This is Yoshimoto from Circles Tokyo.
Thanks to all of you, Circles Tokyo is celebrating its 2nd anniversary. From everyday flat repairs to life-changing custom orders and the countless casual conversations at the counter—these are the things that have shaped the last two years.
It is because of cyclists like you that our mechanics put so much heart into their work. First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude. Thank you so very much.
Now, how should we celebrate this milestone and what kind of experience should we offer everyone? The answer I arrived at after much thought was, as always, simple: let’s all pedal together.
Last year for our 1st anniversary, we organized the "Tokyo Bay Ride," centering the event around Circles Tokyo and splitting into several groups. That was a great session that let us experience the scale of the city of Tokyo. However, this year we’ve changed our approach. Instead of splitting into groups, "I want everyone to share the same view and the same time." With that thought in mind, I did some more research, and the answer I arrived at is a short trip to Izu Oshima.
Even though it belongs to the same "Tokyo Metropolis" administrative division, what you find there is an overwhelming sense of the "extraordinary." Being rocked to sleep on a night ferry together, riding the island, and breaking bread (or in this case, enjoying supreme seafood bowls) together—this is a journey where we can truly feel the connections of our community, in true Circles fashion.
"Circles Tokyo Anniversary Ride in Izu Oshima" Please take a look at the details and join us for an adventure!
Izu Oshima: A "Planet" 120km from the City Center
There is actually more to the "Tokyo" where we are based. About 120km south of Takeshiba, it takes as little as 1 hour and 45 minutes by high-speed jet ferry, or one night by large night ferry. There lies Izu Oshima, which, despite being part of Tokyo, looks like another planet. It was a place Adam Sklar visited during his ride when he came to Japan last year, and I’m sure many of you have been curious about it.
To describe the island in one phrase, it is a "massive geopark where the Earth's activity is made visible."
At the center of the island sits Mount Mihara, an active volcano that still breathes today, surrounded by the Ura-sabaku (Inner Desert), the only place in Japan officially designated as a desert. That desolate land covered in black scoria (volcanic rock) is a truly extraordinary place, the polar opposite of the everyday Tokyo paved with concrete and asphalt.
Also, you cannot miss the Landslide Cross-section in the southwestern part of the island. Layers of volcanic ash that have accumulated over an incredible 15,000 to 20,000 years—it is the very memory of the Earth itself.
Stepping out of a city filled with traffic lights and convenience store lights into this island ruled by wind, earth, and the scent of volcanoes.
I believe the bicycle is the best tool for experiencing the land. I hope that by riding our bikes, we can fully experience Oshima with all five senses.
Speaking of rides, there's food, too
When we talk about the five senses, there is something we cannot forget. We have to replenish the massive amount of calories burned overcoming Oshima's ups and downs, right?
So, for lunch, we will have seafood bowls at "Sushiko" near Motomachi Port. Enjoying the life harvested from the local sea—this is also a form of respect for the region and an important element in experiencing Oshima.
And on the way back, we’ll transport our bikes on the jet ferry. Some say "Rinko (bagging your bike) is a pain," but I view it as a "ritual." Packing your bike with your own hands and preparing to return to daily life—that extra effort acts as an adhesive that solidifies the memories of the trip. (Of course, I’m happy to teach you all the packing tips you need!)
This ride is not just a 2nd-anniversary event. It is an experimental attempt for Circles Tokyo to go beyond the boundaries of Tokyo, cross the sea, and connect with nature. Won't you join us in creating universal memories that we can laugh about 30 years from now, saying, "That Oshima trip was the best"?
Dates: February 27 (Fri) - 28 (Sat)
Meeting Point: February 27 (Fri) 21:30 at Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal
(Departure at 22:00 on the Salvia Maru)
*Please note that the event will go ahead rain or shine, unless the ferry is cancelled.
Please note that you will be responsible for any refund costs.
[Schedule Overview]
2/27 (Fri)
21:30: Meet at Takeshiba
22:00: Departure
2/28 (Sat)
06:00: Arrival in Oshima.
Please drop off your luggage if you need to.
06:30: Ride start.
11:30: Lunch. We will have seafood bowls at Sushiko near Motomachi Port.
We plan to provide the seafood bowl to all participants. Please let us know if you cannot eat raw fish.
14:30: Arrival at Okada Port.
15:30: Departure by jet ferry. (Please let us know via the survey form if you plan to stay in Oshima for an extra night or return by plane via Chofu Airport.)[Participation Fee]
Free (Please cover your own lunch and travel expenses.)
[Route Specs]
Distance: Approx. 50km
Elevation gain: Approx. 1000m
The route is primarily on-road.
The plan includes riding about 1km total through a desert area in the Ura-sabaku.
[Items/Equipment]
・Rinko bag (bike bag)
Required for the return jet ferry.
It is free to bring on the large night ship if packed. If you check it in as-is, there is a fee.
・Helmet
・Cold-weather gear like gloves (sea breezes are not to be underestimated).
・Basic repair kit, including spare tubes.
Please be prepared to handle your own bicycle troubles.
・Curiosity and a sense of fun.[Capacity] Approx. 25 people (first-come, first-served)
Please be sure to book your ferry ticket before registering.
[Participation Gift] Every participant will receive a special water bottle designed by ZAB just for this event. Every time you see this bottle, you'll be reminded of the Oshima breeze.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Circles Tokyo!
We look forward to seeing you all there.