Adventures in Japan
Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:12 pm
My heart is still pounding after a fabulous adventure in Japan over the Christmas and new year break.
The whole thing started after I contacted a small bike shop just outside Osaka trying to source parts for one of the stablemates. I received a reply and over the next few weeks using translation web sites, we hammered out a plan for some parts and also received an open invite to visit. I don't need a second chance and on new years day, along with my daughter, I flew to Osaka for the best two weeks I have ever had.
We were met by Ryozo and his wife Akemi, very little communication was possible due to the obvious language barriers but with a few sketches and the very bare essential we made it to their daughters home where around ten people were waiting for us. New years day is the biggest holiday in the Japanese calender and there was a huge spread of food awaiting our arrival. We had traditional foods, mostly it was all cooked but some raw fish and pretty hot wasabi was washed down with plenty of Saki and some very nice local beers. It was a terrific night but the next day was a gem.
We had arranged to split up, my daughter was taken to Kobe for a spot of shopping whilst Ryozo and I headed 40 minutes into the hills to help set up some trials sections for the next days event. The location is kameoka and the property is owned by a legend of the trials world, Mori san. Mori created Kameoka Trial land in 1972 (http://www.kameokatrialland.co.jp) and it is used as a trials practice and event venue.
We arrived at around 8.30 but ever industrious, most of the sections were already set. Along with Ryozo and a few other guys we finished the twelve sections by mid morning at which point I was asked to 'have a go'. Ryozo rides a Montesa 4RT in the National event but because of my interest in twinshocks, he had brought along his little Honda TLM50. This is no ordinary bike and after a quick warmup, I was attacking quite large rocks with confidence. The little 50cc powerhouse has had numerous modifications and was amazingly easy to flick around.
I rode for an hour or so before being summoned to meet the man himself. Mori san (this is the japanese way of respectfully addressing an elder) was underneath the bonnet of a Rallye Simca, a classic 60's car from France. He suggested we take a walk into his garage where I was to be given the priveledge of a personal tour of his 'collection'.
OK, check out the website, this collection is to die for. It consists of all his classic trials bikes from his professional career. Ossa, Bultaco, Montesa, SWM, Greeves, BSA, Honda and numerous Yamaha bikes including a Kato modified TY175. He had a bridgestone, a number of classic cars and extensive memorabilia, I guess the Sammy Miller of Japan. My eyes were popping out of my head but after drooling for almost an hour he said...."choose bike"....my jaw dropped.....surely he was not serious. I suddenly felt extremely nervous but also honoured at the same time. My eyes scanned the bikes infront of me and taking a relatively safe option, I choose a TY250.
I rode for the next hour or so with Kojiro, the younger son of Mori San, It was fantastic. Up and over rocks, creek beds, tyres and all the time with virtually zero actual language. By this time the rest of the organising gang were hanging around and encouraging me with vigourous throttle twists and huge smiles. I made tons of friends and returned with Ryozo for an evening of amazing food in a traditional restaurant. We were definately off the traditional tourist trail in the heart of Japan, it was fantastic
Hope you like this first installment. The following day was the new year trials event with some pretty high grade riders taking part. I'll write more tomorrow
Happy new year to all
Andy
The whole thing started after I contacted a small bike shop just outside Osaka trying to source parts for one of the stablemates. I received a reply and over the next few weeks using translation web sites, we hammered out a plan for some parts and also received an open invite to visit. I don't need a second chance and on new years day, along with my daughter, I flew to Osaka for the best two weeks I have ever had.
We were met by Ryozo and his wife Akemi, very little communication was possible due to the obvious language barriers but with a few sketches and the very bare essential we made it to their daughters home where around ten people were waiting for us. New years day is the biggest holiday in the Japanese calender and there was a huge spread of food awaiting our arrival. We had traditional foods, mostly it was all cooked but some raw fish and pretty hot wasabi was washed down with plenty of Saki and some very nice local beers. It was a terrific night but the next day was a gem.
We had arranged to split up, my daughter was taken to Kobe for a spot of shopping whilst Ryozo and I headed 40 minutes into the hills to help set up some trials sections for the next days event. The location is kameoka and the property is owned by a legend of the trials world, Mori san. Mori created Kameoka Trial land in 1972 (http://www.kameokatrialland.co.jp) and it is used as a trials practice and event venue.
We arrived at around 8.30 but ever industrious, most of the sections were already set. Along with Ryozo and a few other guys we finished the twelve sections by mid morning at which point I was asked to 'have a go'. Ryozo rides a Montesa 4RT in the National event but because of my interest in twinshocks, he had brought along his little Honda TLM50. This is no ordinary bike and after a quick warmup, I was attacking quite large rocks with confidence. The little 50cc powerhouse has had numerous modifications and was amazingly easy to flick around.
I rode for an hour or so before being summoned to meet the man himself. Mori san (this is the japanese way of respectfully addressing an elder) was underneath the bonnet of a Rallye Simca, a classic 60's car from France. He suggested we take a walk into his garage where I was to be given the priveledge of a personal tour of his 'collection'.
OK, check out the website, this collection is to die for. It consists of all his classic trials bikes from his professional career. Ossa, Bultaco, Montesa, SWM, Greeves, BSA, Honda and numerous Yamaha bikes including a Kato modified TY175. He had a bridgestone, a number of classic cars and extensive memorabilia, I guess the Sammy Miller of Japan. My eyes were popping out of my head but after drooling for almost an hour he said...."choose bike"....my jaw dropped.....surely he was not serious. I suddenly felt extremely nervous but also honoured at the same time. My eyes scanned the bikes infront of me and taking a relatively safe option, I choose a TY250.
I rode for the next hour or so with Kojiro, the younger son of Mori San, It was fantastic. Up and over rocks, creek beds, tyres and all the time with virtually zero actual language. By this time the rest of the organising gang were hanging around and encouraging me with vigourous throttle twists and huge smiles. I made tons of friends and returned with Ryozo for an evening of amazing food in a traditional restaurant. We were definately off the traditional tourist trail in the heart of Japan, it was fantastic
Hope you like this first installment. The following day was the new year trials event with some pretty high grade riders taking part. I'll write more tomorrow
Happy new year to all
Andy