Are you familiar with the term "hill climb"? If you're a cycling enthusiast, it might be a familiar phrase that goes without saying. For those hearing it for the first time, hill climbing refers to cycling up slopes such as hills and mountain passes. While climbing a hill in the city can be considered a type of hill climb, it generally refers to ascending the gradients of mountain roads and passes.

Hill climbing is also positioned as a category in bicycle races, with the "Fuji Hill Climb," Japan's largest and most prominent event, and the "Haruna Mountain Hill Climb," affectionately known as Haruhill, being extremely famous hill climb races that attract numerous participants every year. Observing the faces of cyclists during a hill climb, most contort their faces in what appears to be a struggle to ascend. Seeing this, many might wonder, "Why would they push themselves so hard to climb a hill?"

Therefore, this article will introduce the hidden joys of hill climbing and elaborate on its appeal, specifically in relation to mini velo bikes.

Four appeals of hill climbing

While there are as many appeals to hill climbing as there are cyclists who attempt it, here we will focus on four.

・Sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top

In hill climbing, the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit is indescribable. After conquering a steep and long climb without putting your feet down, you gain a sense of satisfaction and exhilaration that is unparalleled. This rush of emotion is a major reason why hill climbing captivates so many cyclists.

・Breathtaking views not found on flat terrain

The goal of hill climbing is, needless to say, the summit. The scenery you behold after painstakingly reaching the top of a mountain road or pass is truly exceptional. Many cyclists undertake hill climbs specifically for these beautiful views. Moreover, the higher you climb, the more magnificent the panorama, which also serves as motivation to keep pedaling.

・Transcends gender barriers

If you're wondering if men with more muscle strength have an advantage in hill climbing, that's not necessarily the case. Hill climbing is a discipline where being lightweight is advantageous, and in that regard, women are often more suited to it. The fact that it's an activity that can be enjoyed regardless of gender is another appeal of hill climbing.

・Ability to gauge your own level

Participating in cycling competitions or official races can certainly tell you your level based on your ranking and time, but for beginners, the entry fees and the skill gap with other riders can be a bit daunting. Hill climbing allows you to measure your own level by the speed at which you reach the summit. There's no need to worry about the skill difference with other riders, and absolutely no pressure. Plus, you have the flexibility to measure your progress whenever you like.

Hill climbing in Kanto: Here are the spots

For readers who have become interested in hill climbing after reading this far, let's introduce some famous hill climbing spots in the Kanto region.

・Yabitsu Pass

Yabitsu Pass is located in Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and is easily accessible from Tokyo, with the nearest Hadano Station being a direct train ride on the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku. As a result, it is bustling with cyclists on weekends.

With a maximum gradient of 12%, it's a somewhat challenging pass, but the panoramic view of Hadano City below as you climb is magnificent and highly recommended. Many cyclists and even drivers visit the rest house at the summit for its delicious curry.

・Shibu Pass

Kusatsu, a scenic spot representing Gunma Prefecture and famous for skiing, is home to Shibu Pass. Shibu Pass is the name of a mountain pass along National Route 292, and its highest point, at an elevation of 2172m, is the highest point on a national highway in Japan. At the rest house at the summit, you can purchase a commemorative card for reaching the highest point, and many climbers challenge the pass to earn this honor.

Shibu Pass is located at the foot of Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, and as you ride, the faint scent of sulfur that wafts through the air adds a thrilling excitement, reminding you that Mount Kusatsu-Shirane is an active volcano. The view from the summit is spectacular, and the vast landscape spread out below is well worth seeing.

・Fuji Subaru Line

This is the stage for the Fuji Hill Climb mentioned earlier. The characteristic of the Fuji Subaru Line is its long, gentle slope, making it an easy course to climb. In fact, the average completion rate for the Fuji Hill Climb is over 98%, with participants ranging from elementary school children to the elderly. This course is recommended for those new to hill climbing who also want to enjoy the scenery.

Is hill climbing possible with a mini velo?

The image of hill climbing is still strongly associated with road bikes, but rest assured, you can fully enjoy hill climbing with a mini velo. Recent mini velos have dramatically improved in performance, with some models offering a ride comparable to road bikes. However, not just any mini velo will do; it's best to choose one with suitable performance characteristics for hill climbing. Let's look at the essential functional requirements.

・Lightness

In hill climbing, lightness is, without exaggeration, "life." Especially if you're tackling long-distance hill climbs, lightness should be your top priority. For hill climbing, a weight of around 10kg or less is recommended. Choosing a carbon frame and wheels can further reduce the weight.

・Drop handlebars

For climbs with continuous ups and downs, cycling skills are required in addition to physical strength and stamina. Among these, the "dancing" technique, or standing pedaling, is a crucial skill. Drop handlebars make it easier to grip during dancing, allowing you to hold the handlebars with greater force.

・Double chainring (front)

To climb hills more easily, careful consideration of the front gears is also important. If the front gear has both an outer and inner chainring, you can finely adjust the pedal resistance, helping you manage the strain on your legs. Recently, more sporty mini velo models are featuring double chainrings.

・Electric assist is also a good option

Recently, electric-assist mini velos have also emerged. While the vehicle becomes heavier due to the battery, the comfort of pedaling is top-notch. For beginners or women who are not confident in their leg strength, choosing an electric-assist mini velo might be a viable option.

Things to be careful about during hill climbing

Finally, let's discuss the minimum precautions you should take when hill climbing.

・Repair kit

During hill climbs, you'll often venture into mountain passes and trails. If you get a flat tire or a major breakdown in a sparsely populated area, you might find yourself stranded. Always carry at least a basic repair kit, and it's important to learn repair know-how beforehand.

・Carry cash

It is recommended to always carry a small amount of cash during hill climbs. In shops located on mountain roads and passes that are not tourist-oriented, you'll often encounter situations where credit cards or electronic money are not accepted. Carrying cash makes purchases easier and is convenient for securing food and drinks.

I've tried to convey the charms of hill climbing as fully as possible, but the true enjoyment of hill climbing can only be understood by actually experiencing it. I hope this article serves as a catalyst for your interest in hill climbing.