TALES: Spiders & Bikes in Art

I just noticed this piece by Kevin Nierman while glancing through Dirt Rag's galleries the other day. It's an unusual find, but I thought it was fitting for this blog.

If any of you know of bike pieces that reflect our unique relationship with arachnids here on Okinawa, then don’t hesitate to post a link in the comments section.

TALES: A Sister Club Complete with Giant Spiders? Unbelievable!

A Florida rider who had recently moved to Okinawa saw my road bike in the van yesterday, and we started talking. He said he’d been out to “Spider Kingdom” a time or too on his mountain bike, but that it was pretty technical for him. Obviously, he was spot on with the technical nature of Okinawa riding, and I thought it would be inappropriate at the time to correct him that it’s actually “Spider Loop,” so I just listened ...

I soon discovered why he got the name wrong, but I could not believe my ears. He started telling me tales of giant spiders sticking to his face and making him scream like a girl (which eventually happens to all of us), but then he continued on about Florida and Spider Kingdom. It was at this point that I realized what he was saying: The Ocala Mountain Bike Association (OMBA) where he'd previously ridden had trails rife with Golden Orb spiders, which are remarkably similar to the Banana Spiders across the trails ridden here by our Okinawa Mountain Bike Association (OMBA) “Spider Riders.”

As we continued our verbal walk through the twilight zone, he described the Ocala club’s logo (shown here), which is similar to an old Okinawa club logo that co-founder Tom showed me a while back. To top it all off, the Ocala club’s trail system is dubbed “Spider Kingdom,” which of course is close enough for government work to our “Spider Loop” trail system in Okinawa. A final coincidence from my brief research is that both clubs started up at about the same time: 10 years ago.

I’d heard of sister cities before, but never sister clubs. I sent the Ocala president a note introducing our club thinking, although it’s a bit of a stretch, that there may be some merit in fostering an international relationship between the two clubs. I'd encourage any of the Okinawa riders who consider themselves ambassadors to make contact as well.

In the meantime, I’ve already torn up the singletrack in Tampa’s Alafia State Park, so I guess Bellview, Florida, is next “must see” if I’m ever in 'gator country again. Can’t wait to see what “Spider Kingdom” has to offer!

TALES: The Final Stretch of Dirt in Paradise

It was a sad day for me today, as I took my last MTB ride in Okinawa for a very long time (thanks to Alex, Jeremiah, Matt and Joe for making it a good one!). Not bad at all at 20+ miles, but still far short of what’s needed for the Shenandoah Mountain 100 with Tom in September! I’m not too proud to say that the prospect is incredibly intimidating while tremendously exciting at the same time. I’m anxious to see how we hold up (actually, it's me and not Tom that I’m concerned about).

Despite my SOCAL and Durango heritage, those who know me know that Okinawa is where I fell in love with mountain biking in 1998, so it’s been nostalgic this go-around. It’s also a bit tougher to say goodbye this time, knowing that I’ll likely never return. I must say that I’ll even miss the banana spiders!

I spent the afternoon boxing up my baby for advance shipment this week. It's been a great 3+ years here, and the guys of OMBA are a fantastic group to ride with (I hope this blog has done them and the association justice). Riding here has been technically challenging and rewarding, and what I've learned here has already paid off on short trips elsewhere.

I'll be moving to KC, where I'll do my best to replace the fun riding with OMBA by riding with the crew at Earthriders Mountain Bike Club (100+ miles of singletrack within 30 minutes of home – never thought it of Kansas).

Looks like skinny tires only in the meantime, and there’s plenty of Okinawan coastline along the highway to explore in my spandex before I leave! I look forward to continuing this blog once our tornado touches down in the land of Dorothy and Toto.

TALES: Riding vs. Writing

As is always the case when preparing to move, some things just fall by the wayside (like blogging). Fact is, everything has its priority, and for the past two months riding, not writing, has been the priority as I may never be able to bike Okinawa again come June!

not yet have I come across more challenging
natural terrain or a greater group of riders to hang with

Let’s face it, Okinawa’s just not a major international hub, and tickets aren’t cheap. However, I’m soaking up every last opportunity as this has been one of the most technically challenging and rewarding areas I’ve ever ridden in. Since I began single tracking here three years ago, I’ve also biked other spots, but not yet have I come across more challenging natural terrain or a greater group of riders to hang with.

Getting in Shape

I was embarrassed to admit it at first, but I swapped my hardtail C’dale F800 for a Felt road bike a few weeks ago to get in better shape for offroading. You know, the pros actually know what they’re talking about. After only a couple of long road rides, I’ve already noticed an increase in endurance. It also doesn’t hurt to shed a few pounds (less weight to haul up the hill). The best part is that there really is no better way to see Okinawa than on a bike, and the highways that skirt the coast make for a very enjoyable afternoon on two wheels. Tim took me out on the inagural 20- to 30-something-mile ride (verbally ensuring my safety the entire time) and it was absolutely terrific! 35 miles on my own today up the coast line, also amazing.

See you on the trails!