Forced My Wife To Cycle Up Japan's Highest Mountain Road 😂 - Mt. Norikura

Today my wife Thuong and I will be cycling up Japan's highest mountain road, Mt. Norikura, which peaks at over 8,900 feet.
My wife is still very much a beginner cyclist and has never done a big hill climb ride before, but she was still up to the challenge of climbing up Japan's highest road. (I may of also not told her many of the details before starting the ride..)
All in all, it was a beautiful day for cycling in Japan. We had some really good weather, sunny skies, and Thuong really pushed herself beyond her comfort zone to make it up to the top. Big props to her!
Hopefully we'll be able to make it back again one day and I'll make sure that she does a bit more training before we do.
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#cycling #roadbike #japan #norikura

[@bradhinze5982]

You are so lucky to have a wife that enjoys cycling with you. I've never found a girl that is willing to spend all day cycling. Good luck in all your future endeavors.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Very lucky indeed! :)

[@wseejattan]

That girl has a ton of determination. She is a keeper.

[@JohnMcKeesWorld]

So proud of Thuong-Chan . I knew she could do it. She is a strong girl. I would love to try it myself. Congrats 🎉

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@GerVictor]

Congratulations to you both and to Thuong-chan for reaching the top. That was one touch climb! I love your jersey by the way.🙂

[@eleucastro5412]

Hello sir Ger!

[@jaceee6395]

Boss Ger!

[@gilberttacad5396]

I see you HAHAHAHAHAH

[@ravenone6255]

Getting to the top was probably painful and accomplishing it made you 💪

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Big thumbs up to Thuong-chan for pushing past her limits climbing up Japan's highest road :) It's been a while since we made a ride video together like this and brought back some good memories of our many other memorable rides we've done on this channel. Apologies for the low video quality in some sections. I tried exporting in 4k numerous times, but my computer couldn't handle it with the movie being too long. I ended up having to export in 1080p, but still had some render errors 😢

[@羅宇進]

Oh....... very nice bike (≧∇≦)

[@karlbryant3304]

So she really is a Vietnamese, I thought you were joking?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

100% vietnamese

[@Chrisb8s]

Wow. Well done. That is a climb!

[@rcjic26]

I took the time to view this video again. This video is priceless - Thoung-chan is the super champ of all time. I know how she feels - been there many times myself. She said three things that I remember saying, "I am dead." I am not going to make it." Can I walk or "is it okay to walk?" Please pass to your lovely wife that she is my hero! By the way, I own a home in Nagano-shi and I am an American. Over the last three years (COVID) I have been in the USA, and I will be returning to Nagano on August 2, 2022. If you read this, please continue to have a wonderful time in Vietnam. BTW, I lived for short periods of time in Flint and Lansing while going to high school. Peace and may your life continue to be a two-wheel cruise.

[@theloniousm4337]

Thuong is such a good sport for doing that climb. Good work Thuong. I was worried about her on they way up as it looked like she was going to pack it in (if not die!) and then she got her sense of humour back at 10:16 and I knew she was ok.

[@nanonood]

So impressed w Thuong! Love the contrast of her facial expressions once food is in the picture. Congrats!

[@trunocheah188]

You make it, Thuong-Chan. Congratulations. Good ride.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! 😁

[@emmanuelbuenviaje6564]

There's suffering...and then there's the reward. RESPECT to both of you and your cycling buddies.

[@socialcelerity8983]

Each time when I watch the videos, the word “love” just pops up in my mind. Love is doing things together. Love conquers difficulties.

[@dencioz55555]

First time to see this video and I really love it. Wifey is exhausted but hey she’s putting all her effort to climb the mountain top. Good for her.😀

[@michaelchin3550]

What a beautiful ride! Thanks for sharing. Someday, I would love to do this ride.

[@meditadz]

What a climb! Felt Thuong's pain during the climb. Great video, really enjoyed it. Ta

[@WheelersAtLarge]

Incredible effort both of you and a little 'out of the saddle' sprint from Thoung-chan at the end, what a star👍

[@TwoWheelCruise]

She finally is getting comfortable out of saddle 🙂

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Nice vid, thanks. The Norikura hillclimb is a brutal race and a true test of any form you imagine you might have. That last couple of km in thin air where you come out into the open and know it’s time to empty your already empty tank...

