What Have I Secretly Been Planning | New Video
Added 2018-07-17 17:28:01 +0000 UTCAnd so it begins!
The new video is finally out, revealing the diabolical upcoming journey across Japan by bicycle (that most of you have known about for three months).
So first off, I feel a mixture of exhilaration and dread; exhilaration that people will now get to hear about this awesome plan, and dread that no matter what happens, I have to do it and see it through. And if it all goes to shit, I’ll be doing it under the watchful eye of a few hundred thousand viewers. (No pressure then).
Interestingly, since posting an hour ago, I’ve already received quite a few awesome email and offers for advice from cycle enthusiasts with ideas on how to succeed!
I must admit, I do worry I’ve failed to capture the scale and romance of this journey when talking to people about it; friends, viewers, you guys. I know the word “cycle” doesn’t necessarily ignite the fires of anticipation when you hear it (or maybe it does! leave a comment below), but there’s genuinely a lot to be excited about.
Even I re-discover how to smile again, when I picture all the beautiful places we’ll uncover on our journey, the people we’ll encounter, the ridiculous situations that’ll arise, and of course, the dishes I’ll stuff my face with and attempt to explain in increasingly complex adjectives, everyday for a month.
Over the next week though, I’ll be planning the trip out and working out how far I’ll need to cycle each day, although it’ll need to be 66km a day if we’re going on the basis of 2,000km divided by 30 days (I suspect that ultimately, it’ll be more like 36 days).
In terms of funding, it’ll be primarily through Patreon, and for the production crew we’ll have the support of Odigo and Tokyo Creative. They’re willing to offer their support, in return for making some separate videos and live streams for them along the way, which is a very fair trade.
Because with their support of a two/three man production team, I think we can pull off something special - something that’s never been done before in Japan; a cross country journey, with daily videos and live streams, filmed to almost TV production quality and watched and enjoyed by thousands.
If we pull this off, when I collapse at the finishing line in Kagoshima, I'll be sure to die with a smile on my face.
- Many of you may have questions about the trip though, and I’m happy to answer below! (And you've probably even thought of things, that I haven't even considered yet!)
In other news this week; we have another fun-filled Tokyo Creative video, taste testing Japan’s recent obsession of clear drinks (including Clear Coke).
And to be clear, I did actually trt Coca Clear on Tokyo Creative first and not in the new video (IT WAS ALL LIES). Watch it and see how Emma and I evaluated Japan’s finest clear beverages here:
Drinking Coca Cola Clear for the First time
► https://youtu.be/HtDY0JF09_s
And in the most recent Podcast, Pete and I discuss why and how Natsuki had his day ruined by an Earthquake, while we were recently shooting in Gifu prefecture. Bless him.
► PODCAST: http://hyperurl.co/nhgr30
There’s also another brand new Podcast out tomorrow talking about Japan’s bizarre rent-a-friend culture, that I still haven’t quite wrapped my head around.
But for now guys, I hope you're all having a great week and are looking forward to this journey across Japan and of course, enjoy the new video!
I'm filming with Ryotaro this week, so expect to see what's going on behind the scenes later this week.
Chris
P.S. Also, thanks guys for posting your ideas for a Natsuki/Ryotaro collab on the previous post. There’s a worryingly high level enthusiasm; so high that we may have to genuinely stick them both in a video together before the year is out. I think it would need to be some kind of challenge - probably involving food. Maybe we could tie into the cycle somehow?
Comments
Be honest Broad; since this was posted three weeks ago, have you done any training for this what so ever? Why aren't you doing more? That second question is one you answer for yourself. Step outside of your self made distractions and answer it, now. Turn away from your screen and answer it.
2018-08-08 22:25:27 +0000 UTCI've been thinking about this recently; I did put quite a few new sound effects in the recent video announcing the cycle. I reckon the piano sound has outlived itself, but I don't know if I could ever replace the Inception sound. I live for that sound.
