Adventure riding royalty Charley Boorman and Elspeth Beard are set to embark on a trip for the ages across Japan that will see them ride from Kobe to Tokyo, exploring and experiencing local traditions and customs along the way.
The Zerofit-commissioned series will be documented in three episodes hosted on Charley’s YouTube channel, with a release date planned for December, the perfect Festive treat!
Zerofit have partnered with Yamaha for the trip, and Charley and Elspeth will ride the TRACER 9 GT+ bikes throughout Japan, homeland of both Zerofit and Yamaha.
The Elspeth Beard Story
While bikers all over the world will be familiar with the adventures of Zerofit ambassador Charley Boorman, Elspeth Beard might be more of an unknown to many.
A genuine trailblazer, Elspeth was the first British woman to ride around the world when she undertook the journey across the continents between 1982-1984, and the story is documented in her incredible book ‘Lone Rider’.
‘Elspeth bought some of our products after borrowing the baselayers from a friend on one of her trips last summer,’ said Michael Morton, Zerofit Managing Director.
‘We met her for the first time at the ABR Festival, where she captivated the crowds with an incredible array of storytelling. We were thrilled when she agreed to come on board as an ambassador, and we knew that this Japanese trip would be the perfect first journey together,’ he added.
Why Tower to Tower?
The six-day trip through Japan will culminate at The Tokyo Tower, with Charley and Elspeth riding from Kobe to the nation’s capital.
‘Elspeth lives in a converted water tower in Surrey, and she allowed us to conduct a content shoot at her home, which is utterly spectacular and it gave us the ideal backdrop to capture some superb still imagery and video before we left,’ said Mr Morton.
‘So, it seemed like a sensible place for Charley and Elspeth to meet, discuss the route, the sights and experiences they would be undertaking in Japan.
‘Elspeth – who is an architect by trade – has transformed the Tower over the years, and it was a lovely backdrop for the two of them to get acquainted with the bikes, thanks to our friends at Yamaha,’ he added.
Zerofit baselayers are made for different conditions and temperatures, so Charley and Elspeth will be able to select between the Heatrub Ultimate, Heatrub Move and IceSkin during the trip.
Temperatures will vary between 10° and 22° Celsius, so for the coldest sections of the journey, the Heatrub Ultimate will be needed, but when the temperature rises during the day, the riders may well opt for the Move Baselayer that adapts with the changing conditions. And on the hottest days, the IceSkin Baselayer will keep Charley and Elspeth cool.
The Route
Zerofit’s Dynamic Duo will collect their Yamaha TRACER 9 GT+ machines in Kobe before travelling to Kyoto, visiting Nijo Castle (pictured above), a symbol of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
They then make their way to Seki, Japan’s sword-making centre for a private tutorial with a famous swordsmith, and the day culminates with a journey through the beautiful Kiso Valley.
The famous Nakasendo Route is up next, taking in the superb mountain scenery and an overnight stay at a traditional ryokan, a Japanese-style inn that features tatami-matted rooms for a truly authentic experience.
Hopefully well-rested, Charley and Elspeth will ride through the Japanese Alps to the Fuji Five Lakes area, enjoying spectacular views of Mt Fuji and then on to Hakone before the final day.
A scenic ride via Sagami Bay to historic Kamakura follows, visiting the Great Buddha and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
The trip closes at the world-famous Tokyo Tower, after a journey of more than 1,000km. Follow Zerofit Europe, Elspeth and Charley on Instagram for more updates!