[@TwoWheelCruise]

A whole different animal to go up at race pace..

[@dannyeicher6173]

She did an awesome job...😎👍. Beautiful scenery...😀👍👌👊🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️

[@genroku7]

The air must be very thin, which makes it much more painful. Good job.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@VagabondTurtle]

God, she pushed through... Wow, just big congrats, she is amazing! I would be crying for sure...

[@dopandasreadbooks6039]

Not to get too cheesy. Those moments when your SO accomplishes something they had no idea they are capable of, is one of the greatest feelings as a partner. Good Job you two!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! I think she felt pretty accomplished after getting to the top 😁

[@yeyetbugarin9657]

thats an epic climb,,,im glad that the two of you make it to the top,,😂😂 congrats,,👍🏼👍🏼✌️✌️

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks 👍

[@rogerjeffreys9536]

She pushed through that pain barrier……congratulations. You’re a champion.

[@rhysmaybrey7739]

We’ve all had that feeling after a tough climb. Your wife should be proud after a climb like that. Nice job.

[@longwayjourney6403]

I'm newcomer of cycling, your videos so relax and peaceful I really love it!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Glad you like them!

[@roiferreach100]

Your wife looks having a hard cycling day but she is strong. Keep safe both of you on your cycling rides.

[@dialmaccusjacel.2336]

Great video and view! Congratulations Thuong-san!

[@GuzytheProducer]

Really love this video!! I”m just getting into cycling for about a year now!! That climb would have killed me!! LOL Love seeing you Two together on your videos! Blessings to you both!!

[@johnmills9360]

Congrats Thuong Chan , you are a credit to your nation and women everywhere !

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@ronh1850]

Great job Thuong! That's a serious climb for anyone. Gotta love her spirit. :) You and your wife are an adorable couple. :)

[@boblim1549]

Great job Thuong! Climbing above 2000m is challenging for anyone.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks Bob! 🙂

[@aboynamedmartin]

great video! Your wife is a real trooper! Hope i get a chance to ride up this mountain someday! i was in Japan late July 2019 but didn't get to do any cycling, mainly stayed in tokyo and went to the Fuji rock festival, planning to come back next year and hopefully be able to do some cycling =) greetings from the philippines!

[@zsoltczako1017]

Congratulation! Beautiful place I think, this road is every climbers dream. :) I would like to climb once too, on both sides(I love the hill climbing)

[@duraath]

you should be proud of her. im proud of her. cherish her always. good job both of u. 💪

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Very proud 😁

[@farikkun1841]

this vids appear on my home page after 4 years, compared to now, thuong-chan really got massive improvement, even entering races. That means you are a great coach and cycling buddy, it give me hope that i could convert my non-cycling spouse to make cycling one of her hobby lol

[@rommel156]

Awesome cycling tour!. A big thumbs up to Thuong-chan. Omedetou! She's a one tough cookie! 😊👍👍

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thank you!

[@Chrisb8s]

I have to add something. Well done pacing your wife up the mountain. I know that it is also hard to not do your own pace Great job to the two of you guys.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks 👍

[@joefenech6839]

Great Effort 👍 9:20 .. the look of a bonk coma coming 😆 What a great climb...that is now on my bucket list I am sure you have created a climbing monster !

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Haha Thanks!

[@luigitoluphoto]

Your wife is to be admired, despite the collapse of fatigue, she has resumed her journey by bicycle. Congratulations! I have always wondered if in case of tiredness, it is better to stop and eat something, or continue at a slow speed to give the body a better breathing space.

[@jayeffaar]

Stop and eat, definitely. Or eat without stopping if you have to. When your body is telling you it needs nutrients, don't push it too far, or you will hit the wall and won't be able to keep going at all.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Depends on your goals, but usually best to stop and eat

[@DavidBigandt]

what an amazing job your wife did riding up the tallest mountain mountain with you racers. Think I'll try the big mountain here in Vegas

[@chemboy63]

She's a trooper, brother! I just did Roan Mountain in NE TN last weekend. Elevation of 5,512' and an actual climb or right at 3,000' (914 m). It pretty much kicked my ass and I've been riding quite a bit all summer. So, Thoung-Chan BROUGHT IT. Great job.

