RCC SUMMITS

RCC Summit KYOTO

Marking 10 years of the Rapha Cycling Club, we brought together 130 members from all over the world to ride in Japan’s remarkable Kyoto prefecture. A dreamlike destination, this land of tranquil temples, trembling cherry blossom and testing topography allowed us to connect and ride like nothing else.

Day One: 43 KM ↑ 500 M

The opening ride sent us out of Kyoto along the tree-lined Kamo River for 40 kilometres of cherry-blossom-filled hills. Members from 17 different countries ended this first day with a private dinner against the backdrop of the serene Shōseien Garden, a small sample of Kyoto’s historic culture.

Day Two: 119 KM ↑ 2106 M

Day two of the RCC Summit Kyoto carried us into the hilly terrain of matcha tea farms, cool cedar forests and cherry blossom trees in Uji and Wazuka. A serenade for the senses with our riders tackling up to 120 kilometres with over 2200 metres of climbing. Summit riders had the option of either the Passhunter route or the more laidback Touring parcours. Wide smiles and heavy legs were in abundance, as every member began to find their cadence in Kyoto. The energy of an RCC peloton is a sight we’ll never grow tired of – chatty, enlivened, supporting and eager for what’s up the road. Often, we don’t know each other or speak the same language, but we are all connected by our passion for cycling.

Day Three: 137 KM ↑ 2728 M

The Queen stage sent members on a journey to Mount Atago, the highest peak in Kyoto. A beast of a climb that is wildly different depending on which way you ride it, once again our riders were able to choose their route for the day, with both offering winding forest roads, technical descents, and rural villages. The farewell evening dinner brought us together to toast to our achievements, lifelong memories and new friendships. It had all the elements – steep gradients, intense wind and… delicious pizza for those running on fumes.

Day Four: 12 KM ↑ 94 M

Our final day in Kyoto offered either a brief spin through this illustrious city’s streets, including a chance to visit Factor’s Temple of Speed, or a longer route back into the Arashiyama mountain range. A riding experience like no other, rewarding our members with connection and camaraderie, this Summit felt special. It’s always hard to say goodbye, but there was no doubt we would meet again to relive the magic of Kyoto.

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