Every year, at the end of May before the rainy season begins, Hakushu Forest BIKELORE is held.
I first participated in Hakushu Forest BIKELORE for its second edition. Back then, I was obsessed with fixed-gear bikes in Tokyo, and in many ways, I was on very friendly terms with concrete. After hearing my seniors, who had participated in the first event, say, "It was so much fun! That atmosphere is incredible," I was drawn in by the keywords of camping and cycling, as well as pictures on instagram, leading me to attend for the first time—that was four years ago now.
This time, I went to the 5th edition, Hakushu Forest BIKELORE 5.
As someone who only ever rode fixed-gear bikes, it was actually at a different BIKELORE event that I first thought,
"Isn't riding on dirt kind of fun?"
And as for the story of how I thought, "Oh, so this is what cyclocross is like, this is fun," only to learn a painful lesson, well, that's for another time...
I don't mean to say that cyclocross isn't fun; what I mean is that there’s a difference between a race and a sports festival. While both involve competing within a set course, the "weight" of the competition feels completely different. BIKELORE races are, in a good way, very loose. Of course, since it is a race, everyone rides seriously. They ride with an uncontrollably fun, serious attitude.
Before you know it, you might find an ad-hoc aid station has popped up.
If it’s near your friends' tents, all sorts of things seem to appear.
You might find yourself trying to pull off a move in front of a large crowd of spectators.
And in the team rally, you spend your time chatting with teammates and other teams, enjoying the wait for your turn to come around.
The fact that it’s a race venue but somehow carries such a laid-back vibe is what makes it so incredibly unique, and I've been coming back every year since my first visit.
Oh, and it made me quite happy that I was finally able to build and ride the bike I had envisioned back when I first participated.
There were many female participants this year too, and those who said, "This is my first time participating in a race!" were thoroughly enjoying themselves in the women-only race and the team rally that everyone can join in on.
Riding on a prepared path (course) usually requires you to enter a race, and that first step can be hard to take.
I think many people feel, "I want to train and have some confidence before I participate." However, BIKELORE has so many races you can enjoy on the course, so I think anyone who has ever ridden a bike can join in and have a great time!
All you need is comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting dirty, and a spirit for fun!!
The next event is BIKELORE HUB, held in Tateshina on September 7th-8th!!!!!
That's all!!