Before you know it, your t-shirt sleeves are getting a bit long, and it's that time of year when you want something light to throw on.
Looking outside, you notice the sun is setting earlier every day.
Autumn is the best season—the kind of weather where you can move your body without breaking too much of a sweat, and there's a pleasant breeze blowing.
It’s a season that makes moving, eating, and watching a fire feel great.
I recently participated in OMM LITE/BIKE, which was held during this wonderful time of year.
OMM BIKE has traditionally been a summer event, but this year, it was forced to postpone due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the venue was the same, starting under these unusual circumstances made the beginning feel a bit strange.
Form a team with a like-minded friend
Hakuba Village is home to Mount Hakuba, which stands nearly 3,000 meters tall, while the main area of Otari Village sits at about 600 meters.
It’s easy to imagine the temperature in this chilly season; as I made my way from Nagoya to Hakuba, the temperature dropped steadily, and it was under 10°C by the time I arrived.
The OMM event requires teams of 2 to 5 people, and individual entries aren't allowed, so finding a buddy is a prerequisite for participation.
This time, I teamed up with Keita Ohira, the owner of Nagoya’s beloved breakfast spot, Early Birds Breakfast, to take on the challenge.
Our goal wasn't anything grandiose like winning; it was simply not to lose to our friends!
Keita and I have gone on many rides together over the past year. Since we both felt our fitness and technical cycling skills improving, we had a genuinely fun time over the two days and were able to spend the race time fully engaged.
Thank you, Keita.
The most fun part of this event is the moments when teams cross paths.
We'd spot acquaintances and exchange high-fives and words of encouragement.
Of course, we shout greetings even to people we don’t know. There are so many spaces during the race where such pleasant communication happens.
And of course, it’s also funny when your competitive spirit kicks in, thinking things like, "That guy is gunning for a high score!" or "I wonder which checkpoint they're heading to next."
I’ve compiled these race scenes into a 25-second GoPro clip below↓
It’s great that every team has a different finish line
At my first OMM, I remember seeing everyone hanging out in front of vending machines, smoking, sitting on the ground, and sharing drinks during their breaks.
This event really lets you spend your race time however you like—some teams take a long lunch, others brew coffee along the way, and some get obsessed with taking photos.
And because this event doesn’t follow a set route, what’s so interesting is that raw fitness alone doesn't guarantee results.
You have to read the terrain to map out a flow from point A to point B.
Or, you misread the map and end up forced to carry your bike up an insanely steep slope.
Since phone map apps are prohibited, you might get lost and end up asking, "Where are we even now?"
It’s the fact that "just riding as fast as you can" isn't enough that makes it so appealing.
Being able to experience the geography of the race area while riding, and being led to hidden spots you'd never find on a normal ride, is perhaps why so many people enjoy this event.
Interested in participating next time?
The next event is scheduled for Yogo in Shiga Prefecture, which couldn't be held this year.
The area around Lake Yogo is also a very pleasant and easy place to ride, so I’m sure it’ll be a great time.
I think there’s even a Haiku trail or something similar...
Whether you participated in Hakuba or you’ve been on the fence, why not join in next time?
If you want to go but don’t have a buddy, or aren't sure about the gear, please talk to our Circles staff. We’re more than happy to help with any questions or requests you have!
