Happy Reiwa era to you all.
With the start of the new era, there’s a somewhat special feeling in the air, almost like New Year's.
While we are now living in the "Reiwa" era, the truth is that just because the era name changes, it doesn’t mean that society, the times, or even ourselves will change all that much unless we actually set out to change them. Still, a change in era is as good a trigger as any to make a change, and it’s a great excuse to start something new. I think having a positive mindset about everything is quite important.
Now, for our monthly AYA Ride, we usually choose routes that start and end easily at Circles, but this time we’re going to venture a bit further to a hot spring in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture, and head toward an izakaya called “Sosaku Izakaya Engiya.”
Sosaku Izakaya Engiya is a wonderful establishment that specializes in creative cuisine, offering a wide array of exquisite dishes that really go well with drinks. Since the owner, Mr. Hayashi, is a cycling enthusiast, he often visits Circles as a customer, and we’ve become close enough that we even held an “Engiya Night” at Hedgehog Diner.
That’s how deep our connection is, yet ironically, I haven’t actually had a chance to try Engiya’s cooking yet.
It’s relatively easy to get to from Hattori Seisakusho in Oguchi Town, where I go every week to build frames, but one thing led to another and I’ve gone this long without visiting...
So, whether you’ve been there many times or never at all, why not join me on this trip?
I had announced this as a “Girls’ Ride” in our advance notice, and many men have asked me things like, “Can I join if I dress in drag? (laughs).” Of course, men are more than welcome to join, so please feel free to sign up!
We don’t care about age, gender, or what kind of bike you ride—whether it’s a road bike or a minivelo—everyone is welcome to join us!
BIKE to Hot Spring
Date and Time:
May 5th (Sun) 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM (Departure at 9:00 AM)
Meeting Place:
Pine Fields Market
or Nakamizuno Station 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM (Departure at 11:00 AM)
Things to bring:
Helmet, bike travel bag (rinko bag), change of clothes, sandals, flat repair kit, etc.
Dismissal:
Sosaku Izakaya Engiya (scheduled for around 8:00 PM)
Let’s meet up a bit early in the morning at Pine Fields Market to chat over some bread, sweets, and coffee. Once we’ve fueled up, we’ll head out from PFM, run along the river, and make our way to Kani via Seto. After we get cleaned up at the hot spring along the way, we’ll head to “Sosaku Izakaya Engiya” in Kani City, Gifu, for a meal before heading home via train with our bikes. (By the way, it’s perfectly fine to just show up at Engiya for dinner.) This time, we’ll be taking our time on the road, riding slowly, leisurely, and with plenty of breaks, so beginners, those interested in long rides, and seasoned riders alike are all welcome.
Click here if you'd like to join!
There isn’t a strict capacity limit, but if you’d like to join, I’d appreciate it if you could let me know via the contact form above by 9:00 PM the day before, May 4th (Sat). Alternatively, you can contact Aya directly!
If you have already let us know you’re joining, there is no need to contact us again—don’t worry!
After the ride, soaking away our fatigue in a hot spring and enjoying a delicious meal with everyone—I can’t imagine a better day than that!
Looking forward to a great turnout for the first AYA Ride of the Reiwa era!
