Video: The Ultimate Japanese Bike Trip in 'Chombo'
Why would you choose Japan as your ultimate biking holidays? Chombo is probably the answer you have always ask yourself.
Last summer with the help of local guide Jimi Bush, a French group of friends had the chance to ride some of the best spots of the country of the rising sun. More than a bike trip, they experienced one of the richest traditional culture in the world.
For those who don’t know the crew, The Giros is a collective from eastern France. For ten years they spent their time road tripping, digging, partying and biking, always with the good vibes attitude. The crew is composed of Aurélien, Julien, PL, Marco, Corentin, Pierre and Thomas (From left to right).
You probably have already seen one of their good quality movies with original storytelling like El Camino Loco or The Wild Ride West made by Pierre Henni.
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First spot: Matsuzaki - Local guide: Yamabushi Trail Tour
South West of Tokyo : Corentin & Marco are riding down the sacred trails of Yamabushi. Made of tunnels of roots, it’s a unique network of trails in the middle of the Jungle. The trails are 2000 years old, they were used by the priests to connect the shinto shrine temple from the ocean. Now they are like giant bobsleigh, used mainly for mountain biking. The local community is taking care of the digging of this endless flow trails. At the end of the day you can eat some of the best sushi in the world.
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Second spot Fujiten - Local Guide: Daiki Takahashi
At the bottom of sacred volcano Mt Fuji San, Thomas et Julien are bombing the Fujiten bikepark. A very special spot in the middle of a bamboo Forest. The black dirt is a perfect mixture of volcanic sand and dirt. The grip is insane, you don’t need brakes for the corners. If you want to experience summer skiing there is a fancy grass field, just for the fun.
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Third spot Hakuba - Local Guide: Hakuba Mountain Bike Club & Jimi Bush
Ski powder mecqua Hakuba, is also home of the good biking. The local community is strong and pushing hard to grew up the next generation of champions. The Bikepark of Iwatake is offering a large choice of tracks, like this 7km flowtrail that feels like never ending. PL & Pierre are surfing the dust of this giant pumptrack. What a crazy ride ! The valley of Hakuba is surrounded by Japanese Alps and rice fields. If you are lucky enough you can meet monkeys and bears in the forests..
This movie brings you on a deep journey through the local communities from the antique Japanese culture to the modern fancy high tech of Tokyo. For those who want to experience a new, good quality mountain bike destination, Japan is definitely one to had in your to do list.
Special Thanks:
Yamabushi Trail Tour - Heima San
Mondo lodge - Matsumoto San
Fujiten Bike Park - Daiki San
Freak’s Store - Kajima San
Masashi Natori San
Yatsugatake Cycling - Paul Chetwynd
Hakuba Tourism - Yojiro Fukushima San
Hakuba Mountain Bike Club - Tomoyoshi Hara San
Lucky Pete’s - Pete
Evergreen Outdoor Center - Dave Enright
Morino Lodge - Matt Dunn & AJ Hamalainen
Masashi Takahagi - The Nuclear power monk
AJ Kitagawa San - The chombo master
Kohei Amemiya San - The little alaskan
Dr Jimi Bush Bush - The Trail Ninja
Matt Dunn - The hookup
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TRANSITION - ION - CESNI - SHIMANO - WTB - ANVL - SMITH - BELL - NORTHWAVE - RACE COMPANY - KS - ALGORIGIN - SQUIRT
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If they are at a park for bikes cool, but natural trails need to be preserved and rode with respect!
Calling it the worst place for anyone who loves bikes or claiming there are only one or two spots is not accurate specially when the video showcases three different spots. As for transportation depending on where you are located and where you are going you might or might not need a car, owning one is not mandatory consider renting that’s what I do. You also might want to check with your local bike shop, these tend to host monthly trail riding events or at least should be able to give a better idea of where to go.
Happy trails.
Once you stop comparing Japan mtb scene to other places you’ll probably start enjoying your riding more and getting know new places.
Cheers
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLja0SavkyLhNtjmtWcgHqtgAYN6O6BR0L