Event Summary

Sapporo & Ishikari River Bicycle Ride Tour (Half-Day)

Organized by T2Link Inc.
Operated by Cycling Frontier

Date & Time

July 8 (Monday), 9 (Tuesday), 10 (Wednesday), 11 (Thursday), 12 (Friday), 2024
*Meet at 1:00 p.m. on each day and disperse at 5:00 p.m.

Program Schedule

*Each detail is subject to change without notice.
*Details will be provided to participants only.

[1:00 p.m.]
Check-in at the start/finish venue

Meeting place: Cycling Frontier (Cycling Tour Company) next to Ainosato Park Station.
Please come to the start/finish venue and check in.
Google Map：Transportation from Keio Plaza Hotel to the ride start venue

*You will be responsible for your own transportation to the venue.
*It takes about 45 minutes by train from Keio Plaza Hotel where GWEX-OSC 2024 will be held.

Pick up your rental bicycle (until ~1:20pm).

Please pick up your pre-ordered rental bicycles as they are ready for you.

[1:20 p.m. -]
Briefing.

Brief briefing on traffic laws and bicycle riding (Japanese and English).

[1:30 p.m. -]
Ride starts

Planned stops: Ishikari River riverbed, Swedish Hills Observation Deck, Royce Cacao & Chocolate Town

[5:00p.m.]
Arrive at start/finish venue and return bicycles

Return bicycles and disperse at the end of the event.

Route/distance traveled

*Each detail is subject to change without notice

Distance traveled: approx. 30 km
Points along the route: Ishikari River riverbed, Sweden Hills Observation Deck, Royce Cacao & Chocolate Town

Introduction of stopover points

*Each detail is subject to change without notice.
*Details will be provided to participants only.

Ishikari River Riverbed

The Ishikari River is 268km long and the third longest river in Japan, flowing from midwestern Hokkaido into the Sea of Japan.
It has supported people's lives as a key cargo and transport link in Hokkaido's pioneering history, and in recent years it has attracted attention as a tourist resource due to its easy access to downtown Sapporo and the airport.

Sweden Hills Observatory (Leksand Memorial Park)

A residential area modeled after Sweden. In 2007, Leksand Observation Park was attached to the property to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its sister city relationship with Leksand, Kingdom of Sweden. It offers a panoramic view of the vast Ishikari Plain, and the "Dalarna Horse," a large monument of a horse that brings happiness, is set up facing its hometown Leksand.

https://kanko-tobetsu.jp/gallery/105/

Royce Cacao & Chocolate Town

Royce Cacao & Chocolate Town, located in Tobetsu-cho, Hokkaido and attached to the Lloyds Town factory, offers a "farm to bar" journey from cacao cultivation to chocolate production through factory tours and a variety of hands-on experiences.

https://www.royce.com/cct/

Entrance fee

Included in the participation fee

*Each detail is subject to change without notice.

• Guided rider assistance

• Bicycle rental with helmet
  Cross bikes are available.
  *E-bikes are also available for those who are not confident in their physical strength, depending on availability.
  Please inquire by e-mail if you wish to rent an E-bike.
  *Please note that we may not be able to provide the type of bike you request depending on the frame size and availability of the bike.
  Please understand beforehand.

• Aid station and break at Royce Cacao & Chocolate Town
  - Light refreshments will be provided exclusively for participants. Please let us know at the time of registration if you need special consideration regarding food.

• Event insurance
  *We recommend that you purchase your own additional insurance, such as overseas travel insurance or domestic travel insurance, if necessary.

The following is not included in the participation fee

• Transportation to the start/finish venue
  From Keio Plaza Hotel where GEWEX-OSC 2024 will be held, about 45 minutes by train
  Google Map：Transportation from Keio Plaza Hotel to the ride start venue

• Drinks, food and beverages other than those listed above, items purchased individually, and items not listed in the section titled "Included in the Participation Fee.".

Entry qualifications

All of the following apply.

