Now we are off to Ina City, Nagano Prefecture!

Early in the morning on a December day, the air outside was so cold that the breath of the people breathing it out appeared white. Amidst such conditions, three people gathered at a certain location in Tokyo: Fumihiko Okabe, a stylist with a deep knowledge of the outdoors; Yuma Tsuchiya, a designer at Half Track Products who creates products from a unique perspective; and Jun Nakata, our HOUYHNHNM's editorial department member. The purpose of the trip was to visit Nobuhiro Takemura of CLAMP, a bike store in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, to try fat biking in the snowy mountains. After greeting each other, the three of us immediately boarded a Wrangler Unlimited Anniversary Edition, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the birth of Jeep®, and headed off to Nagano.

What kind of bike is a fat bike?

It was a three-hour drive with breaks along the way. By the time we reached "CLAMP" after exiting the Chuo Expressway at the Ina IC, the sun was shining brightly. The tension of the members gradually increased in the cloudless clear skies.

Mr. Takemura welcomes the three of us at the entrance.

Good morning! Welcome to CLAMP! I'm Takemura, the manager. Nice to meet you today!" (Takemura)

After greeting and introducing themselves, the group entered the store. The spacious warehouse-like store is filled with not only bicycles, but also clothing, outdoor goods, and old tools to support activities, all of which are condensed with the owner Takemura's sense of style. The store also has cosmetics and a coffee area, making it a place where children and adults alike can enjoy themselves even if they are not interested in bicycles or the outdoors.

At one of the stores, the team members were given an explanation about fat bikes, which they will be trying this time. What kind of bike is a fat bike, anyway?

This bike with fat tires is a fat bike!" (Nakata)

Yes, it is. It started out as a bike developed by bicyclists in Minnesota, a cold region in the United States, as a bike that could be ridden in the snow. On snow, a normal narrow tire would sink and not rotate even if you pedaled, but this tire is thicker and inflated to a lower pressure, so the ground surface is wider when you ride it. This allows the tires to bite firmly into the snow, making it possible to ride on snow-covered roads with confidence. By the way, you can ride it not only on snowy roads, but also on sandy beaches! (Takemura)

I see."

The light weight is also attractive in contrast to its rugged appearance," says Takemura.

Really, it's so light!" (Okabe)

Isn't that right?" That's why you can ride it on normal paved roads. The larger tires give a great sense of stability, and I don't think you will feel fear when riding. That is why I recommend it for women as well. The fluffy ride is also very comfortable.

The Wrangler Unlimited Anniversary Edition with the fatbike on board departed for the Shikamine Plateau!

Having gained knowledge about fat biking, the members check the map to see where they are going to try this activity.

'Where are you going to ride your fat bike this time?' (Okabe)

It's less than an hour's drive from here to the Shikamine Plateau. It is surrounded by the Alps and offers a beautiful view. It just snowed the other day, so the conditions should be good. It's a perfect fat bike day! (Takemura)

The Shikamine Plateau, Mr. Takemura says, is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level. The plateau offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Central Alps, Southern Alps, and Northern Alps. We plan to enjoy fat biking there and admire the scenery. So, we quickly fold down the rear seat of the car, load the fat bike into the car, and hurry to our destination!

The Wrangler Unlimited offers powerful performance on snow-covered roads.

Wrangler Unlimited" with three fat bikes and other gear. Even with three adults and a lot of luggage, the Wrangler Unlimited is light and nimble. The Wrangler Unlimited moves forward at a brisk pace, following Mr. Takemura's car, which is leading the way.

It's a great car to drive even when it's fully loaded. It feels good to drive.

This car is comfortable. The engine is quiet. Yuma-kun also drives a Wrangler in his private life, right?" (Okabe)

Yes, that's right. I myself love the outdoors, camping and snowboarding in the winter, so I thought a Jeep would be a good choice. My wife also likes this car and drives it often. She told me that her acquaintances compliment her on it (laughs). (Laughs.) There aren't many of these rugged cars around anymore, and I like the fact that it doesn't look old-fashioned.

Just like the cars, the three men's talk is lighthearted.

I guess the jeep is every man's dream," Nakata said.

I actually like Japanese cars. I like Japanese cars because they don't break easily. But this Jeep looks tougher than Japanese cars, and I'm really attracted to it. I also like the fact that the interior is delicate in contrast to its rugged appearance. Yuma-kun, how do you like driving it?" (Okabe)

It's very good. First of all, the sound when listening to music is very good. You feel a sense of presence. Also, the air conditioning works great. The airflow is so strong that I even use it as a hair dryer when I go to a hot spring (laughs).

While we were having a lively Jeep discussion, the Wrangler plunged into the mountain roads. As we approached our destination, the Shikamine Plateau, Takemura-san's car, which was leading the way, came to a halt. He pulled out a knife in front of a birch lying on the side road and began to shave off the bark.

I'm thinking of making a small dish on top of the fire, relying on the flames. I'm planning to cook a little food on the top, relying on the flames from the bonfire, so I was wondering if you could all help me shave the bark." (Takemura)

According to the story, birch bark contains a lot of oil. As a natural igniter, it is said to be useful for lighting bonfires and stoves. After helping Mr. Takemura, the group gets back into the car. We are almost to the top. The view out the window of the car opens up to reveal the grandeur of the Southern Alps.

As we approached the summit, there was snow on the road. This is when 4WD really comes into its own. The gear is operated to switch the engine drive system.

I like the fact that I can easily switch to 4WD with the lever at hand. It's also very powerful on snowy roads, so I don't have to worry! (Nakada)

Arrive at Shikamine Plateau! Ride on fat bikes!