Abroad in Japan
2018-07-27 13:16:47 +0000 UTCThe Natsuki's fuck you cannot be used enough however ;-)
2018-07-24 12:42:02 +0000 UTCPoint of criticism: You need to get some new sound effects. I'ts rather annoying and noticable when you hear the same sound effect that you've been using for years (like the inception bwaah, the hands-slapping-a-bunch-of-piano-keys-simultaneously, and etc.) Other than that the quality of your videos have improved impressively, and I like the direction you're taking your channel in.
The person reading this is sexy and epic
2018-07-20 23:57:48 +0000 UTCMake sure you get a very comfortable bike seat!
The person reading this is sexy and epic
2018-07-20 10:23:05 +0000 UTCGreat m8! But don’t you think 2000km in 30 days is a bit much? That’s 67km every single day without resting days. I would consider myself a fairly competent cyclist, and riding 100km on asphalt on a light mountain bike in some 4-5 hours with some 2-300 meter of climbing makes a body go “out of order” for the next couples of days. If you are making videos on top of that I think the 67km per day will be shooting a bit high.
2018-07-19 21:29:25 +0000 UTCI think the production team is going to take care of all that.
Argus9 (Jonathan)
2018-07-19 13:50:05 +0000 UTCI think it's a great challenge Chris. You should publicize the route well so people can join you. I think it'd be a blast and probably a bit chaotic (in the fun way of course) to have people join for bits of the trip. It'd certainly make the trip go more quickly. I think you'll make it, maybe not in 30 days, but you'll make it. A couple of suggestions... make sure you get a really good, comfortable seat that fits your, uhhh, sitter. And get some good cycling pants to protect your sitter too. Your sitter will thank you.
2018-07-19 11:47:40 +0000 UTCIf you want a food challenge to be somewhat relatable to cycling. How about a Kaiten sushi challenge? 自転車⇒bike, 回転寿司⇒conveyorbelt sushi. 😎
2018-07-19 07:44:31 +0000 UTCI'd love to cycle across Japan like that - fun thing to work towards.
2018-07-18 10:37:29 +0000 UTCLOVE the concept, it really hasn't ever been done before. It'll be really draining for sure, not just physically but mentally as well, having to produce so much stuff on the go. Make sure you have some recreation/you time every day. And question - how did you do the fast paced jump cuts? Looks like it was filmed from 3 or 4 different angles, yet it's seamless with what you're saying.
2018-07-18 10:23:38 +0000 UTCLooking forward to the cycling videos! Whilst traveling Japan myself, I met someone who did a "cycle through Japan trip", too and it sounded like an amazing experience! As many people said before, don't forget to think about your own happiness and enjoyment along the trip. Good luck and ganbatte :) About the Ryotaro/Natsuki video: Not too much of a fan of the food challenges (except for the Soba one) - maybe you could do some other contest? I really enjoyed the Haiku contest over at Tokyo Creative and think that both Ryotaro and Natsuki would do a very good job at entertaining ;). Or maybe there will be an opportunity for a fun and exotic sport activity along the way that could be turned into a competition.
2018-07-18 07:57:53 +0000 UTCSounds like a cool plan, the idea of a cycle like that is a bit of a nightmare to me (also being a guy who never exercises...) but am sure once you're prepared it'll be amazing to get out and see the sights, eat the food, meet the people and all the other shenanigans that'll happen along the way! So best of luck!
2018-07-18 06:19:51 +0000 UTCOh, and one thing I forgot to say is this: After your 4 months of prep work, if you don't think you are really ready, then reschedule for spring or something. We'll wait. Your health is more important.
2018-07-18 05:25:10 +0000 UTCGood luck on the ride. I believe you can do it. Just invest in a good seat and take your time.
bren
2018-07-18 05:24:05 +0000 UTCMost important is to enjoy this. Don't worry about exceptional filming quality or perfect editing. This is a massive undertaking that will be one of the things you reflect on later in life. We'll be fine if you don't spend hours of good sleeping time editing videos. Focus on enjoying it yourself, and we'll all enjoy it too automatically. I also think you should plan at least 4 days off, once a week, to get better rest.
