REPORT

A new RHYTHM MTB shop (pictured) has opened across the intersection from Lawson’s Shinshu Hakuba Happo branch, near the “Happo” intersection. The shop offers rentals and sales of e-bikes, full-suspension mountain bikes, cross bikes, and kids’ bikes, along with a selection of cycling gear and apparel. At the opening event held on 6/27 (Fri.), I ran into Michihiko Oshima of the Hakuba Happo-One Ski School, who smiled and said, “Why don’t you rent an E-bike here and ride around the village with me?”
[RHYTHM MTB]

On the day of the ride, we checked in using RHYTHM MTB’s in-store kiosk (pictured). There we met up with Hinano Oshima (pictured, daughter of Michihiko), a familiar presence for Snownavi fans, who told me, “I’m really looking forward to today!” Before setting off, the staff adjusted the saddle height and gave us a thorough explanation of how to use the bikes.
[RHYTHM MTB]

The motor-assisted E-HYBRIDE BIKE I rented this time came with a helmet and cost ¥7,800 for three hours. As the latest model from SPECIALIZED, it offered a smooth ride and intuitive handling—the way it surged forward with even a light push of the pedals made the ride especially fun. We decided to do a “Hakuba Bridge Tour.” We began by crossing the Hakuba Ohashi Bridge, then rode about 3 kilometers downstream along the Matsukawa River before crossing the Matsukawa Ohashi Bridge (pictured) and heading toward Oide Park.
[Matsukawa Ohashi Bridge]

You can adjust the electric assist power output over three levels using the “+” and “–” switches on the left side of the handlebars, and change gears using the switch on the right. I used the middle power setting on flat roads and switched to max power for uphill climbs. About 30 minutes after leaving RHYTHM MTB, we arrived at Oide Park, where we grabbed some cold drinks at the Tsuribashi Chaya teahouse to quench our thirst. (*To be continued in RHYTHM MTB, Pt. 2.)
[Oied Park・Oide Suspension Bridge]

　　
[Rhythm MTB]　
＊Place … 5736-1 Hokujo, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano-ken, 399-9301
＊Open … 8:00～18:00　
＊Fee … MTB, E-HYBRIDE BIKE (wiht Helmet) 3hours JPY7,800, 1-day JPY10,200～ Kids (with helmet) MTB 3hours JPY3,000, 1-day JPY4,000　
＊Parking … Free
　
＊To Visitors Requesting Original Data of Our Photographs
　
reported by Snownavi