions.

Unlike Niigata City Ride, there are fewer traffic lights and fewer cars. Uonuma is by far the best in terms of ease of riding.

But the problem is the hills. The Niigata City Ride is almost flat and only gains about 400m in elevation (sum of climbs), while the Long Ride Uonuma is about 1,750m.

If you think about climbing a mountain of 1, 750 metres, you can imagine how hard it is, can't you?

The meeting point is Yupio in Oyu Onsen. Arrive at 6:15 as we have already registered the day before. The people who register on the day have to be there at 5:00am, so it's not easy.

On the way here, I was going to have breakfast at Sukiya, but it was closed with a sign saying that the opening hours had changed to 9:00-22:00! I don't know if it was due to a shortage of staff like in Tokyo, but it was a shame.

Opening ceremony at 6:30. Greetings and reminders from organising committee members and police. 'Drive cool and set an example.'

Yes, these cycle events are not timed, due to the large number of people riding on public roads. Each rider aims to complete the race at his or her own pace.

After the opening ceremony, the race started with 20 participants separated from those with the youngest number No!

The first part of the ride is through the city towards the Dokko Plateau. In the Niigata City Ride, the first half of the ride was fast and the second half was slow, so the pace was moderate.

Even though it was so early in the morning, I was surprised to see many people, from children to elderly people, waving flags and cheering along the roadside. It's a great event where you can feel the community coming together to make the event a success.

Once you enter the Dokko Plateau, you will have to climb up a slope like this. It's best to use the lightest gear you can find and climb slowly, using as little effort as possible. You'll be exhausted later.

The slopes are tough, but once up, a magnificent wilderness landscape awaits. You can smell the scent of very thick greenery!

Beyond here is the first aid station. This scenery, which seems to suck you in, is impressive.

At aid stations, water, bananas and chocolate were offered. Bananas are the strongest food. It quickly replaces energy and makes running easier.

After descending the mountain and driving for a while, the next mountain awaits. It's only 5km to the summit, but it's quite a challenge as you're climbing uphill all the way.

After the climb, there was a second aid. Here, inari sandwiches and pickles were served, followed by candy, caramels, water and sports drinks.

This aid station is at the top of Suhara ski resort. It must have been tough, because they were riding up by bicycle where they would have had to take a lift if they were skiing.

After climbing up and down the mountain for a while, they enter Irihirose.

Many of them are here on motorbikes. The next part of the course runs to the Asakusa Bridge, which is the most scenic part of the course, so it is recommended to take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Tadami Line tracks, river and greenery. It would be even better if the train just arrived.

The snowshed makes a big curve and the river and greenery can be seen. Many of the Long Ride Uonuma routes have a view of the river. It's hard when you're only looking at the hills in front of you, so sometimes it's easier to look to the side and see the river flowing by.

The river seen from the bridge in front of the aid station is also spectacular. Enjoy the nature of Uonuma!

At this aid, onigiri (rice balls), pickles, soup with water and sports drink were provided. So far, the running time was 4 hours. The distance is 72 km. There are no more difficult sections and we just have to return to the starting point, Oyu Hot Springs.

On the way, stop at the last aid station for banana time. Last spurt after the final aid station!

The announced distance was 110km, so I paced myself for that distance, but by the time I finished, it was 116km.

At the very end, 5 or 6 km before the finish line, I ran out of energy and it was tough! I had some Widerin Jelly in my pocket, which I could have drunk.

Next up is the Challenge Cycling in Nagaoka City on 6 July. The distance is still the same, 110km and the altitude gained is said to be over 2,000m... I'm going to have to retire.

See you then.

Events

Long Ride Uonuma

• Date: 15 June 2014 (Sunday)
• Start/goal: Niigata Prefecture, Uonuma City, Oyu Onsen Exchange Centre Yupio (Location: 182-1 Oyu Onsen, Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture)
• Course A: 110 km <advanced level>.
• Course B: 90 km <for beginners>.
• Website: http: //ooyu-yupio.com/ronnguraido.html