Sponsored, Ornot: Miguel Ovalles

Welcoming Miguel Ovalles to the Ornot Family

Originally from Venezuela, Miguel Ovalles now calls Santa Fe (the other SF, home). We were first introduced through his creative project Race Metal, a reflection of his background in photography and filmmaking, and his eye for the details that make riding meaningful. As a contributor to The Radavist, Miguel has tested an impressive range of bikes, tech, and kit, always with a thoughtful perspective.

After crossing paths at Sierra Buttes events like Lost & Found and Grinduro, it became clear we share a similar outlook on riding, adventure, and the spaces in between. If you want a glimpse of Miguel in action from Grinduro, you can watch a video from that weekend here. Check out the Race Metal Instagram too!

We’re proud to welcome Miguel into the Ornot family. You could call him sponsored, Ornot.

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH MIGUEL OVALLES

What event or race are you most excited about this year?

Unbound XL, without a doubt. Last year, I raced my first ultra, Mega Mid South, finished third, and honestly got a little obsessed. I'm drawn to the 300–400 mile races because you can do them in one push without sleeping, lots of hours alone with your bike, trying to eat, take care of your body, and pedal as fast as you can. I fell in love with that experience, and now it's all about chasing that feeling again.

What motivates you to get outside and go for a ride?

Short answer: coffee. But the longer answer is that cycling came back into my life at a moment when I really needed it. I struggle with my mental health, and getting on the bike, especially for a long ride outside, has a way of quieting everything down. The anxiety disappears, my head clears, and I get genuinely excited about the future again. Some of my best ideas for Race Metal have come to me mid-ride. It's when I feel truly present, and I love that feeling.

How have your opinions about metal bikes changed since you started your video series?

The biggest shift is that I no longer see these materials through a beginner's eyes. I used to think in black and white: "aluminum is stiff and cheap," "steel is heavy," "titanium is the best." But spending time learning from people like John Watson, Nick Jensen, Dan from Nam, and other frame builders has shown me how much nuance is actually there. I don't have a preferred material anymore; I just ride bikes that excel in different ways, and I find that genuinely interesting.

What does a perfect day look like for you?

It starts slow by waking up and snuggling with my kids before anyone has anywhere to be, then a peaceful cup of coffee at home before the day gets loud. I drop the kids at school and head out for a long gravel ride with a few friends, stop somewhere along the way for food or another coffee, and just enjoy being outside with good people. The afternoon belongs to my wife and kids. We pick them up from school, take them to the pump track, and try to wear them out before bedtime. Then the day closes the way it started: quietly, on the couch, watching our favorite shows. That's the whole dream right there.

Why Ornot?

The Race Metal series has always been about sustainability and supporting small builders, and Ornot feels like the metal bike of the apparel world. No logos, high-quality textiles, recycled and deadstock fabric, most of it made in the US. The Bay Area microclimate is a genuine proving ground for cycling apparel that can handle anything, and for someone starting to race ultras, versatility in long, unpredictable conditions is everything. Also, you're genuinely cool people, and that part really matters!

Photos by John Watson