THE 'KIWL 500' CYCLE RIDE
KIWL 500 2020: JUNE 11-14
Overview
A 500km 4-day cycling tour for 40-45 male & female amateur riders of all ages and abilities. KIWL has again chosen YouMeWe as its charity for 2020, supporting them in their dream of installing a PC in every one of Japan's 600 care homes, AND educating them in their use as well as providing support for career counselling and financial literacy.
With safety as the overriding priority, riders are split into groups led by an experienced KIWL cyclist. Each day is 100-150kms of riding, some of it flat, some of it in mountains. It may rain, it may blow, it may shine. Whatever the weather the ride goes on unless it is too dangerous to proceed. Why do KIWL riders keep coming back? Because it is a significant personal achievement, they experience the emotion of meeting the kids for whom they are raising funds, and they experience breathtaking scenery while making new cycling friends in training and en route.
All communications and the event itself is conducted in English, the KIWL 500 2019 ride was attended by riders from 15 countries.
Route
Starting in Echigo Yuzawa, the ride heads 150kms north to Niigata city on day one. We will spend two nights there and includes a 100km ride around Sado Island. We then cover a very challenging 160kms to Yamagata on day three, and the final day's riding of 90kms takes us to a local Sendai children's care facility. An official photographer and videographer will document your ride.
Is This For You?
You don't have to be an elite cyclist, absolute beginners have entered in January and trained to be ready in June. It can be done, you just need the will to get fit AND give back, and have an acceptable road bike. The KIWL 500 is a very challenging endurance ride which includes significant hill climbing. It is not possible to complete the ride without sufficient training in the months leading up to the event. Commitment is needed.
What Is Expected of Each Rider?
The KIWL 500 is a fundraising event. Each participant is expected to raise at least Y100,000 (about US$1,000) for YouMeWe. This can be a direct donation, or you can ask colleagues, friends & family to sponsor you. Others host fringe events to raise funds like a BBQ, quiz night, and social evenings. Those who successfully introduce corporate sponsors for our jersey are not asked to raise personal funds but can do so if they wish.
Funding
Each rider pays for the accommodation & meals arranged for them, and their official KIWL kit. There are also shared costs like insurance, media expenses, refreshments and support car costs. About Y100,000 in personal expenses should be expected, plus train travel to Echigo Yuzawa and to return home from Sendai.
To get a feel for the ride, watch the video of the 2019 KIWL 500 here, read about it in our blog, and view the gallery above.
If you think you've got what it takes (or will have!), apply for KIWL 500 2020 by clicking below and completing the form. We will let you know if you are successful in mid-February to give you time to train and raise funds. Applications close on Friday February 7th 2020.
If you are still unsure, we have an information night on January 23rd 2020 from 7pm at the Rapha Clubhouse. KIWL Vets in attendance will tell you what to expect! To register your attendance, please email us, info@kiwl.net
A 500km 4-day cycling tour for 40-45 male & female amateur riders of all ages and abilities. KIWL has again chosen YouMeWe as its charity for 2020, supporting them in their dream of installing a PC in every one of Japan's 600 care homes, AND educating them in their use as well as providing support for career counselling and financial literacy.
With safety as the overriding priority, riders are split into groups led by an experienced KIWL cyclist. Each day is 100-150kms of riding, some of it flat, some of it in mountains. It may rain, it may blow, it may shine. Whatever the weather the ride goes on unless it is too dangerous to proceed. Why do KIWL riders keep coming back? Because it is a significant personal achievement, they experience the emotion of meeting the kids for whom they are raising funds, and they experience breathtaking scenery while making new cycling friends in training and en route.
All communications and the event itself is conducted in English, the KIWL 500 2019 ride was attended by riders from 15 countries.
Route
Starting in Echigo Yuzawa, the ride heads 150kms north to Niigata city on day one. We will spend two nights there and includes a 100km ride around Sado Island. We then cover a very challenging 160kms to Yamagata on day three, and the final day's riding of 90kms takes us to a local Sendai children's care facility. An official photographer and videographer will document your ride.
Is This For You?
You don't have to be an elite cyclist, absolute beginners have entered in January and trained to be ready in June. It can be done, you just need the will to get fit AND give back, and have an acceptable road bike. The KIWL 500 is a very challenging endurance ride which includes significant hill climbing. It is not possible to complete the ride without sufficient training in the months leading up to the event. Commitment is needed.
What Is Expected of Each Rider?
The KIWL 500 is a fundraising event. Each participant is expected to raise at least Y100,000 (about US$1,000) for YouMeWe. This can be a direct donation, or you can ask colleagues, friends & family to sponsor you. Others host fringe events to raise funds like a BBQ, quiz night, and social evenings. Those who successfully introduce corporate sponsors for our jersey are not asked to raise personal funds but can do so if they wish.
Funding
Each rider pays for the accommodation & meals arranged for them, and their official KIWL kit. There are also shared costs like insurance, media expenses, refreshments and support car costs. About Y100,000 in personal expenses should be expected, plus train travel to Echigo Yuzawa and to return home from Sendai.
To get a feel for the ride, watch the video of the 2019 KIWL 500 here, read about it in our blog, and view the gallery above.
If you think you've got what it takes (or will have!), apply for KIWL 500 2020 by clicking below and completing the form. We will let you know if you are successful in mid-February to give you time to train and raise funds. Applications close on Friday February 7th 2020.
If you are still unsure, we have an information night on January 23rd 2020 from 7pm at the Rapha Clubhouse. KIWL Vets in attendance will tell you what to expect! To register your attendance, please email us, info@kiwl.net