Tomorrow is election day, so let's all make sure to go vote. As I mentioned the other day, if you bring your voting verification slip tomorrow, you will receive 10% off items in stock.
Rather than just trying to piggyback on the election, my hope is that as many people as possible will see this and head to the polls. The weather looks nice tomorrow, so why not head there by bicycle?
By the way, I finished my early voting on my day off the other day. I could have gone before work on Sunday, but I had already decided to head to the mountains before heading into the office tomorrow. This is because it was a rare opportunity to coordinate a ride with the other team members participating in OMM BIKE, so I made a last-minute decision to go to the mountains.
Yes, that's right, the OMM BIKE is finally taking place next weekend.
There is a mountain race called the OMM that has been held for over 45 years in the rainy and humid terrain of the UK, dating back to 1968. It is not about racing for speed in a set trail running format; rather, this two-day, one-night race with no aid stations tests one's overall mountain capabilities, requiring a very high level of experience in skills like map reading, navigation, and camping.
OMM BIKE, the cycling version of this event, is a bicycle competition where teams compete to visit as many points as possible using navigation and route choice strategies set in a vast area featuring diverse terrain like trails, dirt, and asphalt. This new style of bike race, where teams of 2-5 people play to the fullest in the great outdoors, requires strategic thinking not only in route selection but also in deciding what kind of bike to ride for the varied course.
This time, I’ll be competing in a team with Suzuka mountain specialist Kyohei-chan and promising young rider Tekeji—all three of us riding Cielo MTBs. What kind of chemical reaction will occur between someone who knows the mountains inside and out, someone with endless stamina, and someone who is only good at riding bikes? I wonder.
For OMM BIKE, the following KIT LIST is mandatory by regulation:
・Waterproof jacket with a hood (must be seam-sealed waterproof product)
・Waterproof pants (must be seam-sealed waterproof product)
・Clothing suitable for cycling sports
・Spare base layer
・Warm clothing (down, fleece, etc.)
・Hat, gloves & socks
・Light & batteries (must last at least 12 hours)
・Whistle & compass
・Map (provided, etc.)
・First aid kit
・Pen/pencil and paper that can be used while wet
・Emergency bivy (sheet-type not allowed)
・Backpack, bike pack
・Emergency rations
・Hydration equipment such as water bottles or hydration packs
・Bike repair kit
・Helmet
I’ve already started packing, and excluding the emergency food and maps, this is what the gear looks like. Of course, this is the absolute minimum, so there’s a possibility that extra equipment might be needed depending on the situation. Whether to carry this gear on your back or mount it on the bike—how you pack is also a crucial part of the strategy.
This time, I plan to pack using Porcelain Rocket's M.C.A, a custom-ordered frame bag, and the Mr. Fusion (I’m using the older model). I’m excited to see how it turns out!
Also, the fun of this event isn’t just the race. OMM BIKE combines two aspects: the competitive side and the relaxed camping side. It’s also charming that you can enjoy a relaxing time with family and friends, taking in the magnificent location of Hakuba in the summer, whether by camping with friends and family while the athletes are competing or enjoying various local activities after the race finishes.
It’s a great atmosphere where even those who aren’t fully confident in OMM BIKE itself can feel free to participate with their families.
Beyond the three of us, several other teams from Nagoya have already decided to participate, and the SimWorks booth will also be there. If you’re planning to participate or will be around Hakuba next weekend, please stop by and say hello!