I have returned home safely.
From July 2nd to the 23rd, I traveled to Oregon, USA.
The main purpose of the trip was bikepacking.
We strapped the bare minimum necessities for life onto our bikes and rode toward our goal while camping along the way.
My companions for the trip were Inocchi from "WELLDONE", who makes bags and caps as a garage brand on the 3rd floor of Circles, and Kyle from the California-based bag maker OUTER SHELL, who joined us to complete our trio for this wild adventure.
The bike I rode was a "CIELO" made by the Portland-based company CHRIS KING, and the bike Inocchi rode was a "DESALVO," also manufactured in Ashland, Oregon. Since both of our bikes were made in Oregon and had been carefully ridden and maintained in Japan for many years, we named our trip the #BACK TO OREGON TOUR, as these bikes were crossing the ocean to ride in their homeland once again.
We used the "OREGON TIMBER TRAIL" as our guide for this trip.
The official website launched last year, and the trail spans about 1,000 kilometers from the California border to the Hood River on the Washington state border, consisting almost entirely of unpaved paths. Considering our own time, distance, and physical endurance, we started in a town called Oakridge, a bit before the midpoint, and took on a 600-kilometer route.
Why did someone with so little experience like me throw myself into the vast nature of America?
Were there any major troubles?
What were my thoughts on the trail after riding it on a bike?
How was the great nature of Oregon?
What was the food like during the trip?
What kind of gear, like tents, did you use?
What kind of clothes did you pack?
How did it feel to actually finish the ride?
What kind of packing gear did you use?
Were there moments when it was so tough you wanted to cry?
What did you want to eat as soon as you got home?
And so on.
I plan to share these details in future reports featuring slideshows, as well as in a blog post, so please stay tuned!
When I started liking bicycles over 10 years ago, it was strictly for the "fashion" of it. Even though not much has changed in reality, I believe bicycles have become a part of my "life." On this trip, I lived with my bike, taking things a step further. Over the 11 days of riding and the few days I spent racing through the streets of Portland, I kept thinking about bicycle culture, life, family, the Earth, and the universe in ways that were probably confusingly deep. I haven't been able to put it all together well yet, but I will gradually take the time to organize my thoughts.
And, truly, words cannot describe how simply beautiful Oregon was.
I have returned to my daily life and am now back at Earlybirds.
I have plenty of stories to tell, so I would be happy if you came by the shop to hear them.
See you.