[@opticalsoap]

Wow, the way down was definitely fun! relaxing downhill for all the hard work going up! Awesome effort on Thuong-chan part!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@classifiedinformation6353]

Ok, now I know I must travel to Japan! I would love to climb that mountain. Thank you for showing all of us cycling in your area. I always assumed Japan would be a beautiful place to bicycle, but now, due to you and Thuong-chan, I know what I must do! Every October I ride up to Clingman's Dome in the state of Tennessee. From Pigeon Forge to the Dome is tough, but not as tough as Mt. Norikura. If you are ever in Tennessee in October, give me a call. The three of us will go for a ride.

[@ITSystemJock]

This looks like a fun climb. I was planning on riding up Whiteface Mtn in NY this summer but then ... Nothing like grinding out a climb.

[@Ryuxcx]

I enjoyed watching this video. Wonderful content Cruise!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chuiwyjustin]

Definitely gonna try this the next time i travel to Japan..

[@chokhou]

💪👍 Thuong good climbing. My wife would have made me sleep in the tent permanently after that. Lol. Thanks for sharing. I will be doing that climb when I come back to Japan.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! 😅

[@aminatulmimi]

Thuong chan just like me when being forced my husband to ride up the Colorado National Monument. Exactly the same. Gambate Thuong chan. Thanks to your video, I pick up the courage to wear bike shoes after watching Thuong's video when she first try it.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Haha Thanks! 😁

[@fastestmilkman3840]

Good job! Just discovered your content and i'm now a follower. I made my wife cycling up Mont Ventoux twice in a day last July, she wasn't remotely happy with me... :D

[@TwoWheelCruise]

We wanted to cycle up both sides, but I was worried she'd kill me if I made her do that 😅

[@theloniousm4337]

@@TwoWheelCruise Lol - you would have to sleep eventually....and when you did Thuong would be there hovering with a pillow to put over your face.

[@SN-vl2qs]

Very nice. Lots of 👍👍👍👍 and love to you and your wife.. please continue making such video for us. God bless you 😇.

[@SN-vl2qs]

Just wanted to know if you use your MTB then this kind of climbing will be easier or no.. please suggest.. I am a beginner, your suggestion may help me to learn. Thanks in advance 😊

[@rebel2032]

awesome view! great job on the climb!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@eilrach299]

Thuong, you are an absolute trooper! I hope Cruise is spoiling you rotten for your massive effort. Well done! And for the man Cruise himself, great film. This is a little away from me so don't know if I'll ever get there but definitely on the bucket list. Hell, if someone on a mama-chari can do it......! Looking forward to more films!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@marvinburkhead3593]

Proud of her...Thank You! :)

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Me too!

[@su-megalotto9545]

AWESOME ! Climb by Thuong-chan..you are right, she is a real TROOPER..pushed through the mental wall. Especially, since you mentioned her commute was a 10 k round trip and probably mostly flat and not training on hill climbing. By the way, have you entered cycling races? Me? just a recreatinal ride (physical and mental (get the "runner's high" ) exercise. Loved the downhill part of your ride. Have a great 2022....

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! We have many cyclocross racing videos on our channel :)

[@stanleyggl]

Great work! You never know the limits of your body. I went for an 83km ride, elevation gain 1000m alone with a retro bike as I am new to biking and didn't want to get an expensive bike. Literally the second half was based on will power and dedication, not mentioning I am short on water and fuel ( I brought 3 protein bars and 2 bottles of water still weren't enough). The previous longest ride I went was like 30-40km. I hope to get a carbon bike (maybe next summer) and with more gears so that it will be easier for climbing.

[@christill]

Well done Thuong. That looked really tough. Makes me feel inspired to ride up a big hill :)

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! Go for it! 🙂

[@waltquandt6226]

I think I know how Thuong felt on this climb. I live in Michigan and it's the same way I feel when I ride up the Colorado mountains with my grown children who live there now. I was quite impressed with Thuong's descending skills! BTW I just discovered your channel and I think it's fantastic. As an older guy who probably will never get to travel as you do it's very cool to get glimpses into the Japanese landscape and culture mixed in with the bike geekery! Thanks and stay safe out there!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Always a shock when you leave Michigan to do some real climbs :)

[@Korschtal]

Thanks for the video, I think I missed it last year. I'm surprised to see how many people were using rim brakes on that ride, I thought I was pretty much the last person not to be using discs...

