"A cold wave is moving in, and there is a possibility of heavy snow by Wednesday."
Every time I hear a weather forecast like that, I feel a complicated mix of anxiety and anticipation.
The reason is that I have a field exploration scheduled for this weekend.
I am headed to a high-altitude area of 1,300 meters.
Even at the start of the New Year, when I wasn't that worried about snow, this was the scenery.
My heart is racing, but at the same time, I’m anxious: will we be able to work properly? That worry is also setting in.
It has been nearly 20 years since I started riding sports bicycles, and for me, having spent over 90% of that time on a mountain bike, riding trails is synonymous with everything that mountain biking is. However, 20 years ago, mountain biking was my entire world, and whenever I thought of mountains, I thought of mountain bikes. (And mostly just going downhill, at that.)
But now, having gained 20 years of experience and transitioned from a student to middle age, my way of thinking has changed little by little.
The biggest change is that I’ve started wanting to "improve" and "better convey" the mountains and trails that I once just used. That is exactly why I’ve come to find the work of field exploration incredibly enjoyable.
"Trail cutting" is a task that is still not very familiar in Japan.
It is incredibly unglamorous and physically demanding work.
But whenever I think that it will lead to trails where "bikers" can ride with a smile, my heart is always filled with excitement.
For those of you who read about this field exploration and thought, "I'd like to participate," we still have a few spots left, so please check the details and contact us if you'd like to join.
INABU BASE PROJECT
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“1,300m Field Exploration & Development vol.05”
We are conducting a field survey as a preliminary step toward realizing projects that leverage the natural environment of the Inabu district, such as tours using mountain bikes. This time, we are at the stage of trail development, including trail cutting, and will also be conducting test rides on mountain bikes. While this project is mainly led by stakeholders, if you are interested in the development of dedicated fields for sports bicycles like mountain bikes or gravel bikes, we would love for you to join us. Please contact Circles.
Date and Time: January 28 (Sun) 9:00 - 14:00
Participation Fee: Free
What to bring: Gear for extreme cold, change of clothes, lunch and drinks, sports bicycle
Meeting place: Toyota City Office Inabu Branch Parking Lot
*After arriving, we will guide you to a designated parking area nearby.
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It is highly likely that the temperature will be low and the snow deep on the day.
Please prepare thoroughly, as we anticipate strenuous work.
Please contact us regarding your participation by the morning of Thursday the 25th.