30km of gravel crunching, 130km of humming tarmac, 4000m of pure climbing bliss and dozens of ice cold craft beers waiting at the finish is what makes Gran Fondo Myoko one of the best and toughest gran fondos in Japan.

On 20 September riders took-off on road, gravel and mountain bikes in the cool mist of Myoko-Togakushi National Park at an elevation of 1750m to start their gran fondo cycling adventure.

The course flowed through the scenic Myoko area, over Sasagamine and the toward Otari. Passing through Tsugaike and Hakuba, the course then took riders deep into Kinasa bamboo forests onward to Togakushi before completing the 160km loop back in Myoko.

Courtesy of Gran Fondo Myoko, here are photos of this year’s beautiful and wonderful event.

Worldwide Gran Fondo and Gravel Fondo Calendar