THANK YOU! CMWC 2023 YOKOHAMA!
CMWC 2023 YOKOHAMA was this year’s biggest event for current and ex messengers, the whole community around them, and for us Blue Lug as well.
One night passed, and I still cannot quite believe that all of this wonder actually happened. Thinking back on what happened in front of my eyes, a lot of different emotions fills my heart, almost making me cry a couple of times today.
The main crew who have been working hard to organize this event in Yokohama are people who I cycled the whole city together as a messenger back in the day, shouting each other’s names when we meet on the streets, had drinks after work, and even hang out together on weekends. They are my friends and who I can also call as family.
And a few years ago, they raised their hands to invite CMWC in Yokohama (During every CMWC season, different cities across the world discuss where CMWC should be held two years later. We now know that Sydney will be hosting CMWC in 2025!!), and they brought it here. Although it got postponed because of covid, they still managed to hold an incredible JCMC last year, and now they completed a even greater CMWC. The amount of time and effort they spent, and the amount of pressure and anxiety they felt throughout must have been more than we can imagine, and we cannot thank and respect them more.
All the staff that supports them, the volunteers, and all the messengers and friends from across the globe, everyone gave their heart into making this a great event.
Trying to put my unusual sensation into words is immensely difficult. A messenger’s passion, bond, and its inclusive mind that welcomes everyone, should I say? All staffs who joined JCMC felt that, and we all decided that it’ll be a pity if we didn’t join this fantastic event with all BL staff. So we did, closing 3 stores during the weekend, and did our very best to make this event as great as possible.
Our pop-up booth had extra upgrades after JCMC!
Blue Lug Nissan Stadium Store was held with tons of items that literally filled 2 trucks.
The key highlight has to be the pre-sale of VANS collaboration shoes and NITTO/MKS collaboration limited color items!
Saw a lot who were wearing those shoes straight out of the box, and a lot of messenger bags with NITTO handlebars sticking out!
We also made many souvenir items with CMWC logos on it. Was very glad to see many loving the CMWC caps!
Ann-chan’s OYC (Overhaul Your Closet) was so popular as well, keeping her busy with her sewing machine.
We were told that there was gonna be a test ride area, so we brought many kinds of bikes to enjoy. The tandem from RIVENDELL was so popular above anything else, it must have been a rare opportunity to ride it for everyone!
Delivery races, the biggest competition in this event, were held on both days, the qualifying on Saturday, followed by the final race on Sunday. On Sunday, there was even a cargo bike race, and a team competition called dispatch race. BL staffs enjoyed racing for each of them.
For qualifying, we started our race by cycling on the stadium track. When the gate open that led us into the stadium track, I almost cried to the amazing scene in front of me.
But soon after, I couldn’t stop laughing seeing my gigantic face in the stands. This was totally out of the blue. Got to thank my colleagues who came up with those hilarious ideas haha.
“You came second at JCMC, so I’m counting on you!” someone said to me. I think I was around 15th place? Couldn’t reach the top 10. Because I was feeling quite good during this race, the result is a bit disappointing. Nevertheless, I felt great with all the cheers and support I got.
Will talk more about the race details in another time!
FIXED GEAR trick contest was also held on Saturday, and Jackie from Kamiuma took part in it!
Tadashi-kun, ex-Blue Lug staff was also there, showing off with his Rays Steel!
I couldn’t watch the full competition, but I guess he made it to the finals?
And sfiDARE Presents “Yokohama CRIT”, personally the main race event for Saturday.
A track bike criterium, formed by riders who won the tickets at Kyoto, and overseas track riders. The qualifying started at dusk, and we were able to present one of the most competitive races I’ve ever took part in.
This was also the first time to reveal our brand new jersey!
We were selling them at our booth, and by the end of day we already saw people wearing it!
Will be selling it later online so keep an eye out for that!
I will also make a race review video using the on-bike camera during the race!
I attached so many photos because way too many bike riders got great faces on their bikes. We got a photo album here, so please have a look whenever you got time.
I bet you are also able to feel the excitement at the venue!
The last two photo was by Masa-kun, iamm0ns00n
We will be showing more photos taken by him throughout both days, so please look forward for that!
I would like to wrap up this blog by sharing my appreciation to CMWC organizers, volunteer staffs, racers, and all who came to the event.
Thank you! CMWC 2023 YOKOHAMA!
