～Virtual Ride Experience Events at Three Locations in Tokyo～
Sankei Digital Inc. (CEO: Tatsushi Doi), the official Japanese distributor of Taiwan’s virtual cycling app “WhiizU,” will collaborate with Ibaraki Prefecture to host promotions at three cyclist hotspots in Tokyo using “WhiizU.” These events will run from Saturday, September 14 to Sunday, September 29, 2024.
■Virtual Ride Experience Events at Cyclist Hotspots Along the Arakawa and Tamagawa River Areas
Ibaraki Prefecture aims to attract cyclists from the metropolitan area by developing lodging-based cycling tours targeted at bicycle shops. To promote these tours and showcase cycling routes within the prefecture, virtual ride experience events using the “WhiizU” app will be held at cyclist hotspots along the Arakawa and Tamagawa rivers and at facilities likely to attract large crowds.
Events will be held at three locations: Inagi Central Park on September 14 (Sat), Arakawa BASE CYCLING STATION on September 21 (Sat), and TX PLAZA Akihabara from September 23 (Mon/holiday) to September 29 (Sun). As special guests, Ibaraki Cycling Navigators Shino and Moe will make appearances during the events.
■ Virtual Ride Experience Event Locations and Dates
September 14 (Sat)
Inagi Central Park
Nagamune 1-1-1, Inagi City
Inagi Central Park is adjacent to the well-used cycling road “Onekan” and is easily accessible by bike. The park features the popular café “Zebra Coffee,” which attracts many cyclists during weekends. Recently, the park has become a familiar event space for cycling manufacturers hosting various activities.
September 21 (Sat)
Arakawa BASE CYCLING STATION
Miyagi 2-11-13, Adachi-ku
Located along the Arakawa Cycling Road, this café is popular among cyclists. With extensive cycling facilities and a spacious rest area, it provides a comfortable environment for breaks during rides. The second floor includes an event space where workshops and community-based activities are regularly held.
September 23 (Mon/holiday) – September 29 (Sun)
TX PLAZA Akihabara
Kanda Sakuma-cho 1-6-5, Chiyoda-ku
TX PLAZA Akihabara is located adjacent to Akihabara Station on the Tsukuba Express (TX) line. Situated at the heart of Akihabara, it offers excellent accessibility and is bustling with tourists and locals. The facility features restaurants, cafes, and shops, including those selling electronics and anime goods. Its event space regularly hosts a variety of activities, making it a must-visit spot in Akihabara.
■ Experience Ibaraki’s Scenic Cycling Routes Using the Virtual Cycling App “WhiizU”
Includes the “Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road” and “Oku-Kuji Satoyama Hill Climb Route”
Ibaraki Prefecture offers numerous cycling routes, including the world-renowned National Cycle Route, “Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road,” and the challenging “Oku-Kuji Satoyama Hill Climb Route,” which provides significant elevation changes for an exciting ride. These courses cater to a wide range of cyclists, from beginners to seasoned riders.
The Taiwan-based virtual cycling app “WhiizU” features realistic video footage of these routes and additional courses such as the cycling paths within “Hitachi Seaside Park” and the trails of “Mount Yamizo,” allowing users to enjoy the rich natural scenery of Ibaraki.
The app includes gradient simulation, replicating the sensation of pedaling uphill with added resistance and downhill with reduced effort, for an experience akin to riding the actual course. In particular, the “Oku-Kuji Satoyama Hill Climb Route” features steep inclines exceeding a 10% gradient, providing a challenging and satisfying ride.
■ Ibaraki Cycling Navigators Shino & Moe to Attend
At the Virtual Ride Experience Events, Ibaraki Cycling Navigators Shino and Moe will appear as guest riders (detailed schedule below).
Both Shino and Moe will ride some of the courses featured in WhiizU and have their times measured. Visitors can use these benchmark times to enjoy their own ride experiences.
Shino is a prominent influencer representing female hill climbers. She is passionate about mountain and forest trails and continuously explores new cycling routes. As an Ibaraki Cycling Navigator, Shino actively showcases the charm of the region through her rides.
Moe is an influencer who mainly enjoys city rides but also actively participates in a range of events such as gran fondos, hill climbs, and enduro races. As an Ibaraki Cycling Navigator, Moe communicates the joys of cycling through social media to inspire others.
■ Guest Schedule
[Shino’s Appearance Dates]
September 14 (Sat): Inagi Central Park
September 21 (Sat): Arakawa BASE Cycling Station
Schedule for both days:
10:00 – Opening and Talk Show
10:30 – Shino’s WhiizU Course Experience
15:00 – Event Conclusion
[Moe’s Appearance Date]
September 28 (Sat): TX PLAZA Akihabara
11:00 – Instagram Live (@moevalism)
11:30 – Moe’s WhiizU Course Experience
19:00 – Event Conclusion