Wow, that was amazing.
The finale of an intense two weeks that followed the Circles 18th Anniversary party: Akigase Forest Bikelore.
Actually, while Circles participated in the very first one, we haven't been able to attend since then as it always seemed to conflict with our anniversary events. This year, we finally returned to the grounds of Akigase. Personally, this was my first time attending. I’ve felt the scale and the energy growing year by year, but it was truly incredible. I don’t think there is any other event where so many people connect through the common fan tool that is the bicycle. It was a wonderful event that truly embodies the idea that persistence is power.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth that day!
Circles Handmade Bicycle Show
Without a doubt, this was the highlight.
Since Circles was setting up a shop, we couldn't skip the handmade bicycle exhibition—a piece that was essential. Having been to events like the MADE Bike Show and its roots, NAHBS, many times, I was glad we could hold a handmade bike show here in Akigase. It was heartening to see so many people stop and admire bikes that you don't usually get to see in person.
The SimWorks Doppo Ronin, which was just released at this timing, also made its first public appearance. We made it available for test rides, and it was the most requested bike among all the ones we brought.
Also, for our display that day, we used the SHINOBI STAND, created by Go-kun, a.k.a. FUMIKIRIGANG, who always supports Circles behind the scenes with things like video production.
This was a great opportunity to unveil a fantastic product that combines the ideas of Go and our mutual friend and product designer Nishimura-kun—the goal being to create a stand that is simple enough to highlight the bike while also being functional—with the manufacturing handled by MINOURA, a leading company in the Tokai region. Sales plans are not yet finalized, but please feel free to inquire if you are interested.
For this handmade bike show, we hope to eventually create an opportunity to bring together builders from both Japan and abroad, not just those we currently carry at Circles. We can't say much yet, but I'm sure we'll have good news one day, so please stay tuned.
Just the other day, we received an order inquiry from someone who fell in love with a RETROTEC at the venue; we are truly grateful for the connections Bikelore has fostered.
OMNIUM Present Cargo Bike Race
The headline race: the OMNIUM Present Cargo Bike Race.
This race is decided by points based on the size/amount of cargo and finishing order; it's not just about speed, but also techniques like packing methods. Contrary to the predictions of the organizers—Gishi-kun and Monja, both former messengers—it was surprising to see just how much cargo all the participants were carrying.
Of course, some people raced with OMNIUMs, but it was impressive to see people racing with BURLEY trailers and in various other styles they each preferred.
In the middle of all this, Yoshi from Circles Tokyo raced on a titanium OMNIUM. With no excuses possible given the gear, he placed 2nd, proving the carrying capacity and high riding performance of the OMNIUM. Plus, Yoshi joined the night ride hosted by Kako-san, familiar from ARAKAWA OUTBACK, that night. Thank you for your hard work over the two days!
Organizer Gishi-kun is already planning ideas to polish it up for next year, so please look forward to the next one!
Extras
I was kept busy at the booth, so I mostly only have photos taken with my iPhone, but here is a look back at Bikelore through photos.
My major personal mission this time: gathering bicycles from Nagoya and Tokyo, loading them into a 2-ton truck, and driving them there. We managed to complete the trip safely, transporting about 20 bikes plus merchandise and fixtures.
It was a surprise to see RITCHEY's Fergus stop by. His last name is Tanaka, so with our boss and Eri-chin, the Tanaka Trio was complete. By the way, his brother (who I met by chance while helping at the PASS AND STOW booth during MADE) also just came to visit Nagoya for a trip in the autumn.
Fergus mentioned he's usually devoted to track racing and brevets and rarely does cyclocross, but he absolutely crushed the delivery race.
As an aside, it seems he started rooming with Kyle from OUTERSHELL this year.
Our neighbors across the course were the BLOCKHEAD MOTORS booth + RC course, so many Bike x RC style customers stopped by our booth. The Thunder Strap is a convenient item that anyone doing Bike x RC should definitely have.
And! SimWorksRacing's Kazuki-san, who is in the middle of the CX race season, ditched the CX race and traveled all the way from Mie to Akigase to enter the RC Car Grand-Prix, and he won it, leaving a solid mark. Congratulations, Kazuki-san!
It was our first time trying it, but the CHRIS KING Mix’n Match was also well-received. It was impressive to see everyone having fun choosing combinations, holding them up against the bikes they had on hand.
When the booth calmed down, I snuck over to the potato shop, a.k.a NB's, and their Belgian-style frites + venison stew were exquisite. The freshly fried frites really hit the spot for my cold body.
The bicycle shop from Hamamatsu (this time as a gyoza shop) also looked busy all day. Apparently, they are planning to build an OMNIUM with the money they earned at the gyoza shop.
Boss also entered the "the6wheels" event hosted by Blue Lug's Tommy-kun and Spinning Garage.
By the way, what he is carrying is a SEVEN Evergreen SL and a SKLAR Custom Ti frame. The shocking truth is that the bikes being carried are more expensive than the car itself... Thank you to Paisen & Yuu-kun for lending us your precious bikes for the show! It really is great to display real bikes that have been ridden hard.
Once again, thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth over the two days, and above all, to everyone at Bikelore for creating this wonderful scene!
See you next year!
