Rush through Aso! Rush through the green mountains!

　Riding a bicycle in the city. For me, who am not getting enough exercise on a daily basis, just riding a bike in the city is a great feeling. But in the great outdoors, it would be nothing short of exhilarating! That's right, let's ride a bicycle in the mountains of Aso. No matter how much exercise you are lacking, it's all right. The "Bokuya Ride" organized by Michi no Eki Aso allows you to use an electric mountain bike (e-bike) and a professional guide will take you around.

You have the pasture all to yourself, which is normally inaccessible!

Aso is home to one of the largest grasslands in Japan, represented by "Kusasenrigahama. Aso, where grasslands of mainly Miscanthus sinensis were formed about 13,000 years ago, and have been grazed by cattle and horses since people settled there more than 1,000 years ago. The area is part of the Aso-Kujyu National Park, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Agricultural Heritage Site and a World Geopark. The grazing land is called "pasture," and is usually off-limits to all but members of the pasture association.
The "Makino Ride" is a special program in which a special area of the Makino that is off-limits to visitors is opened to the public, and a guide guides visitors through the attractions of the Makino. It is a unique experience in Japan. The program has been offered since December 2018 by the NPOP corporation ASO Rural Space Museum, which operates "Michi no Eki Aso" as part of its "Makino Guide" pastoral field experience. The experience is available by reservation only and can be done by individuals with a minimum of two people. There are two courses: 3 hours (22,000 yen) and 6 hours (27,000 yen). Choose according to your fitness level and travel schedule. Elementary school students (half price) can also participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The fee includes rental of an electric mountain bike (e-bike), helmet, elbow protector, and knee protector, insurance, guide fee, and a ¥1,000 pasture use fee.

Running with the wind of Aso in your senses!

　The meeting place for the Makino Ride is Michi no Eki Aso. We will start with a brief explanation of e-bikes and practice riding. After a 30-minute ride from the station, we will arrive at Makino, where we will also learn how to operate the e-bikes. When entering the pasture, we disinfected the area by stepping on lime with our tires and shoes. Since the pasture is usually used for grazing red cattle and other livestock, it is necessary to prevent the entry of viruses and pathogens such as foot-and-mouth disease. This is the rule for entering pastureland that is off-limits. Now, the rest of the pasture ride begins, followed by the guide instructor!

　At first, the terrain is relatively flat, which makes it easy to pedal. Eventually, moderate ups and downs appeared, and in some places we had to get off the bike and push it on the uphill slopes. Then, of course, the downhill slopes bring us to a high speed. People who ride sport bikes on a regular basis are riding with ease.... No, no, you should ride according to your own physical strength and biking skills.
　Anyway, it's nice to feel the wind. The air is delicious! The visibility is wide! On the downhill slopes, you plow through the wind that seems to hit you with a thud. On the flats, the green wind is a gentle companion. The clear blue sky watches over us. The mountains of Aso wrap around us.

Ride to teach pastoral work

　Now, pastureland in Aso is an important local resource and a place to protect local activities. In fact, grasslands, which are mainly composed of Miscanthus sinensis, will fall into disrepair if left to nature. This is why the early spring burning of the fields is indispensable. The guide says, "The repeated burning, gathering of grass, and grazing of the grasslands helps to maintain the ecosystems of a variety of plants and animals, such as the hikosion, hikodai, and oriental white-eye," he says. He occasionally stops his motorcycle to tell us valuable stories. The water retention capacity of the grasslands supports the subsoil water of Aso and is deeply related to the abundant water resources.
　Currently, the number of livestock farmers who protect pastures is also decreasing due to aging and other factors. If the practice of burning fields is discontinued, the grasslands will become a wilderness. The "Pasture Ride" was started to protect pasturelands that have been in existence for 1,000 years. After getting off the bike, I looked at my feet and noticed small wildflowers blooming. These simple flowers are also important "friends" of the grasslands of Aso. In Aso, there are many wildflowers that can only be found here in Japan, some of which are endangered or semi-endangered species. The flowers are able to bloom thanks to the efforts of the pastoralists.

Makino guides more than just rides

The "Makino Ride" is an electric mountain bike ride through the Aso pastures, but Michi no Eki Aso's "Makino Guide" program also includes a trail run and trekking. Trekking is recommended for those who want to take a closer look at the nature of Aso. Guided by a pastureland cooperative member or other guide, visitors can stroll through the pastureland and experience scenery not normally seen on the Aso sightseeing course. In addition, in recent years, some participants have been holding cosplay events in the pastoral fields. The reason for the popularity of this event is that visitors can take dynamic photos with the backdrop of Mother Nature, taking advantage of the difference in elevation.
　Above all, you can fully enjoy the nature of Aso in a pasture that is normally inaccessible. That is what an extraordinary experience is, and what you can do because you are traveling. Now, let's go for another run through Aso.

Makino Ride