RCC Summit Kyoto
Immersive explorations in iconic destinations.
13 December 2024
Please ensure you are an active RCC member and have read the Essential Information before booking this trip. The RCC Summit is exclusively for RCC members.
Overview
The apex of our RCC Rides calendar, RCC Summits are where we celebrate as a Club in the most beautiful riding destinations in the world.
With fully-supported and expertly curated routes, specially selected accommodation, and commemorative jersey designs, Summits are the ultimate gatherings for connoisseurs of culture and adventure on two wheels.
Our latest Summit brings us to Japan, to ride in Kyoto from 10-13th April 2025, on some of the region’s most majestic roads, including the Atagoyama mountain.
Tickets start from £1550 for non-residential stays, £2350 for sharing room, and £3100 for single occupancy with £850 for non-riding partners. 3-month payment plans are available.
The Riding
Four days of rigorous riding, ranging from city roads to rolling countryside terrain – up to a maximum of 450km over the four days, with 7000m of climbing. Fully supported with Rapha ride leaders, vehicles, nutrition, mechanics, and training guidance. To get the most out of this trip, you should aim to be riding at an intermediate to advanced level. Paced groups will be provided to accommodate faster or slower riders at these levels. The riding is not suited to beginners. If you have any questions, get in touch at summits@rapha.cc
The Culture
The emerald forests and rolling roads of Kyoto prefecture, punctuated with tranquil timber lodges and thatched villages, are what makes riding in this region so inspiring. Home to the Imperial Palace, Kyoto was the capital city of Japan for over a millennium. It has preserved a wealth of historic architecture: Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and imperial villas as well as more recent modernist and brutalist design.
The Food
From traditional to more modern cuisine, the Summit will ensure you get to sample both local delicacies and customs, while still providing all the nutrition that you will need to ride and recover well throughout the weekend, on bike and off.
The Team
At the helm, you’ll meet Rapha CEO Fran Millar, and have the opportunity to mix and mingle with Rapha people from design, product and our wider network. There will also of course be characters from our RCC teams alongside guest Rapha athletes and RCC Ride leaders.
The Hotel
Dusit Thani Kyoto is a blissful getaway in the heart of the city. A blend of Thai hospitality with Japanese culture and tradition, the hotel is the definition of modern elegance. The Dusit Thani Kyoto boasts high grade spa and wellness facilities, restaurants that blend Thai, Japanese, and Western cuisines, numerous cultural activities, and more to allow rest and relaxation while remaining connected to Kyoto city and the surrounding countryside.
Getting There
We recommend flying to Kansai International Airport (Osaka) or flying to Tokyo and taking the world-famous bullet train (Shinkansen) from Tokyo to Kyoto Station.
Please note: there are strict limitations about bringing bikes on public transport, so ensure you check ahead and reserve a space.
We will offer transfers from Kansai Airport and Kyoto Train Station to the Summit location on Wednesday the 9th, Thursday the 10th, Sunday the 13th, and Monday the 14th. To secure a transfer, please indicate your interest on the booking form.
Schedule
Day One
Please arrive in Kyoto on Thursday morning no later than 12pm, to make the most of the four days. Our main aim on this day is to get you settled in and orientated ahead of the weekend, both on bike and off, and feeling ready for some majestic riding. You’ll have a chance to build and check your bike, loosen the legs on a local spin and meet your fellow members and Summit team.
Day two
This is the time to start stretching the legs and getting out there to experience the Nara Prefecture on the bike. An opportunity to leave jet lag behind, find your rhythm and explore. Then it’s back to our hotel to relax before dinner, followed by our guest speaker for the evening.
Day Three
The big day. With the legs hopefully ready to explore the Kyoto Prefecture, this is the day we all ride with the same purpose: to conquer the queen stage of the Summit. Post-ride, we will gather for our gala dinner to celebrate and reflect on an epic weekend away.
Day Four
As the Summit concludes, there is just enough time for one more ride to wind down before departure with checkout at 12pm. We will support you with transport wherever possible to help you safely make your return home or onwards to your next adventure.
What's included
Three nights accommodation.
Four days of unforgettable riding.
Bespoke welcome pack.
Roadside support and ride guides.
Ride fuel, nutrition, and hydration.
Breakfast.
House drinks.
Evening meals.
Transfer support.
What's not included
Flights/Travel.
Non-house drinks (Add On).
Extra nights (Add On for Wednesday & Sunday with preferred rates).
Massage (Book through hotel spa).
Laundry (Book through hotel reception).
Travel Recommendations
Arrival:
– We recommend flying to Osaka, Kansai International Airport or, if already in the country, taking the train to Kyoto Train station.
– Transfers are available directly from Kansai International Airport and Kyoto Train Station on Wednesday the 9th and Thursday the 10th.
– If you fly into Tokyo, you will need to make your way to Kyoto. We recommend taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto Train Station or an internal flight to Kansai.
– Please be aware: you will need to reserve space for bikes and luggage on trains in Japan to guarantee a space. Find guidance on reserving spaces here.
– If you are travelling long-haul (seven hours plus), we recommend arriving on 9th April, a day before the Summit begins, to acclimatise.
– If you plan to use our transfer service, please arrive at Kansai or Kyoto station after 12.00 pm on Wednesday the 9th subject to confirmation.
– Please allow 2.5 hours travel from the airport and 45 minutes from the train station.
Departure:
– Check-out is at 12.00 pm on Sunday, 13th of April. We will offer transfers from 12.00 pm.
– Transfers are available directly to Kansai International Airport and Kyoto Train Station on Sunday the 13th and Monday the 14th until 2.30 pm.
– Please allow 2.5 hours travel to the airport and 45 minutes to the train station.