Editor M’s first-time participation, what to do? #5
“Inexperienced rider at the Honolulu Century Ride 2023”

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I cursed my lack of planning as I struggled to find time for practice. Nonetheless, I completed my final ride in Japan (the second one). I put on my newly purchased helmet…

During a class, the math teacher told a student who had forgotten their compass, “Your state of mind depends on your state of things!” This is something that I remember to this day. Many mathematical details have faded into oblivion, but this has stayed with me. Indeed, preparing one’s tools is like a ritual before starting something or a demonstration of determination.

I had purchased my helmet and cycling jersey a few days ago.

Regulars apparently buy from the e-commerce site, but for someone like me, who’s inexperienced, advice is a must, so I decided to visit a specialty store. After some online research and asking around, I found my way to “Y’s Road,” which is synonymous with cycling.

I approached a store clerk who seemed like they would provide thorough guidance. While there’s no significant difference in their politeness, I chose a female staff member for uniform selection since having a female perspective on body fit is important. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of kindness and the meticulous guidance I received.

I initially thought about sharing the interesting details of this process here, but I forgot to take pictures during the fitting process, and I’m approaching the character limit. So, here’s a summary of the advice instead.

・Cycling jerseys are designed with the assumption that you’ll be riding in a forward-leaning position, and they have different patterns and details compared to regular jerseys (such as pockets at the lower back). So, if you’re serious about cycling, it’s a good idea to have one.

・In particular, cycling bottoms have padding around the buttocks (or rather, the crotch area) to reduce friction with the saddle. The innerwear is similar.

・The products available for sale were all meticulously designed to cater to the movement of the body. Truly, it’s what you’d expect from a specialty store!

Especially women seem to pay a lot of attention to the design around the hips. The leggings-like design with relatively thick padding can make it look like your buttocks are too big while cycling. But for amateurs like me, that doesn’t matter… The priority is to choose a uniform that allows you to ride without stress. To be honest, there were items that weren’t quite up to par in terms of design, but anything recommended for its functionality was purchased. With already insufficient training, I didn’t want to add to my anxiety by worrying about equipment.

At that moment, one of my editing colleagues told me, “It’s a fan ride, so enjoy it!” I had forgotten. That’s right, this is a fan ride event meant for enjoying cycling… ✨

With a mixture of excitement and anxiety, I set off for Hawaii.

I went to CROSS COFFEE in Yanoguchi, which I also used for interviews, for a cafe break.
I didn’t know how to use the bike rack, so I parked it like a regular city bike.

To be continued…

Text_ Mayumi Kamura

🚴‍♂️Editor M’s first-time participation, what to do? series🚴‍♂️

#01 Road to Nowhere
#02 Under Pressure
#03 One Fine Day
#04 No women , No cry
#05 Here Comes the Sun
#06 Kaimana Hila
#07 ANOTHER WORLD
#08 Bonus episode : An Accident as Expected

Profile

Mayumi Kamura
I’m a Global Ride editor. My expertise lies in visual expressions like design, art, fashion, and more. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted me to focus on my physical and mental health. I started playing tennis and resumed taking contemporary dance lessons. Considering that bicycle-related accessories often boast high design quality, I have a feeling I might become a fan during this experience.

FEATURE TRIP&TRAVEL
Tokyo old town bicycle stroll #01
Collecting “Goshuin” (temple or shrine stamps)  in the Yanesen area of oldtown Tokyo-Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi.

Nice to meet you. My name is Shitamachi Kombu, born and raised in the old town area of Tokyo. I’m what you might call a third-generation Edokko (it’s said that if you live in Tokyo for three generations, you’re considered an Edokko, while if you live in Yokohama for three days, you’re considered a Hamakko). In this column, I’ll be exploring the down-to-earth neighborhoods known as “Shitamachi” in Tokyo by rental bike and sharing the charm of these areas with you. Please enjoy these casual reports.

#E-BIKE
TRIP&TRAVEL
Through the Heart of Hokkaido:
Furano & BieiCycling with the Tokachi Mountain Range and Local Gourmet Delights

As spring approaches in Hokkaido, why not set out on a ride from Asahikawa through the rolling hills of Biei to Furano? With the majestic Tokachi Mountain Range as your backdrop, this cycling route takes you past expansive fields and flower farms, with stops at popular sights along the way. It’s a luxurious experience where ever-changing landscapes and local food culture can be enjoyed all at once. Visit iconic spots such as the Seven Stars Tree and Shikisai no Oka, sample regional sweets en route, and make your way toward the final destination of Furano. This is a ride that fully immerses you in both the scenery and flavors of Hokkaido—an ideal way to experience the region by bike. Table of […]

#Hokkaido