2018-07-18 05:22:18 +0000 UTCMe too! Though would be kind of weird meeting someone I've been watching on Youtube for over a year.
Emily Ridgway
2018-07-18 04:56:20 +0000 UTCKeen to see this! I'm living in Maibara (next to the unknown Lake Biwa), will definitely have to come out and wave as you cycle by, haha!
Emily Ridgway
2018-07-18 04:55:09 +0000 UTCI think filming/editing/releasing a video every single day for 30-36 days may take the fun right out of it for you. Instead of enjoying the views (and avoiding ditches) you'll be thinking about which angles/shots to take for great camera footage. For 30 days straight. But hopefully the teams can take care of the majority of that for you. Otherwise, it promises to be a brilliant adventure.
2018-07-18 04:13:54 +0000 UTCSack off the bike ride and just sit in your apartment reviewing mcdonalds and other unhealthy foods. In the long run it will make you happier!
2018-07-18 02:07:18 +0000 UTC60km/day is extrmely doable on flat/mostly flat sections. A very leisurely bike ride will do that in 4 hours. You're more likely to do 100km one day and 20 the next (once you run into mountains). Filming all that will be the bitch, not the actual cycling (assuming you spend the next three months trying to get in shape).
Michael Moore
2018-07-18 01:49:07 +0000 UTCOh also: download the Strava app for your phone! It's really helpful for tracking your rides and your progress. If you want you can also add friends and encourage each other. Me and some other patrons here have been using it and it's great!
Argus9 (Jonathan)
2018-07-17 21:02:51 +0000 UTCI am so looking forward to the cycling videos! Seeing the landscape change and getting fun and interesting vidos with you in them *every day* will be a real luxury :). Although you may want to build in a few resting days at certain points, so you don't wear yourself out completely. 66 km a day isn't really that far (ahem - if you live in the flattest country on earth and don't need to shoot interesting travel videos along the way, that is... so I'm probably underestimating the magnitude a bit).
Nynke de Haas
2018-07-17 20:26:53 +0000 UTCI was wondering about the Shimanami Kaido as well (it's the only cycling route in Japan I've heard of), until Chris mentioned it in the video! You should watch it when you have a moment :)
Nynke de Haas
2018-07-17 20:21:32 +0000 UTCWanna see you cacling through japan. Really love the idea. I saw a half English/Indish guy doing hitch hiking, it was nice but the most time he was standing around... But you at a bike making cool video. Sounds perfect. One reason, because we can see you EVERY DAY!!! So cool :-)
2018-07-17 19:54:13 +0000 UTCCan't wait to see this trip unfold! And I see you're getting some great advice from people in the YouTube comments. If I can suggest a few, as a relatively new cyclist myself, I definitely agree that you can more or less neglect your upper body in favor of strengthening your core, legs, and doing heavy cardio for endurance. Those are going to pay off BIG, especially when you're doing those deceptively difficult uphill climbs. I've more or less followed this fitness plan for the last few months and have had noticeable improvements in my daily commute. Glad you're back Chris! Best of luck preparing. I can't wait to see the trip unfold!
Argus9 (Jonathan)
2018-07-17 19:36:32 +0000 UTCSuper excited to see this! Are you planning on staying in in hotels/ryokans etc. on the journey or are you looking for free places to stay to save money? I'm sure lots of your Japan based viewers (myself included) would be more than happy to put you up for the night, although it would be understandable to not want to stay with strangers :P
2018-07-17 19:25:13 +0000 UTCReally looking forward to seeing this, I wish I could come along for the ride with you! Maybe one day I could follow in your footsteps. The scenery is gonna be awesome, good luck!
2018-07-17 19:07:15 +0000 UTCI'm super excited to see the trip! I agree with the others, get some good bike shorts and make sure the bike is the correct size in order to protect your knees.
