Brian and I rode DH (downhill) (for the first time this season!) on Saturday. Our favorite downhill trails are part of Fujimi Panorama, in Nagano Prefecture (facing the Yatsugatake mountain range and, downrange, Mt. Fuji). We bought our season passes, which allows us to take the gondolas to the top of Nyugasayama, from now until early November, when snow, and thus ski season, takes over (strange but true: downhillers prefer not to ride uphill).
The conditions on Saturday were great - dry and uncrowded and getting out on our downhill rigs was awesome fun, especially as I had not ridden the Bullit since putting on the new fork, tires and pedals; a great day to start getting back into downhilling form. Brian began his third season on his GT DHi, but also with a different fork (my modified Super T Pro, better suited to his weight).
We usually go to Nagano on the weekends during downhill season, and we stay, often "camping" in the parking areas of the around the gondola. Most of the folks we know there do the same. Last night, however, we packed up the Pajero and '4-wheeled' into the mountains and camped beside a river. It was quiet except for a waterfall - a wonderful campsite. Despite the after coffee morning sprinkles, we went back to Fujimi Panorama, hoping for sunshine and some good riding. The gods of mishchief were against us, however.
On Sunday, Fujimi Panorama hosted an unusual run/bike race event, which was held on one of the DH trails (C) and through the grounds.
Unknown Racer #1 - The soaking rain made for some unpleasant race conditions.
Adventure Series Racers persevering through brief hot sun and cold, cold rain.
The shame was that Sunday was sooo wet, even we opted out of riding. We watched the race for a while and drank more coffee, but in the end gave up and packed up (I still feel sorry for those racers).
We took the Chuo highway home, and received yet another great view of Mt. Fuji when the clouds parted:
Despite the rain, we had a great weekend and thoroughly enjoyed riding our downhill bikes again.
The only thing missing? Our friends Chris and Wendy, who are fun riding buddies, great riders, and good people - now on business trips and surely missing the fun.
1 comment:
That race looks fun. Cold, but fun. Was it all down hill? Any movement on getting road wheels?
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