The 2024 theme is [Exploration & Adventure] – To places unknown! I've started preparing for gravel and dirt rides!

Hello, this is Ikeda from grumpy. There are many ways to enjoy cycling, but my theme for 2024 is "exploration and adventure."

It's about focusing on places and spots I've never been to before and enjoying the local scene even more!

Actually, I'm also dreaming of superhuman adventures like crossing unexplored regions and mountain ranges, but I'll start with something more familiar before tackling those.

Even in places you usually live, just by changing your perspective or taking a slightly different path, you might discover unexpected things and surprises!

This time, I visited a mountain called "Ebiyama" in the city of Hiroshima.

It's a mountain I usually just pass by, but when I looked at it on Google Maps, I saw a place called "30 Graves" on top of the mountain, which piqued my interest, so I decided to go check it out.

 Entering from the back roads of the mountain, there was a nice photogenic spot.

I continued through the forest road, heading towards my destination.

For some reason, when I enter a mountain path, I get excited and my spirits lift.

In preparation for this year's exploration and adventure rides, I also swapped out parts on my Sig.Rando.

I chose off-road compatible parts so that no matter what kind of path I encounter on the road—gravel, dirt, or trail—I can keep going.

The handlebars are PNW Coast handlebars.

These are wide, shallow-reach drop handlebars designed for off-road use. They're also recommended for converting MTBs to drop bars.

 The tires were changed to SimWorks Super Yummy Tires.

These are all-around tires created for super cyclists who can ride anywhere.

Based on MTB tires, they excel off-road.

The pedals are Crankbrothers Stamp pedals.

They offer excellent grip, and my usual sneakers don't slip at all.

In 2023, my Sig.Rando was customized for touring and long rides, but this year I'm reviewing each part, looking for and trying out parts that can also be used off-road.

While checking the performance of the newly installed parts, I quickly arrived at my destination, "30 Graves."

There was a pile of stones in a corner of the mountain, and a sign stood nearby.

Apparently, there used to be a castle here, and 30 samurai sacrificed their lives in battle, and this is where their 30 gravestones were erected.

Exploring nearby, I also found traces of the castle, which reminded me again that this is a historically rich place.

If you look closely at places you usually take for granted, you'll find that they are full of stories.

Mount Ebiyama, which I visited this time, was very accessible, being close to the city.

Starting with this, I plan to venture deeper into the mountains and further afield.

Actually, Hiroshima has many such spots, and it seems like there's a lot to explore!

If you're a bit hesitant to go alone, please come explore with me.

When you go on an "exploration and adventure," you inevitably encounter unpaved roads. Many ancient ruins deep in the mountains or island trails have bumpy roads, and there are many places that can only be reached by going off-road.

Furthermore, in remote areas, distances are long and roads are narrow, so a bicycle with the "ability to ride" regardless of road conditions is recommended.

For example, the KONA SUTRA LTD. It's a bike that combines gravel and MTB, capable of conquering any terrain.

If you're starting your exploration now, it would make the best companion!

All in one bike! What is the monster bike "Kona Sutra LTD" that blends road, gravel, and MTB?