After arriving safely at Shikamine Kogen, the group unloaded their fat bikes from the car and began preparing for the activity. The members of the group were preparing with serious expressions on their faces, paying no attention to the beautiful snowy scenery, and you could tell that they were eager to get on their fat bikes! I could clearly feel their eagerness to get out on the fat bikes.

The team members finished their preparations while suppressing their nervousness. After a brief instruction by Mr. Takemura, they started driving on a simple course for practice!

It feels nice and fluffy! Riding a bike on the snow is a strange feeling.

The fat bike's fat tires bite firmly into the snow, giving it a strong grip. The sound of the snow is also very pleasant to the touch.

Lunch on the snow to spice up the beautiful Alpine scenery.

After letting the sensations of fat biking sink into our bodies, we first get hungry for the real ride in the afternoon. As we prepare together, we enjoy the food that Takemura-san has prepared for us. The birch bark we picked up along the way came in handy.

Today's menu includes cream of chicken and mushroom soup, sausage, and toasted bacon and eggs. The aroma of delicious food fills the air and stimulates the appetite.

'Kooooooooo! Delicious! Lunch with a view of the Southern Alps. It's a luxurious time, isn't it?" (Nakata)

The view of the Alps is the perfect spice to make the food delicious. While enjoying the food, you can also engage in lively conversation.

Why did you start CLAMP, Mr. Takemura?" (Tsuchiya)

I used to work for a bicycle shop in Osaka about 10 years ago. After retiring from that job, I continued to work as an outdoor tour guide. Then I got a call from our president and he said, 'Why don't you open a store here? I was asked if I wanted to open something here.

It's sudden (laughs)."

When I first heard about it, I was surprised and at the same time thought, 'It's impossible' (laughs). I kept saying no, but the president was very enthusiastic about it, so I decided to give it a try, and since I had some know-how, I decided to start a bicycle shop.

Mr. Takemura, who has always been well versed in all things outdoors, is proposing a variety of activities centered on bicycles. For example, riding a bicycle to the river to experience fishing. It is similar to the way the members gathered here today ride jeeps and try various activities.

Nakata was enjoying a piece of toast while listening to Takemura-san's talk. Beside him, Okabe-san was taking a rest in the hammock that Takemura-san had set up for him.

The location is so beautiful that just swaying like this is a great feeling.

At the end of the uphill, the best view of the day.

After enjoying the best food and scenery, the members filled their stomachs. After cleaning up the meal, it was time to try some serious riding.

Let's get going, then. Let's ride slowly along the snow-covered road to the high ground. There are some climbs along the way, so pedal hard and keep going.

Best regards!" (All together)

First, the group rode in a line on the flat road. The group moves forward slowly, enjoying the fluffy feeling of the snow and fat bikes. It must be very pleasant to enjoy this activity while looking at the pure white snow and the lush scenery of trees.

On the way up, the group pedaled uphill, panting for breath. After pedaling hard, we were rewarded with the best view of the Alps. The best view of the day was unforgettable. It was worth all the hard work," said Tsuchiya, who was also impressed by the view.

Leaving behind the wonderful view of the Alps, we left the place and proceeded to the next course. After the climb comes the descent. It is a downhill.

"Proceed with caution, keeping your weight behind you. Fat bikes brake easily, so if you brake too hard, you will fall forward and become a snowman.

Last spurt after a coffee break!

The group successfully completed the downhill, enjoying the thrill and the sense of grandeur at the same time. When they arrived at an open area like a plaza, Mr. Takemura, who was leading the pack, stopped.

Let's take a coffee break here.

As he spoke with a smile, Takemura-san took out his tools from his bag and brewed a pot of coffee. Meanwhile, the members set up the hammock.

When we were all ready, we all took a break. How do you like the fat bike?" Okabe-san replies to Takemura-san's question, "How do you like fat bikes?

I'm having more fun than I ever thought I would. It's lighter and easier to ride than my mountain bike, and I want to ride it more. The fat bike itself is simply cool as a product. It looks great in natural scenery.

I feel like I'm finally getting used to it. I'm finally getting a handle on how to handle it. When I rode on soft snow, I felt a sensation similar to when I rode on snowboard powder. At that time, I thought, 'This is going to be interesting if I can really get to grips with it. I was surprised at how quickly Okabe-san swallowed it all (laughs). He looked like he was having a lot of fun during the downhill race.

I used to ride motocross, so the feeling was similar to that of motocross. I was afraid of slipping on snow-covered roads, but I knew that I could go this far, so I was able to enjoy the ride.

Mr. Takemura seemed relieved to see that he was gradually getting the hang of riding a fat bike. His face lights up involuntarily.

Now, let's get going. The goal is just a little further down the hill. Let's go for the last spurt! (Takemura)

Members heading home after the activity.

After a brilliant run through the last downhill, we finally reached the goal.

The sun was still over the members' heads when they set out on the course a little after noon, but now it was already tilting to the west and beginning to sink into the mountain ridge.

Thank you so much, Mr. Takemura! I had so much fun on the fat bike!" (Nakata)

I definitely want to come back. I rode for a long time today, but I haven't ridden enough yet.

I finished just when I was starting to get the hang of it, so I'm not satisfied with my performance. I will definitely come back again with Okabe-san.

Thank you very much. I am glad you all had a good time. Let's definitely play together again!" (Takemura)

By the time we loaded the fat bike on the car again and were ready to leave, the sun had completely set. The mountain ridge was faintly tinted with the color of the setting sun, and the town was beginning to light up, creating a nostalgic scene.

The members bid farewell to the scenery and get into their cars. We slowly accelerated on the winding mountain roads as we left the Shikamine Highlands behind. What kind of activity will they try next time?