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Japan is still majority rim, changing from this year though finally

[@Cycling_in_ja]

Good job throng-Chan 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I would love to do that climb when I come up there next year

[@sunnyn9017]

Well done!!!! Your channel has made me want to buy a bike and cycle around London!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Go for it!

[@peterwinkler8382]

You both did very well on this ride. I love the video, and Japan is beautiful. We have a mountain called Haleakala where we live, and it too is a hard climb. I really like seeing all the bikes. You and Thuong-Chan are good athletes. Aloha!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! 😁

[@TheTriOwl]

Big kudos to Thuong-Chan! Great video, and the views where amazing you are truly a lucky man!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@nihondragon]

Great effort by Thuong. I would be interested if you did a video on what gear ratios you both use with steep climbs and tips on what you do to get stronger at climbing. I'm not so strong at climbing, so any tips would be greatly appreciated 👍😉

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! We don't use any special gear, just whatever the bike has on it. Usually a 28, but wouldn't mind a smaller gear sometimes 😅

[@nihondragon]

@@TwoWheelCruise My canyon bike came with 11-32 on the back & 50/34 on the front with gets me up most hills. Only limitation is my leg strength 😁

[@richncolita6782]

Another superb video. Thuong did an awesome ride, congrats. The ride going down looked fun but a bit scary! Cruise you made it look easy, but I know it's not, keep up the great videos!

[@ninjadeathoverlord3254]

I’ll be in Japan in a few weeks, your videos always get me even more pumped!

[@1-less-car]

Excellent. Thuong is a star! 🌟

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@2WheelsGood.01]

Lucky guy! She's awesome and such a good sport! I'm sure you're cool too hahaha. Can't wait until the travel ban is over so I can go bike touring there. Is it possible to bike (I'd go on a gravel bike) or hike-a-bike to the peak? Also, could you stealth camp up there?

[@offcourseisofcourse-travel3264]

I WISHED TO BE ABLE TO GO THERE AFTER THE LONG CLIMB FROM MATSUMOTO , but then arrived in Takayama we were very tired ( consider we are riding with 40 kg bike each :D )

[@Teo-S]

Thuong, good job on your first ride to 4000ft! I thought your battle was over after the ride - until I heard that you are going to work the following day. You guys are tough! If I rode up to 4000ft my body will insist that I take a day off. Safe riding!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! 🙂

[@kaihsieh9594]

Didn't tough it outdoor like you did, had a two days trip instead. Booked an onsen hotel and rinkou to Suwa station to make the ride to hotel somewhat respectable, rode up Norikura the following day first thing in the morning, and returned via Matsumoto to check out the city and the castle there. A good weekend hill climb trip. Do bring lights cos there are many long tunnels. Does get cold after you make the climb, so windbreaker is a must.

[@federicomaisch6812]

Well done, congratulations to both of you

[@virgilcheng2335]

Well done Thuong! Great scenic route and mostly free of traffic, 1200m climb pretty scary by my standard, down hill must be very enjoyable. Wish one day I can try this.

[@dosazsolt9725]

it was hillarious to see people skiing on just 10meters of snow..lol

[@GerVictor]

I like how the Japanese come up with those road rules. It makes the ride more safe and orderly. Plus the beautiful scenery!❤️

[@AlreadyGren]

Wow sir. :) dito ka rin pala :)

[@lwsrymnd]

Looks like you two had an awesome ride! Would love to do a ride like that at home, but Pike's Peak scares me.

[@pentreifan3905]

Love your output. Looks really challenging

[@pureromance9618]

I enjoyed watching this video while imagining myself cycling there x3 hope this gonna happen one day :”) the downhill road is so much fun! =D especially with such nice sceneries x3 thank you! PS: beautiful music

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! :)

[@potstab2875]

You need the new shimano disk breaks for those hills(down hill), especially if rain is coming.... ;p Well at least all the other challenges will seem smaller now... good job!

