Riding and then mountaineering

[Takashi]

Last week I climbed Mt. Kosumo, one of Japanese Alps Mountains.

The starting point of trail up Mt. Kosumo is about 12 kilometers (8 miles) away from where I live, so I decided to go by bike (Hunqapillar).

Though it was only 8 miles, I had to climb 750m (2460 ft), and it took 2 hours.

Once I reached the starting point of the trail, I locked my bike and started climbing, enjoying views of half-green and half-orange mountains.

Four and a half hours later I was at the summit of Mt. Kosumo (elev. 2613m/8573ft).

It was a sunny day, and view from the summit was great!

There is a staffed mountain hut below the summit, so I went back the trail and spent a night there.

When I was eating supper with other mountaineers, one of them said "Look, the mountains are glowing in evening light!"

We all went out and gazed at mountains, our mouths open.

Next morning it was misty with hardly any view, and occasionally raining, so I climbed down early and went back home.

As I said it took 2 hours from my house to trail, but ride back home took only 45 minutes. It was quite a descent.

Pictures here:

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmHQZjnd

Takashi

[Karl]

Looks like an amazing ride! What an incredible s24o... if that’s what the kids are still calling them.

Karl
Nashville, TN

[Rob Kristoff]

Takashi,
Thanks for sharing. Wonderful pics.

Rob

[John Bokman]

Thanks so much Takashi! Very inspiring. I have been wanting to visit Japan for years! Hope I can make it happen in the next 5.

[ascpgh]

Awesome. I love seeing all the things people do with their bikes.

Pass Hunting becomes Peak Hunting.

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

[velomann]

Earlier this year Bikeportland shared this story about some friends who rode from Portland to Timberline Lodge, climbed Mount Hood, and returned to Portland: https://bikeportland.org/2019/02/26/from-portland-to-the-summit-of-mt-hood-and-back-by-bike-and-boot-and-ski-296114

It's been done before. I recall many years ago Dr. Cameron Bangs - a local internist and at the time probably the world expert in treating hyperthermia/hypothermia - rode from the Ross Island Bridge in Portland to Mount Hood, climbed, and returned. I seem to recall his time was ungodly fast, like 12 hours, but I could be wrong. I do remember he said he climbed in golf shoes (to save weight) and said he thought he could do it faster but he ran into sloppy snow conditions. I can't find anything about it on the interwebs, and sadly Dr Bangs passed away in 2015.

I've summited Hood many times, but have not (yet) done it without driving. It's such an iconic part of our skyline that I think any local resident in reasonable fitness should climb it at least once in their life; you'll never look at the mountain the same way again.

Mike

[RichS]

Takashi, another fine example of your explorations in the magnificent environment you inhabit. Your Hunq is cool too! Thanks for sharing this.

Best,
Rich in ATL