Josh Kelley’s CX School was held on Tuesday night.
Despite it being a weekday, many people attended.
From mounting and dismounting techniques to navigating chicanes and shifting gears, participants discovered things they hadn't really been conscious of, making for a very fulfilling school.
Josh even patiently taught the future cyclocrossers! During the post-school gathering at Hedgehog Diner, everyone kept him busy with questions that are hard to ask, such as about pre-race warm-ups and general training. What was particularly impressive was his comment that "Cyclocross is all about creation." He explained that there is no absolute answer when it comes to which line to pick, whether to dismount and carry the bike, or whether to ride through an obstacle; it is important to constantly try different things and enjoy the ride to enhance that creative ability.
I resonated with this deeply. I had the privilege of helping with the school, and I believe it was a great opportunity for both the participants and myself. Great work, everyone!
Then, the following day, Wednesday, I guided Josh on our standard course. The temperature has dropped suddenly starting this week; it’s become difficult to ride Mt. Mikuni—which I was fine riding without gloves until last week—without them now.
It’s a relief to see that his back, which he injured in a race, seems to be feeling much better. Still, he was fast as expected. I thought I was in decent shape myself, but I was no match for him. I wanted to get a good ride in before Nobeyama, and I'm glad he enjoyed the ride as well.
Today was a #GCRASUKE tracing ride, also serving as an inspection for the Gourmet Century Ride Asuke Photo Exhibition, which starts tomorrow, the 27th. Why not visit Asuke for a ride this weekend? Since there is a talk show on Saturday, 12/5, Circles is planning a ride for that as well. And this weekend is Rapha Super Cross Nobeyama. Please note that both Circles and EarlyBirds will be closed as we will be participating in the event.
Circles will be providing neutral service at the local team tent area, so please feel free to stop by if you have any trouble on the day of the event. We have rear derailleurs for Campagnolo, Shimano, and SRAM component manufacturers available; we will charge only for the actual cost of the parts. We are also bringing a derailleur hanger alignment tool, so don't worry if your steel frame hanger breaks.
Also, the Dirt Freak PRIVATE PARK (a.k.a. wooden bumps), which we borrowed for the recent CX school, will be in front of our booth, so feel free to use it!
EarlyBirds will be serving burgers and burritos at the food booth. We put a lot of care into our burger buns, so please make sure to try them.
And, SimWorks will be exhibiting as the Cierlo/Chris King booth. You can see not only Josh Kelley's bike but mine as well.
The weekend is finally here. Many of you probably already have your hearts set on Nobeyama! I look forward to seeing everyone at our booth and team tent over the two days. And please, give Josh Kelley your enthusiastic support!
*We will be closed on Saturday, November 28, and Sunday, November 29, for participation in Nobeyama Cyclocross. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.