In July, Team Imezi joined the ALPS cycling event. It was a very tough event!
In August, Team Imezi joined the PEAKS cycling event. It was even tougher!
About Peaks
PEAKS is a mountain event which moves around Japan. It’s considered the hardest road event in Japan. The 16th event was held in Myoko.
The concept is to complete the course in the time limit. There are 3 categories: normal, freak and superfreak! The time limit is shorter for each category.
The freak categories are also longer with one more mountain for more climbing!
Background
I entered the Superfreak category. As a first timer I wore a “first timer” sticker on my helmet. Many staff were surprised to see a “beginner” riding the “expert” category.
I have been training hard for this event since Sunset Street in Kashiwazaki at the end of June. Lots of climbing in the heat!
I trained until 2 days before the event and then took 2 days of full rest.
Course
The course is relatively simple. There is a north section, a south section, an east section and a west section. Each section is out and back. You pass through the start area after each section. In addition to the start area, there are 7 checkpoints on the course and a few “time cut” locations.
The Superfreak category is about 220km and 5,500m of climbing. Starting at 720am, you have to reach the top of the last climb by 530pm.
Weather
It’s forecast rain as a typhoon hits Japan. Fat tyres and disc brakes are great for this course. But my old geometry Lynskey has no space for fat tyres or discs.
I set some new Imezi brake pads. I sand them down a little as I know there’ll be no chance to bed them in…
Start
The Superfreak category is the last to start. The normal category has already been riding for nearly 3 hours.
Of the 400 starters, there are probably 30 to 40 Superfreaks. For Team Imezi: Noguchi, Ito and me.
Riders start in 6 rider groups at 10s intervals.
North Section
The north section is a climb to the iconic Tsubame Onsen.
At the foot of the climb. “I don’t have an image of Andy as a climber!” This motivates me to put my foot down!
I ride the climb quickly. 80 rpm. Legs are good. Just below threshold. Heart rate is also good. Fresh after 2 days off.
After the check at the top, it’s a winding descent. Over excited, I overcook the first hairpin bend. Need to be careful.
On the descent it starts to rain…
South Section
Up and down all the way to Ogawa. The first climb to CP1 Togakushi is long. It’s raining heavy now. I ride the base of a climb with another rider but ride my own pace for the rest.
At the checkpoint I take some food but no drinks. This will be a mistake.
It’s 3 descents and 2 more climbs from here to Ogawa. The road is rough. Like a river in places.
The last descent to Ogawa is dry. It’s long and winding.
At CP2 I take some food and 1 bottle as it’s a long climb back. Mistake number 2!
After a short course miss, it’s back on the climb. The return is a long climb. How many times did we climb this in the JBCF Ogawa Road Race? Seems like a different lifetime…
Another course miss at the bottom of the 2nd climb. I’m still a beginner at GPS navigation. This time only the map appeared, no cues, no profiles, I want to get it right for SDA Otaki.
Noguchi bridges from behind. “10 km and 600m of climbing to the next checkpoint!”
I’m out of water. Stomach cramps. Schoolboy error. I stop at the toilet at the top of the climb. 2 full bottles. Drink them both before the CP3!
I meet up with Noguchi again at CP3 and we ride to the start area together.
East Section
This is a long climb to Madarao highland, descend the other side to Iiyama and return.
The first part of the climb is steep. Noguchi is pushing a big gear. I can’t get the cadence out in the 36×28. He thinks I over paced the beginning of the race. I think it’s because I didn’t do a proper taper. I will definitely taper for Otaki.
After CP4, a fun fast descent. But I know I have to climb this again!
I meet Noguchi again at CP5 but he goes again.
The climb back to Madarao is the hardest. The sun is out and it’s hot (thankfully most of the ride was in the rain!). I’m physically sick a few times. Maybe it’s the gels? It’s a grind to the top.
The descent from CP6 is cold and in the clouds. I have to be careful as the rain has killed my headlight. The GPS unit is also out of battery and dead. Luckily, I have a spare.
Back to the start. The last climb is the biggest. It’s thunder and lightning. Maybe they’ll close the climb…
West section
No such luck. Climbing in the dark of a thunderstorm.
I’m surprised I enjoy this climb! Maybe it’s memories of my first ever race, Myoko Hillclimb 20 years ago!? Maybe it’s because I know I can finish the race if I just climb steadily.
Goal
I reach the goal with 20 minutes to spare. It was a hard day in the saddle!
The lady asked me, “Did you enjoy it?”
“Today, no way. Tomorrow, maybe. A few days later, definitely!”
The Peaks is a well thought out event. You can challenge yourself to the limit. At the Myoko course, there are lots of opportunities to drop out of the race as you pass through the start area. This is both a good and bad thing! I’m glad I pushed on to the finish!
Next up Otaki!
I’m really looking forward to Otaki. Last year close to victory. I have much better condition this year. But luck plays a big part in Otaki. You can’t control luck. But you can reduce risk.
Focus on:
*Specific training
*A proper taper
*Better fueling
*Equipment preparation
Here we go!
