Thursday was our usual gravel ride.
The weather was just great, a day that perfectly matched the Japanese expression "peekan" (clear, cloudless sky).
As I write this, I wondered: what does "peekan" actually mean? I've only ever used it based on the nuance.
According to my research, it refers to a cloudless, sunny day. While the exact origin isn't settled, it seems to come from theories such as:
・The clear blue sky looks like the color of a Peace cigarette tin.
・On clear days, camera focus is "perfectly set."
・It’s an abbreviation of the sun shining "peen-to" (brightly/taut) and "kankan-deri" (blazing hot).
But like I said, nothing is official.
Anyway, putting that aside... I want to talk about the pants I wore on this ride, because they’re really good.
At first glance, they look like cotton pants, but the Fast Pass fabric is actually 100% polyester, offering excellent stretch and, above all, surprisingly quick-drying properties. After wearing them on heavy rotation for over a year, I noticed something: They are insanely durable!!
I use them for everything: daily commutes, outdoor adventures, trail rides, and touring. I’m a bit clumsy and occasionally fall during rides, but they haven’t ripped once and are still in perfect condition.
We have a wide range of Fast Pass Bakers in stock, though some sizes are running low. While the fabric is technically best suited for spring through autumn, you can easily wear them year-round by layering them over inner tights or bib tights.
I highly recommend you give them a try. I guarantee they’ll become a staple in your wardrobe!
Also, I finally got to visit Tsubame-ya, an udon shop in Seto I've been curious about for over six years. Because they are only open from 11:00 to 14:00, it was always hard to make it, but I finally managed to go this past Thursday. The old-school shop is run by two energetic ladies, creating a very cozy and homey atmosphere. The menu is packed with hand-made udon, soba, and more, and everything was delicious (though, as an unapologetic fried rice lover, I did end up ordering the fried rice pictured—please forgive me!). You should definitely check it out sometime.