2018-07-17 19:00:51 +0000 UTCJust to add to it, make sure you don't go cheap on shorts. Wiggle is a good priced bike shop based in the UK but I know they have Japanese yen as a selection on the site. Their DHB shorts are good value for the comfort levels you get. To expand a little on Paul above then you can get baggy shorts with lycra which is held inside so you can hide the lycra that way. But if I am honest I think you just need to embrace the lycra and you will be more comfortable for it. Also on your route have you thought about doing shimanami kaido? I did that last year and it was awesome, its 70km for the shortest route. You get to go over the worlds longest suspension bridge on that route which is always a nice fact. If you need any help with picking cycling stuff then I would be happy to help. Here is a picture of the view I got of the long bridge - <a href="https://ibb.co/k4ujpJ" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://ibb.co/k4ujpJ</a>
2018-07-17 18:53:15 +0000 UTCA Canadian deep house DJ, Jabig, made the same cycling trip but through Canada. Maybe that's why I know how amazing it'll be with your personal, sarcastic touch. I'm actually excited to see everything you mentioned: the landscapes, the people, the food; and the cycling in Japan is something I'd do too, but just for fun, and surely not 66km per day!
2018-07-17 18:48:32 +0000 UTCCycling: briefly, get the right saddle (not always the most comfy-looking), even though you’re not riding that far every day, you’re still riding *every* day - the, er, contact points are important! Ensure the bike’s the right size and adjusted properly. Saddle too high/low will result in knee pain/burning thighs, handlebar reach/height wrong = wrist/neck/back ache and numb bum (and other areas too - try a saddle with a centre channel in it). NEVER BE TEMPTED BY A BARGAIN BIKE IF IT’S THE WRONG SIZE FRAME I disagree with some of the YouTube commenters that have said you should do more running. Only run if you’re comfortable with it, although running will build stamina, it’s easy to pick up a niggling knee injury that could ruin your October plan. Are you still in Sendai area? Looks like some local shops are running promos - I can’t read Kanji/Hiragana but I do understand things like “50%!!!” Of course, you’ll tell me that the shop’s part of a chain and the bicycle branch is 3 bazillion miles away. <a href="https://blog-imgs-115.fc2.com/h/a/y/hayasaka1/2018y07m17d_120803329.jpg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://blog-imgs-115.fc2.com/h/a/y/hayasaka1/2018y07m17d_120803329.jpg</a> <a href="http://www.hayasaka.co.jp/shop/chuouten.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.hayasaka.co.jp/shop/chuouten.html</a> but seems a good time to be buying. Don’t be afraid of the Lycra, there are good reasons to use it. Mountain bike riders get out of the saddle more and are always moving around so baggier shorts are fine... you can use them for touring but getting a pair that’s right for you is often more tricky than Lycra. Lycra doesn’t get bunched between the saddle and your crotch/thighs. Of course, you won’t look <font><font>RAD!</font> but you might be happier. Horses for courses. Crikey, this is taking longer than I thought... I’ll stop now. </font>
2018-07-17 18:20:21 +0000 UTCthis is nice
I Want Bacon Cum In My Birthday Cake
2018-07-17 18:04:53 +0000 UTCSounds awesome, I can’t wait for the new content. I took up cycling a couple years back and I typically do races during the summer in the mountains of Montana.
2018-07-17 18:03:47 +0000 UTCI recommend reading “Independent Cycle Touring” from Piaw Na who does huuuge touring trips. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Independent-Cycle-Touring-2nd-Piaw-ebook/dp/B078SC3KJ8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Independent-Cycle-Touring-2nd-Piaw-ebook/dp/B078SC3KJ8</a>also, of course, riding is the answer: <a href="https://www.rapha.cc/ch/en/stories/riding-is-the-answer" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.rapha.cc/ch/en/stories/riding-is-the-answer</a>
Scott Dier
2018-07-17 18:01:35 +0000 UTCI've been waffling on buying a bike all summer. This is the 'oomph' I need. Thanks Chris!
2018-07-17 17:57:25 +0000 UTCI'm very excited for the next adventure! Cycling through Japan sounds amazing!
Chris Hamel
2018-07-17 17:44:32 +0000 UTC
