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Editor M’s first-time participation, what to do? #3
“Inexperienced rider at the Honolulu Century Ride 2023”
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I started feeling anxious due to the tough feedback from former pro rider, Ishizuka-san. I thought, “I need to start training right away…”
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I was indifferent to bicycles until I came across this job, but when I started talking to various people, I realized that there are surprisingly many riders around me. After the recent golf boom, I have a feeling that there will be a cycling boom. In terms of fashion, not only outdoor brands but also suit makers and women-centric brands are entering the market in earnest. Cycling is gaining high attention as a healthy sport that doesn’t emit exhaust gases.
In the midst of all this, I asked the rider who seemed most patient to teach me and organized a lesson for complete beginners. I rented a road bike from a city rental cycle for 1,000 yen a day. Cheap…
Since I was repeatedly told by Mr. Ito (the founder of TURE DE TSUMARI) that I should practice as soon as possible, I was overwhelmed just to have managed to organize the lesson. I might be safe now… Or so I thought! With a self-deprecating remark about my novice status, I immediately began practicing.
I was first surprised to see gears for speed adjustment on the handlebars. At this point, I realized that the event side might be inexperienced that there was a participant who was like me. I felt relieved that I had practiced beforehand, right at the start.
I struggled to fully grasp the mechanism of the gears (like shifting them inward or towards me makes it lighter) and wished they had explained the basics of the bicycle’s structure. But I couldn’t bring myself to ask. I remembered when a boss once told me, “If you don’t understand something, ask right away.” However, I couldn’t ask because I couldn’t articulate what was unclear to me…
Well, the temporary coach assured me that I would understand while riding. I was saved.
With that mood, we started in the Kanto Plain with a temperature of 33 degrees Celsius and 70% humidity. We were supposed to ride lightly and finish, but in the end, we rode for about 1.5 hours. What a refreshing experience!!!
＜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.
Post Date：2023.10.13