[@NeoPayneHK]

hey man, i cant ignore your bike is so creaking XDDDDDD and you are the nicest husband who willing push your wife to the limit

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Needs some fixing 🤔

[@michaelhowell1331]

Hello= Not sure what the IRL time for that over a mile climb was but I do know you were real lucky she did not get sick from the altitude I am glad she made it down save and had fun = Bye

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Yes, I was relieved once it was over 😅

[@andrerodriguez7603]

Congratulations to Thuong! She did excellent. All serious cyclists have been in this situation, and some not so serious. it's truly agonizing. I feel her pain. The worst is running out of water and food too. You guys were prepared. I would like to do some videos of my group rides. Can you give a run down on your equipment you use for videos some time. That microphone works great. Is that wireless? I have a gopro hero 4. I just need a good mic. Thanks!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! I have a list of my main camera equipment here twowheelcruise.com/camera-gear/ It's a separate wired lav mic

[@lukewilson8859]

Could we get a link to the climb you did with your friend that you mentioned at 8:00 ? Love your channel by the way! Recently got into cycling and I love the down to earth way you do things! Hope you and your wife keep going strong!!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

www.strava.com/activities/699788439/segments/17162112551

[@lukewilson8859]

Ah thanks! Thought there was a KZbin video by your friend, but I'm guessing that's a no ahaha. Interesting to see the stats though, thanks for the link.

[@markjthomson]

Nice having a good place to finish the climb! Good form Thuong-Chan...

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks Mark!

[@helenmccann1338]

MBK bicycles were used in the mid to late 80s and early 90s in the Tour De France Fagor Team . They are of French origin and the first French manufacturer to use Japanese components. It was also my 2nd race bike an MBK Mistral 12 speed men’s bike at 15 years old

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Good to know, thanks!

[@griff9290]

Well done Thuong--great job!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@Wild1920]

Love your work. Keep it coming

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! 🙂

[@beatsandboots]

Corratec is a manufacturer from Baden-Württemberg in Southwest Germany. Peugeot is a big car/scooter/bicycle maker from France.

[@jazzechos1372]

Great vid and the lady is a true champ and partner, well done!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@cyka4075]

4:20 with no cars you don't have to worry Then a car passes😂 (Sorry to my english 😅)

[@TwoWheelCruise]

🤣🤣

[@popcornsamurai]

Thuong is amazing. I would not have lasted 5 min f that climb. I’m so inspired by her. I live by the ocean so all the area around me is nothing but hills no flats. I will think of this video when I’m trying to learn how to climb.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! Strong wind is good climbing simulation

[@tonycamacho4455]

I know I'm late in submitting my comments, I very much so enjoyed viewing your cycling japan video's...Keep them coming. I cannot wait to return back to japan, I'm a retired Marine who spent a very long time over there. I'm planning to do a touring ride that begins in Yokosuka Kanagawa area, going to Mount Fuji first and if that goes well extend that ride to hugging the ocean side. Keep them coming

[@dyinirtan01]

23:09 that's Sakamichi singing hime hime his way up 😆

[@MJQuintana]

So amusing, it was fun watching both of you

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@HoseGuerrero]

Well that was inspirational. This video has given me motivation

[@PathfinderGregg]

Beautify views but painful going up. Way to go Thuong! Congratulations on a successful climb! Yeah, Cruise, you climbed Mt Norikura, but did you do it on a Mama Chari?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Lol no thanks. We saw one guy doing it on a mamachari though

[@clayguinard3651]

Quite a beautiful place

[@hlim431]

Wow, what an achievement! Carrera Phibra don't see many of exotics but popular in Japan...

[@brzfst]

You go girl!! Fantastic job.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@Jackjack-zl4nt]

Good going.. 👍 power riding a mountain bike up there

[@NikkiRay95]

I love watching you live your dreams, Cruise! This is amazing!!!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks Nikki!

[@greatwhitebuffalo6807]

Very inspiring. I’m heading out the door for mine. No mountains though.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@marciooki5820]

Great video.i really enjoy see the partnership with your wife,not every woman will accept this challenge! I'll schedule a ride there with my mtb.