I was relieved to successfully wrap up our recent "BACK TO OREGON TOUR" talk and slideshow, which felt a bit like a school research presentation! Even with such short notice, I was so happy to see the shop packed with so many people. I share stories from my Oregon trip with many of you at the shop regularly. I consider it my personal mission, so please feel free to come ask me about it anytime. I want to share that experience with as many people as possible, photos in hand!
Oh, and I would love to take this slideshow to other locations, so please feel free to invite me! Haha
And here is what’s coming up next.
Overseas bicycle touring is such a precious experience; I believe it’s an opportunity you rarely come across unless various pieces fall perfectly into place. Among those who have, OTAKUHOUSE (aka Ota-Hou) is a curious young adventurer who has long been driven by the allure of bikepacking, taking long tours to all sorts of places. I relied on his insights quite a bit when preparing for my own trip. He previously gave a presentation at Hedgehog about his travels in the U.S. and Northern Europe, but this time, he will be reporting on his bicycle tour through the "Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region" from this past May.
Honestly, many of you might be wondering, "Where is that?"
The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is an autonomous region in northwestern China. This vast area, featuring expansive deserts and mountains, is home to many ethnic minorities, including the Turkic Uyghur people. Traces of the ancient Silk Road trading route that connected China to the Middle East can be seen in the traditional outdoor bazaars of oasis cities like Hotan and Kashgar. (From Wikipedia)
I think this will be a record of a pretty hardcore journey, so I’m really looking forward to hearing the talk.
Furthermore, we will also be hosting a presentation by Ozeki-kun, a university student who went to the UBI (United Bicycle Institute) in Oregon—a school for bicycle mechanics and builders—to study welding. His drive to follow his passion for cycling all the way to a foreign frame-building school is truly impressive, and I think it’s a great opportunity to hear about how a young person felt experiencing that firsthand, so please come join us.
Seeing everyone younger than me actively taking on new challenges is truly inspiring and makes me so happy. If a small shop like Hedgehog can help be a platform for these activities, that would be wonderful.
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Touring + UBI Frame Building Presentation
Date: Friday, September 21, 2018
Location: EARLYBIRDS BREAKFAST (HEDGEHOG DINER)
Time: Doors open at 18:00, talk starts at 20:00
Details: This will be a casual talk event, so please feel free to join us and enjoy some drinks.
Admission: No specific fee, but please purchase food or drinks at Hedgehog.
We look forward to seeing you there!!