TALES: Paradise lost?

After pitching my self and my bike over two barbed-wire fences yesterday halfway through the “regular” route, it occurred to me that single tracking in Okinawa has become more and more like the labyrinth in the Harry Potter movie that continually changes.

After three of the original eastern trails that were essential links to the western trails (The Hole, Cinderella and Mudrock) were systematically deforested and plowed for a new golf course over the past year, the only solution to link (no pun intended) both trail systems was through a pre-existing series of gaps in chain link fences. With brand new fences installed and old fences recently mended, the black and red paint I left behind on already rusty barbs can attest to the fact that times are changing rapidly here.

"... it occurred to me that
single tracking in Okinawa has become more and more like the labyrinth in the
Harry Potter movie that continually changes."

Mainland firms have reportedly increased investment in Okinawa exponentially as it continues growing more popular as a retirement option for those on the crowded mainland. With that come plans for multiple new golf courses (both on top of current MTB and hiking routes in Yomitan) and plans to replace an existing course in Awase with the biggest mall in Okinawa!

As plans solidify for moving many U.S. troops off of Okinawa permanently, it’s reassuring to know that other financial opportunities for Okinawans are knocking at the door of Japan’s poorest prefecture (unemployment sits at 7.7 percent – double the national rate). Unfortunately, I can’t help but see a future for them that looks more like Hilton Head than a culturally rich subtropical paradise. Only those making big bucks could equate golf courses with preserving the environment and culture of Okinawa.

The good short-term news is that there's still plenty of great riding here, and it's tough to get bored in the wake of change. The challenge is foretelling which will be around the longest so we know where to focus maintenance efforts.