We occasionally introduce the Nadaraka Cycling Club, organized by Rie Saito, here at Circles. I have tagged along a few times, and it is truly a wonderful group.
While cycling often tends to focus on riding fast and hard, that is by no means the only standard for strength. I believe that understanding the history of the roads we travel, learning about our gear, and freely moving between riding, learning, and playing to grasp the multifaceted appeal of cycling is what is truly strong and enriching.
Led by Rie and centered around women, Nadaraka Cycling includes many participants who are different from those we usually see on our rides—such as college students who have just bought their first bikes, mothers who have finished raising their children, and people who participate using rental bikes every time. It really makes me feel the breadth of the appeal of cycling.
Recently, a ride event in Inabu that Rie had prepared for by visiting the area many times was successfully held. She wrote a report about it, so I would like to share it with you along with some photos.
Nadaraka Kaido Retreat Ride in INABU
I started cycling under the influence of my husband and discovered Circles in 2012, when my child was two years old. It has been 10 years since then. After enjoying cycling as a family and interacting with various roads and cyclists, I started my own activity, the Nadaraka cycling club, last spring.
Although I am just one customer, I would like to take this opportunity to report on the "Nadaraka Kaido Retreat Ride in INABU" that was held recently.
"Beginners and rental bikes are very welcome. We value both time with others and time for yourself, spending time refreshing both body and mind in nature" was the concept for this special ride.
Through various connections, the event was held in Inabu-cho, Toyota City, and I have been preparing for it for a year. I received help from Hitotoki (Hito-to-Ki) for the delicious food that served as our source of energy, and Tsuchimoto Jitensha for rental bikes and pre-ride inspections.
Even though it was called a ride, I made it a point to limit actual cycling to two hours, incorporating an equal amount of time for walking and reflection. We loosened our bodies with a forest therapy walk in the morning, followed by lunch before getting on our bikes. After the ride, we finished up by taking a break with some warm herbal tea.
The original "Kaido Quiz" and "Nadaraka Notebook" were also items I paid particular attention to. Everyone rode along the Salt Road and Chuma Kaido, and we also made sure to have quiet time for ourselves during forest bathing, river play, and tea time. Participants spent their time in their own ways, drawing pictures or writing in their notebooks. Looking back at the photos, I am reminded that it was a once-in-a-lifetime holiday surrounded by mountains and rivers.
The Chuma Kaido in Inabu, about 80km from Nagoya, links with the "Nadaraka Kaido Ride" routes that the Nadaraka cycling club holds in spring and autumn, as well as the Minoji road, making me realize that these towns have been connected since long ago.
I hope that people can also connect freely and gently. As a cyclist, I sincerely hope that the bicycle will be that beloved tool. I will continue my activities freely and for a long time to come, so let's ride together sometimes!
Nadaraka cycling club
Saito Rie
It looks like the "Kaido Ride" and "Utsuwa-motte Ride" (Ride with Pottery) will continue next month. These are easy rides where you solve quizzes while carefully observing fragments of history found along the road. There seem to be a few spots left, so please join in.
It is truly impressive how much care goes into her handmade booklets and souvenirs every time.
Please check Instagram for details on Nadaraka Cycling.
@nadaraka_cyclingclub
https://www.instagram.com/nadaraka_cyclingclub/
