We’ve started to smell Osmanthus, announcing the arrival of autumn. There is one spot on the route for GURUREN, our regular Sunday night ride, where you can smell the sweet fragrance of these flowers. I found myself riding past it feeling a bit bittersweet, recalling memories of past heartbreaks.
The language of flowers for Osmanthus is said to be "humility" and "noble person." In China, they are called "Guihua," and apparently, a liquor called "Guihua Chenjiu" is made by soaking the flowers in white wine for three years. As a self-proclaimed lover of alcohol, I had no idea about this...
But setting that aside, since GURUREN takes place at night, we are, of course, riding in complete darkness. All you really need for night riding are bright lights and a lack of fear, but there are certain items that come in handy. Clear lens sunglasses are one of them. I used to ride with my bare eyes, but after getting bothered by bugs flying in and my eyes drying out, I discovered that there are optional clear lenses available for the SMITH PIVLOCK ARENA, which I started using recently, so I picked those up right away.
They normally come with ChromaPop Platinum lenses for sunny weather and ChromaPop Contrast Rose Flash lenses for overcast days. ChromaPop lenses ensure a safe ride by making even subtle changes in terrain clearly visible. Plus, the frame design allows for easy lens swapping, so you can quickly change them according to the weather when you ride.
SMITH, a company born in Idaho, is currently based in Portland, Oregon. They have recently become a hot topic for supporting the BREADWINNER CYCLES CX team—our local team—with sunglasses and helmets. Their helmets, packed with ideas unique to an eyewear company, are incredibly well-crafted and are a top recommendation here at Circles. Why not try out SMITH sunglasses, which are simpler and smarter than those from other manufacturers?
Registration for RIDEALIVE 2017 Gifu, "BOKU NO HOSOMICHI," is now open. Since we’ll be riding in areas you wouldn't usually travel to even from Nagoya, it’s sure to be fresh and fun. You won't need a tent or sleeping bag this time, making it an easy event for families and first-timers to join. Personally, the more I ride in Yaotsu, the deeper and more impressive I find it, discovering so many superb roads.
For more details about the event, please check here.
