40th Anniversary, but Still a Muddy Mess!? Challenging the "Asagiri Class" at the 53rd Asagiri Kogen Scramble Race!

On August 16, 2026, the "53rd Asagiri Kogen Scramble Race" was held at the Stackland Farm off-road course at the foot of Mt. Fuji in Asagiri Kogen.

This year marks the 40th anniversary. For the second year in a row, I participated in the Asagiri Class with my 1963 SUZUKI SPORTS80K11 "Serupetto"!

However, a guerrilla downpour the day before caused heavy rain, flooding the race office to the point of submersion...

The Asagiri Kogen Scramble Race, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year

40th Anniversary Race, On to the Asagiri Class!

The "Asagiri Class," featuring vehicles primarily from before 1966 and run in the style of the era, is a signature class of the Asagiri Kogen Scramble Race.

Wearing leather racing suits in the height of summer, riding motorcycles over 60 years old on rough terrain with rocky sections and steep inclines.

...Honestly, it's undeniably more grueling than regular motocross. Haha.

My partner this time is the same 1963 SUZUKI SPORTS80K11, nicknamed "Serupetto," as last year.

Actually, this motorcycle holds a special place for me.

When I first challenged the Asagiri Class at the 51st race, I was given this Serupetto, which was the champion vehicle of that era.

And last year, I rode this bike in the Asagiri Class for the first time and surprisingly took 3rd place.

This year, for the milestone 40th anniversary race, I'm riding this Serupetto again.

Last year's result was almost too good to be true with a podium finish, so I wonder how this year will turn out...

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↓ Last year's article is here
"Cosplay" Motocross Race? I Tried Riding the "Asagiri Class" at the 52nd Asagiri Kogen Scramble Race

My beloved SUZUKI SPORTS 80K11 (1963 model)

Last year, I achieved a miraculous? 3rd place finish on this bike!

However, This Year's Asagiri Was Not Forgiving

The day before the race.

A guerrilla downpour struck Asagiri Kogen.

The rain was so heavy that the race office was flooded.

And then came the race day.

The course was waiting, filled with mud thoroughly soaked by the previous day's rain.

Even without the rain, the Asagiri course is already different from a typical motocross course.

There are rocky sections, ups and downs, and narrow parts.

And on top of that, there was a massive amount of mud.

It was truly a condition that lived up to the name "Stackland Farm."

Last year was already sufficiently tough.

But this year...

"Can we really ride this?"

It was at that level. Haha.

Inside the course (tap here for YouTube)

Participants check the course, roughed up by the previous day's guerrilla downpour

The parking area, which was flooded the day before, had drained by the morning of the race

Finally, the "Asagiri Class" Starts!

Before the start.

While warming up the engine, I looked around and saw, once again, a lineup of motorcycles over 60 years old.

SUZUKI, HONDA, YAMAHA, BRIDGESTONE, TOHATSU, and FUJI...

Unique machines, completely different from modern motocrossers, lined up at the same starting line.

And then, the start of the 40th anniversary race!

Many YAMAHA YA-1s from 1955, known as "Akatombo" (Red Dragonfly), participated!

This is a "Billius E-type" made by Nichibei Fuji Bicycle Co., Ltd., which you'd rarely see on public roads...

First Heat, Barely Finished in 5th Place

Once the race started, the mud was indeed intense.

The tires slipped.

The bike wouldn't move forward.

And the Serupetto is a 1963 model.

It doesn't have the powerful traction of modern off-road bikes, nor the agile suspension.

The harder the rider tried, the more I felt like the bike was saying, "Please don't push me that hard." Haha.

Still, I had last year's experience.

Instead of trying to ride fast, my priority was not to fall.

I opened the throttle while observing the mud conditions.

Put my foot down.

Balanced myself.

And then moved forward again.

Repeating these actions, I somehow managed to reach the checkered flag.

5th place in the first heat.

First, I was relieved to have finished safely.

革ツナギに手作りのタスキゼッケンという…コスプレスタイルが本クラスの正装
Photo by @164.oji

My determined face as I ride... I barely finished the first heat in 5th place

Second Heat, Receiving Asagiri's Baptism

And then the second heat.

This was where the real challenge began.

The course conditions were still muddy.

Especially on the slippery uphill sections, if you strayed even slightly from the line, you'd lose grip instantly.

I thought I was proceeding cautiously.

...But Asagiri is not that forgiving.

Sliiiip!

The bike slid.

And then, I fell.

I tried to put my foot down to brace myself, but my foot sank deep into the mud... Haha.

I couldn't manage it on my own and had to be helped by a marshal to restart.

Last year, I completed both heats without falling, but this year, I finally received Asagiri's baptism.

I picked up the bike, covered in mud.

"Maybe I can't go any further..."

Even thinking that, I started riding again.

Perhaps this is the scary yet fascinating aspect of the Asagiri Kogen Scramble Race.

Many riders fell even near the finish line where the road surface was relatively better...
Photo by @164.oji

Even advanced riders fell and got covered in mud...

Asagiri: A Race That's More Than Just Speed

In a normal race, speed is paramount.

Of course, Asagiri is also a race, and fast riders are fast.

But this event has a charm that goes beyond just speed.

Making motorcycles over 60 years old muddy again in this era.

Riders dressed in the style of the time attack the course with smiles and serious determination.

And after the race, everyone is equally covered in mud.

Regardless of age, motorcycle brand, or speed, everyone is connected by the single point of "riding an old motorcycle."

The event's objective, "to expand the circle and harmony of fellow enthusiasts," is truly present here. (Asagiri Kogen Scramble Executive Committee)

A veteran rider over 80 years old shows off a brilliant ride!

At the awards ceremony, rivals congratulate each other with smiles!

The Reason It's Continued for 40 Years

The Asagiri Kogen Scramble Race began in 1986.

This is the 53rd race, and the 40th anniversary.

Over 40 years, the motorcycles, riders, and the era have all changed.

Yet, the desire to ride old motorcycles remains.

The desire to enjoy it with friends.

That feeling hasn't changed.

Rather, seeing motorcycles over 60 years old running actively in the mud evokes something that cannot be expressed by the word "classic car" alone.

This is not just a race.

It's not about "preserving" old motorcycles, but about "making them run."

Perhaps the most amazing thing about this event is that this culture has been preserved for 40 years.

Riders chatting amicably before the race

Despite the tough course, it's a homey event that starts with radio calisthenics and offers many local specialty souvenirs

Next Year... Will I Participate?

After falling in the second heat, getting covered in mud, and being battered both physically and with the bike.

The moment I crossed the finish line, I thought.

"Maybe I don't need to participate next year..." Haha.

But after a while, strangely, I felt like riding again.

By riding in Asagiri again this year, I was able to reaffirm how enjoyable this event is.

Probably next year...

I have a feeling I'll be entering again while saying, "I don't want to participate." Haha.

The Asagiri Kogen Scramble Race, celebrating its 40th anniversary.

I hope that old motorcycles will continue to run in the mud at this location for 50, 60 years to come.

And I, too, will probably stick with this "masochistic hobby" a little longer.

See you again in Asagiri next year.

40th anniversary. May this scenery continue for the next 10 years.

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