Nice to meet you, I'm Yuya.
My last name is Takahashi.
Time flies, and it’s already been two months since I moved to Nagoya.
I was born in Kochi Prefecture and lived in Tokyo until coming to Nagoya.
During my six years living in Tokyo, I met so many people and spent some great times. Of course, those are the people I met because I was riding my bike, and through friends like Tempra cycle, I was able to hang out with the people I met in Tokyo and broaden the scope of my cycling—something I’d been playing around with since high school by practicing tricks and such.
Among those experiences, what I found most fresh was gravel riding.
Until now, I had been someone who rode a fixed-gear bike on city asphalt (though I have no experience as a messenger), riding down hills and practicing tricks. But after participating in cyclocross events and going out on forest trails, riding off-road and feeling the vibrations different from asphalt through my body—along with the sensation of the tires rolling—became a new "fun" for me.
Out of all the events and outings I’ve participated in, the one that influenced me the most is an event called Bikelore.
In particular, the Hakushu Forest Bikelore, held at the foot of Mt. Komagatake in Kai, Yamanashi Prefecture, is the ultimate event. If I hadn’t participated in this, I might only be riding fixed-gear bikes today. Camping, unconventional race categories, and having a great time with friends and music at night. I want to go; I want to go for all 3 days...
So, with that said,
I'm going. Won't you all join me?
Let’s hang out together on the upcoming May 26th and 27th at Hakushu Ojira-no-mori Meisui Park Verga.
If you’re interested in cyclocross but feel a bit hesitant about entering a race,
or if you’ve got a gravel bike but don’t know where to take it,
or even if you just want to try riding on gravel, I truly recommend this event.
Finding your own forest trails to ride is fun, but
I think it’s easier to start by enjoying off-road riding to the fullest in a place
that has been set up as a course so you can just relax and enjoy yourself.
Beginners interested in cyclocross racing can get a feel for the atmosphere through the VIRGIN CLASS and FUN CLASS, or by joining a team with friends for the Team Rally.
Of course, there’s the FAST CLASS for experienced cyclocross racers, and you should check out the 3-hour Endurance Race & After Tent Sauna Party, which seems to have been added starting this year.
Even the SUN SET RACE is exciting in the dark, but then to have an endurance race after that... I have no idea what that’s going to be like.
Also, there are KIDS CLASS and JUNIOR CLASS categories, making it an event that the whole family can participate in.
There are plenty of other fun and quirky races, and since the Mikkeller Tokyo-presented race last year was incredibly fun, I have high expectations for this year as well.
The best part about Hakushu Forest Bikelore is that there is an onsoku (hot spring) facility right next door.
You can wash off all the mud after the race in an open-air bath and then get right back to seriously enjoying your camping trip. The greatest charm of this event is being able to enjoy cycling and the outdoors with friends and family in the best possible location, fulfilling everything you want to do.
Some races have already closed for registration, but there are still plenty of interesting ones left, so make sure to enter soon before registration closes this weekend!
It looks like there are additional camping site tickets as well, so don't miss out!!
Of course, if you’re wondering which race you should enter, feel free to stop by the shop and talk to Yuya at Circles!
https://vimeo.com/219404129
Well, this ended up being a promotional blog for Hakushu Forest Bikelore,
but please continue to support Yuya Takahashi in the future!
