Spending time at the laid-back Hunter Cycles headquarters, I find myself getting a bit too relaxed.
So, to shake things up and feel a bit of that competitive edge, I went to a CX race.
With the Kansai CX series in Japan starting up last week, I imagine we're right in the thick of the cyclocross season back home, aren't we?
The season started quite a while ago over here, and the race I took part in this time was the fourth round of the series.
Oh, looking closely, I noticed a few people in some funny outfits here and there.
With Halloween just around the corner, there was a costume ride as well.
Well, the quality of the costumes hasn't changed much (haha).
I didn't dress up this time, but I did race properly.
On this bike.
It's quite a rugged bike.
It performed really well for me.
Thanks to that, I managed to get a proper result,
placing 31st out of 51 in the Open B class—which I suppose corresponds to Category 2 in Japan. I'd like to praise myself for putting up a good fight considering I was on an MTB, but in reality, I barely managed to avoid being lapped. Still, it was so much fun that I think everything is A-OK.
I don't think the fun of racing differs much from Japan, but this is the biggest difference.
This is right after the start of the Single Speed class.
Look at this turnout.
Man, this class, which is considered a bit niche in Japan, has truly earned its place here.
On top of that, everyone just mashes the pedals, so they're incredibly fast—I was shocked by the difference in level.
I mean, they started 30 seconds after the Category 1 racers, yet the leaders caught up to the Cat 1 group in no time. It was mind-blowing.
That said, the Category 1 class is obviously high-speed.
The course is quite technical and demanding, but they didn't let it bother them at all.
They powered right up the sandy hills,
and hit the steep descents full throttle.
Everyone is quite large, so it's really impressive to watch.
Speaking of large builds, our own Hunter Cycles builder, Rick, was also racing hard in the Category 1 class.
As expected, the man who builds the bikes that ride so well can ride well himself.
Also, there was an interesting film crew at the venue.
They were shooting video from above using a camera mounted on a remote-controlled helicopter.
I'm not sure where this footage will be released, but I'd love to see it.
Being as big as Rick is, I'm sure you'd be able to spot him in that footage right away (haha).
Our own Rick Hunter, who is quite a big guy even here.
Believe it or not, he is confirmed to compete in the Nobeyama CX at the end of this month. (He'll be visiting Japan for the first time in a while!)
For those who want to ask him this and that, or just want to see him ride, please come out to Nobeyama.
Also, thanks to everyone's support, our Circles tour has reached its capacity and registration is now closed.
Alright everyone, let's meet in Nobeyama!!!