Grinduro Japan 2019
Posted By Gravel Union
On 18 November 2019
Event Title:
Grinduro Japan
Date:
12 October 2019
Distance:
30 km
Location:
Shin’etsu, Madarao
Country:
Japan
Altitude Gain:
900m
% of Gravel:
70%
Bike Ridden:
Sonder Camino Ti
Tyre Width:
47mm
Grinduro, or fighting with the elements.
5:35, the alarm clock rings, my foot touches the tatami, sleepiness all around. Coffee or green tea? No one around and probably the earliest starting signal of a Grinduro sounds.
My first Japan visit, I expected surprises, but don't mess with the force of nature. Until yesterday, the chances were high that Japan’s first Grinduro wouldn’t take place at all. The reason: Typhoon19, the 19th this season, a super typhoon and the most violent in decades.
Nothing remained unattempted and plans were made to still run the first Grinduro in Asia. Basically, an earlier start and route shortening was the main solution.
Unbelievable how many brave riders with an excellent mood came to Madarao, particularly considering the adverse circumstance. Some rain in the morning, which should get more violent during the day, the forecast told us. A mystical atmosphere was over the ski area of Madarao just hours before the typhoon was expected.
Sharp at 7am, almost 200 riders were lined up at the start. Just as the first climb was accomplished, we were hitting thick clouds. The first kilometres run over smooth tarmac, suddenly a sharp right turn and we hit a nice double track into the lush green forest. Meanwhile, the rain hardly bothers, by now everything is soggy anyway.
The paths become narrower and muddy. We pass a shrine between mighty conifers. Quick food stop at CP1, technical support included. Most of the time we pushed on - gravel up and down the the hills, but especially the muddy single track sections demand full attention. Death Climb, on the summit CP2 is waiting with small Japanese delicacies. Up here the clouds are extremely dense, the view is just a few meters.
Right after this stop Stage 2, a muddy downhill section, begins. We have a hard time to keep the rubber side down. Riding through this thick foggy weather is truly magical. The next section of the route crosses several ski slopes, the grass is soggy and extremely slippery. Bombing straight downhill a green slope, the last few meters of today right over the finish line.
Happy faces, cheering, and we're done for today - what a ride. Now a cold Sapporo beer and off to the shuttle which takes us directly to a nearby Onsen [Japanese thermal bath]. And Typhoon19 is still hours away.
Photo: Stefan Haehnel