The final round of the 2024 Grinduro world series was held in Minakami, Japan and it's taken us a few weeks to process what an amazing experience it was to take part. You can probably find the combination of scenery, riding and people in many places in the world, but we suspect that none would have quite the wow factor that Japan has! A real treat for all the senses and one we won't forget in a hurry.

Grinduro ethos summed up in one photograph! Rob from Backcountry Japan, who was in charge of the amazing team of volunteers at the event.

Henna from the Shimano Gravel Alliance getting ready to go 

"Which way should we all be looking?"

Last minute bike faff

An early morning roll-out through the centre of Minakami

Riding at a sociable pace on the first climb.

What bike for Grinduro? Three possible answers.

Regular drink stops were super useful in the hot and humid conditions.

Perhaps we could get the bridge painted purple next time?

Autumnal gravelling

Stage 1 felt a bit more like Climbduro than Grinduro!

The race for the timing mat at the end of Stage 1

Luckily the overnight rain had damped down the dust perfectly.....

A future Grinduro rider in the background

Smile please

Gravel heaven

Dam, what a view!

Climbing away from the lunch venue

Into the light

The ever-changing scenery was the real star of the show

Rice harvesting in the 21st Century

Hammer Time

Hup hup hup 

It was worth getting to the top just to appreciate the view!

Live timing at the end of each of the timed sectors

Minakami - distracting riders with amazing views since the 9th Century 

"If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise...."

Team time trial to get to the finish

GrinduroGrins

Washing away the evidence

Podium celebrations

Hangover? What hangover?