[Niseko Gravel] I participated in a gravel road event in Hokkaido!

I participated in "Niseko Gravel," a gravel road event held in Niseko Town, Hokkaido.

According to prior information, Niseko Town in May was said to be "cold," but on the day of the event, the weather was very pleasant, with temperatures almost the same as in Hiroshima.

This is what the view looked like before landing at New Chitose Airport.

Vast plains stretched out, a sight rarely seen in Hiroshima.

While traveling to the Niseko Gravel venue, I noticed many white-barked "birch trees" and pale green leaves when looking at the mountain scenery.

There were several gentle, wide rivers, and the landscape was different from what I usually see, making me feel excited even before arriving.

For this Niseko Gravel event, I rode a borrowed Ridley Kanzo Adventure.

The Kanzo Adventure is an adventure bike that focuses on durability and off-road performance.

It has a tire clearance of 29x2.1 (700x53c), giving it off-road capabilities comparable to an MTB.

I brought a Tade qui Cunningham bag to carry snacks and my camera during the ride. It was just the right size and I could use it without worry during the gravel ride.

I arrived at the Niseko Gravel venue. It was already lively, like a small festival.

While preparing for the start, many people called out to me, saying "I watch your YouTube!" and "I follow you on social media!" They also introduced me to local Hokkaido specialties and local spots. I was truly happy!

While enjoying the conversation, the event started in no time.

 

Immediately after the start, the roads around Niseko Town had no traffic lights, few cars, wide and clean paved roads, and few hills, making them perfect for cycling.

The forests adjacent to the roads were lined with birch trees, and my heart was dancing with the unfamiliar scenery.

 

There were clear markers at the route's branching points, so I was able to ride to the finish without getting lost once.

The short course I participated in was about 60km long, with about 40% of it being gravel.

The road conditions alternated between paved and gravel, allowing me to experience various types of gravel roads all at once.

Gravel roads on flat ground next to rivers, and

Hill climb gravel roads running through the mountains,

Downhill gravel roads that make you want to speed up.

Even though it was a short course, I experienced a wide variety of gravel sections.

By the way, if you entered the long course, there was apparently a river crossing along the way.

The 60km short course had two aid stations where I could refuel with drinks and food.

 

At the first aid station, I replenished with cola and water.

The second aid station was at Roadside Station Maccari Village, where I had a melon pan from "Kurapan."

I also ate a lily bulb croquette, a local specialty, but it was so delicious that I forgot to take a picture.

If you visit Maccari Village, be sure to try it!

The latter half of the short course was a ride that allowed me to fully enjoy the environment around Niseko Town.

I rode around the beautiful, perfectly triangular Mt. Yotei, past incredibly vast fields and pastures.

There were not only cattle but also ostrich farms, which made me stop my feet.

I was also very interested in the temples and shrines along the way.

The torii gates were made of round metal pipes, a shape rarely seen in Hiroshima.

When I stopped and asked locals about the torii gates, they explained that it might be to prevent deformation from heavy snowfall, or perhaps it was a result of new cultures blending in during the pioneering period 100 years ago.

On the way to Niseko Gravel, I saw many differences from Hiroshima, such as shrines, private houses, and plants growing by the roadside.

I regret a little that if I had learned more about the culture and nature before coming to Hokkaido, I could have enjoyed Niseko Gravel even more.

While enjoying the scenery of Hokkaido and conversations with fellow riders and locals, I reached the goal in no time. 

Although it rained towards the end of the course, it allowed me to experience a different kind of scenery and situation, which was a very enjoyable experience.

During the event, I met many warm people and was refreshed by the rich natural environment, which made me feel truly fortunate.

 

 The next Niseko Gravel is scheduled for Saturday, September 21st - Sunday, September 22nd, 2024.

A round-trip flight from Hiroshima to Hokkaido can be had for just over 30,000 yen if you use early bird discounts, so Hokkaido is closer than you might think.

Niseko Gravel is a valuable event where you can fully enjoy gravel roads unlike any you've experienced before.

It will surely be an unforgettable experience, so please check out the autumn Niseko Gravel!

The details of this Niseko Gravel will be released soon on Grumpy's YouTube channel.

 

Other YouTube videos about Niseko Gravel can be found here. 

 

↓ Niseko Gravel (Hokkaido Food Edition)

From the YouTube sub-channel "GrumpyBikeShop no Mawari Michi"