A course through the city of Uonuma in the northern part of the GCR. The route runs along the Tadami Line, which has been highly acclaimed for its original scenery and other features as "the most romantic railway line in the world." This is a popular region for journeys in search of spectacular scenery brought about by the unique climate of the mountainous region. Although there is a difference in altitude, there is little traffic and the course is easy for beginners to ride. There are also day-trip hot springs, the Meguro Residence, a nationally designated important cultural property, and Roadside Station Yunotani, where you can taste local cuisine, allowing you to enjoy cycling while sightseeing at a leisurely pace.
A course through Minamiuonuma City and Yuzawa Town in the southern part of the GCR. This is the original Japanese countryside landscape and the beautiful mountains of the Echigo Range. The beautiful countryside scenery can be enjoyed from season to season, with mountains reflected in the water, carpets of green and golden colours. The course includes a park around the ruins of Sakado Castle, where Uesugi Keikatsu and Naoe Kanetsugu spent their childhoods, Makino Street, which retains the atmosphere of an inn town, and the hot spring resort town of Echigo-Yuzawa, the setting of the novel Snow Country, where cyclists can enjoy quaint scenery and gourmet food.
A course around the Mikuni River Dam, which is also used for road racing. This is a good choice for de-beginner challenge cycling, as it offers serious hill-climbing. The road around the dam lake is popular for training and training camps because of the ups and downs, plus the spectacular scenery.