• At least 13 years old and over 150 cm in height and in good health.

• People who can provide themselves with appropriate equipment and clothing as specified in the "Participant Preparations (Required)" section below.

• Participants must be able to follow the organizer's instructions and cooperate with other participants in order to ensure a safe and comfortable group cycling experience.

*The route will include long-distance cycling. Support vehicles will ride alongside, but e-bikes are recommended for those who are not sure about their physical fitness.
*If a participant's behavior is deemed to be disruptive to other participants or to interfere with the progress of the tour, we may ask the participant to withdraw from the rest of the tour, even if it is in the middle of the tour. No refunds will be made in such cases. No refunds will be made for such cancellations, and no guarantees will be made for any additional costs incurred as a result of such cancellations. Please understand this in advance.

Event capacity

12 people per session

*First come, first served
*No minimum number of participants. The program will be held from 1 participant

Application Period

Participation application start: from late March

Application Deadlines: The following application deadlines will apply for each date (*Japan Standard Time)
July 8 (Mon): until 23:59, July 6 (Sat)
July 9 (Tue): until 23:59, July 7 (Sun)
July 10 (Wed): until 23:59, July 8 (Mon)
July 11 (Thu): until 23:59, July 9 (Tue)
July 12 (Fri.): until 23:59, July 10 (Wed)

Applications will be accepted through Sports Entry,
A dedicated reception desk will be set up at the Keio Plaza Hotel. Specific inquiries can be made at the dedicated desk at the time of the visit.

Cancellation Policy

No schedule changes or cancellations will be allowed after application. No refunds will be made for overdeposits or duplicate deposits.

Insurance

The organizers have purchased minimum insurance coverage, but individuals are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance and additional bicycle insurance, if necessary.

Participant preparations for the ride event (required and recommended)

1. Sport cycling helmet (provided by the organizer).
   Must be worn while riding.

2. Beverage bottles (plastic bottles are also acceptable)

3. Certificate of insurance such as overseas travel insurance

4. Copy of passport

5. A set of clothing suitable for the weather conditions and intensity of cycling
   The average temperature in Sapporo, Hokkaido in early July is 20.5℃. The average temperature is around 25°C during the day and 17°C at night.
   Arm covers and other clothing to regulate body temperature and protect against sunburn are useful.
   Rainwear suitable for biking and sunscreen are also recommended.

6. Glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes from dust and insects.

7. Cycling gloves to reduce fatigue and increase safety

8. A change of clothes after the ride
   Cycling may be cancelled in the event of sudden weather changes.

9. Cash/credit card
   Please bring cash or credit card for food, drink, and shopping at stops and rest stops, as you will be responsible for some of your own expenses.

10. You can leave your change of clothes, bags, and other large items in the support car that will accompany you.

Precautions

About the application.

• Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Please make sure that you are in good physical condition before applying.
• You must agree to the "Agreement" for registration.

Participation on the day of the event

• Please strictly observe Japanese road traffic laws and regulations.
• We do not accept participants who have been drinking alcohol.
• Please follow the instructions of the staff.
• If you feel unwell during the event, please inform the staff immediately.
• The event may be extended, shortened, rerouted, or cancelled at the last minute or on the day of the event due to weather, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances.
• The cycling course is shared with general vehicles and is not for cyclists only. Please observe all traffic rules and regulations.
• Please be aware that we are not responsible for any damage caused by luggage left in the support vehicles. Please understand this beforehand.
• Please note that there is a possibility that YouTube videos will be filmed at this event. In such cases, the organizer and various media may cover the event, or you may be featured in the media. Please understand this beforehand.

Other

• If a participant's behavior is deemed inappropriate by the tour management, the participant may be asked to withdraw from the rest of the tour even if the tour is in progress. No refunds will be made in such cases. No refunds will be made for such cancellations, and no guarantees will be made for any additional costs incurred as a result of such cancellations. Please understand this in advance.