That was quite a day and what a great route. Was overcast all day with a bit of drizzle from Atsugi to the gas stand in Sagamiko, then similar around the south of Fuji but fine and dry at altitude except…
Compared to last year’s September run, it’s colder up there through the clouds due to a combo of it starting about an hour and a half earlier and it being earlier in the year. The first two runs above 2000m saw 7°c and 8°c. First one had rain, next one being another 300m higher rose above the wet stuff and thankfully the rain had stopped by the time I started the climb anyway. As with last year though, everything dried fast up there above the clouds.
General warning, the second last touge is a bit of a goat track but be patient, it doesn’t last long.
For those on the 500+, the 3rd ascent has some dastardly dips and jumps for water grates and flood ways. BEWARE. Actually, be on your toes or at least stand up on your pegs when approaching them to save your spine. Oh, and get aspirations of Dukes of Hazard launches off blind crests out of your head as at least two of them will have you folding up like a compressed accordion if you get it wrong. Best go slow, roll through and adjust expectations to ramifications, then if still keen do a U-turn and get your Luke & Bo Duke on!
Righto then, here are some highlights.
No arcing rainbow like last year……but a pado-car came by with a full light show instead. Can see their red flashiness on the opposite bank of the dam.At the west end of the Doshi-michi, (413) instead of turning left, go straight ahead and it’ll lead you to this gem. In case you didn’t know about it already…Ok, serious business. This was just over 2000m on the first ascent. They were all about staring me down and didn’t do the usual skittish spastic dash of death. I got the distinct feeling they knew of MighTy10 and I’s deer encounter last August ….First ascent. This was the far end of the lower carpark. Cold and wet but epic view.Second ascent and the blanket of clouds rolling up out of Sagami and Saruga bays to the Minami Alps was a captivating and endless sea of white to the misty mountains.If it’s like this, do yourself a favour and stop for a bit.The second and highest ascent at 2400m is a bit of an apocalyptic caged wasteland. Thankfully it’s a great ride up n down and the view’s epicOh Motosuko! Allow 45-60 minutes for the Saiko-MinamiAlps-Motosuko loop.For those on the long course, the third ascent takes a while. Again 45-60. The views are brief and the road will keep you on your toes but it’s deserted. Also, this is where I saw and heard the most birdlife.This Kiji was struttin about with his missus in tow. Also saw a couple of forrest hawks. One flew out of thick forest and met my speed for several wing strokes just metres from me before banking off and diving down over the embankment into the forest below. The uguisu were also in full aural form. If you stop at the viewpoint two pics above, you’ll surely hear them.The Subaru Line top carpark is around 2300m and packed with OOing and AHing tourists at the rotary. But we know that’s not the highlight, the rubber rounding road is. 😉The final ascent will have you at this gate for the turnaround and descent. Warning, there’s a shrine about 2/3 the way up so stay left and beware of clueless or road-hogging acolytes. Moosehill is very close to the route … just saying…Who can resist a fondant-chocola a la mode and espresso?! Obviously not me. 😋No idea what these two were fishing for but this route has a lot to see and wonder at so take the time to enjoy it, like these two…Between rounding rubber twisties and touges of course!MighTy10 and I enjoyed this one and hope you do too. I was fairly knackered when I took this pick at Dangozaka SA but the sense of accomplishment, ample opportunity to reimprint and refine riding technique and the extremes of riding were all really rewarding.
This is a great route and the added complexity and technical challenges of the extreme altitude and climate changes is worth the challenge and learning experience.
I found that getting the first two ascents done with minimal breaks and downtime provided a lot of free time for the rest. Besides, with the early start, we have three or so hours of near empty roads to enjoy before the world wakes and zombies about in their cages.
I strongly recommend bringing a variety of gear for cold, hot and wet weather. Screen cleaner for the bugs. Effective hydration like OS-1 or similar is key. And take breaks. They are relatively short courses, in Twistybutt terms, and the day is long, so enjoy it.
Good luck with your prep and see you at sunrise. 👋
Great answered both my questions well, traffic & temperature. I would like to add the decent from the last tunnel on the 413 and the assent through the pension area on 730 are VERY https://maps.app.goo.gl/6jSReV3du5LJoSbw7 hot deer grazing areas in the early morning even till 9am. the straightaway area were Fuji looms on the right side but in the morning they cross from the left ascending to higher altitude after their breky? same applies in the afternoon there now on you right side on that straightway, where you are tempted to open it up.
Good input Neil, thanks. Very little traffic yesterday compared to last year. The stretch from the bottom of the last ascent/descent in Fujiyoshida to the 24 off the Doshi was the worst but nowhere near as bad as last year.
Touge Express 
Great answered both my questions well, traffic & temperature. I would like to add the decent from the last tunnel on the 413 and the assent through the pension area on 730 are VERY https://maps.app.goo.gl/6jSReV3du5LJoSbw7 hot deer grazing areas in the early morning even till 9am. the straightaway area were Fuji looms on the right side but in the morning they cross from the left ascending to higher altitude after their breky? same applies in the afternoon there now on you right side on that straightway, where you are tempted to open it up.
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Good input Neil, thanks. Very little traffic yesterday compared to last year. The stretch from the bottom of the last ascent/descent in Fujiyoshida to the 24 off the Doshi was the worst but nowhere near as bad as last year.
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