All About Japan

Get a Workout While on These Rides!

Theme Parks Cycling Family Gunma

The Gunma Cycle Sports Center may be the most eco-friendly amusement park in the world. As you may be able to guess from the name, every attraction in the park, from the roller coaster to the “steam” locomotive, is human-powered.

https://www.jcrc-net.jp/

Located in Minakami, a town in a rural area of northern Gunma Prefecture, the park is a celebration of all things bicycle. In addition to the rides, there's a collection of strange and unique bicycles that guests can take for a spin on one of two tracks. They also host road races and other cycling events.

Shigenobu Matsuzawa, a Japanese blogger who travels around the country in search of B-grade tourist spots like this, visited the park and was kind enough to share his experience with us.

Human-Powered Roller Coaster: Rolling Mountain

Human-Powered Roller Coaster: Rolling Mountain

http://en.rocketnews24.com/2012/12/28/human-powered-roller-coaster-and-other-thrilling-attractions-await-at-japan-bicycle-theme-park/

It's only ¥200 (US$1.95) per ride and it takes about five minutes to complete the circuit, which is a pretty good value for the money considering most roller coasters only last around one to two minutes anyway.

The coaster is able to reach speeds comparable to that of a standard bicycle and provides a great workout. Hauling the entire train on your own may require a feat of strength, however.

Tall Cycle

Tall Cycle

http://en.rocketnews24.com/2012/12/28/human-powered-roller-coaster-and-other-thrilling-attractions-await-at-japan-bicycle-theme-park/

This ride is also just ¥200, and takes you around the circuit in a pod that's—well, tall. That's about it, really.

Cycle Steam Locomotive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z882t9zFFQ

The cars are similar to Rolling Mountain, but there’s actually a motor attached as well. In fact, you don’t really have to pedal to move the train. It just kind of goes on its own.

Cycle Monorail

Cycle Monorail

http://4travel.jp/travelogue/10387530

There's even a Cycle Monorail ride with an attached parasol overhead to protect you from the elements and the sun.

After going on a couple of these rides, we imagine you'll feel pretty in shape! To check out more information about the park, be sure to visit the website (in Japanese).

Read full story: en.rocketnews24.com

Related Stories:
Universal Studios Japan reveals plans for record-breaking roller coaster to mark 15th anniversary
Yahoo! Japan makes thrill-rides out of their trending search topics with “Trend Coaster”
The surprising name for Universal Studios Japan theme park in Okinawa leaves netizens confused