Hello! It’s Baki, and I recently got a haircut. (I wonder if anyone noticed...)
We are right in the middle of Golden Week, the arrival of peak riding season!
When I’m working at the shop, I hear about all sorts of ride plans—from long rides and gravel to cafe runs and trips to tourist spots. Just listening to them makes me restless to get out and ride myself...
With that itch to ride, I recently hosted my first morning ride.
I called it Group Training in Shinmaiko!!
To everyone who joined, thank you so much!
This is a bit sudden, but let me share briefly why I planned this ride.
Also, I have an announcement about the next morning ride at the end, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out!
Why "Group Training"?
I love group training!
"Group training" is a ride that circles Heiwakoen park, held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 8:00 PM.
I love the exhilaration and refreshment that comes from pedaling with all my might, which is how I ride during these sessions.
But I don't just love them because I ride; I love them because they are welcoming to all kinds of riding styles!
Since group training is a circuit, you never get separated. That means it’s fine for those who want to give it their all, and it’s fine for those who want to enjoy a comfortable pace.
Isn't it wonderful that anyone can just lose themselves in the act of riding!?
That's why I thought, "It's too good to only do at night."
That was the birth of this morning ride, Group Training in Shinmaiko!
With that in mind, here is a report on the ride!
First, off to Shinmaiko!
We started at Circles.
I was fired up and dressed in my jersey, but at 7:00 AM, it was still a bit chilly. Haha. Shinmaiko is about 30km one way.
For the course, I got some advice on a pleasant route from our PIT lead, Daisaku-senpai, and then made some adjustments.
We avoided main roads and rode along the river.
We even went on a dedicated bike path.
It really feels good to ride without the stress of cars.
Actually, since it was my first time hosting a ride, I was worried about whether I could lead properly.
But between the great route and the fun conversation, my nerves eased, and we arrived safely at Shinmaiko to meet up with the local group!
Seeing everyone’s happy smiles made me so glad!!
Alright, time for the main event: group training!
Group training, here we go!
We did one lap first to confirm the turnaround point and areas requiring caution.
For a fun ride, safety checks are essential and time well spent.
Once that was done, it was time for everyone to pedal at their own preferred style!
Whether you want to ride at full speed, enjoy the pleasant temperature, or chat while riding—anything goes!
As for me, while everyone enjoyed their own style...
I did some rotations with a customer (affectionately known as Tsune-chama) and got our heart rates way up. Haha.
Since you’re constantly fighting air resistance on a bike, the person at the front takes the brunt of the wind and uses up their energy, while those following behind get an easier time.
So, when it gets tough for the leader, you have the person behind take the lead while you rest in the back.
Basically, it’s cooperative play.
That's what rotation is!!
There's an exhilaration in riding beyond your own limits, and it starts to feel like you're fighting a battle together.
I felt like a comrade-in-arms.
This, again, is so much fun!
When the time was up and I looked at the faces of the members who gathered, some looked exhausted, others looked radiant. Everyone looked great.
The reward: JAMMIN' STANDHOUSE
After working up a good sweat, you deserve a reward!
We headed to JAMMIN' STANDHOUSE in Tokai City for some incredible Cuban sandwiches.
Coincidentally, it happened to be the one day a month they sell beignets. Obviously, I had to order some.
While wolfing down the filling Cuban sandwiches and healing sweet beignets, we looked back on the ride and talked about bikes.
After spending some time relaxing, we headed back home.
On the way back, we took a course recommended by Asai-senpai, who came along as our photographer. Riding along river banks and narrow, comfortable paths, we made great progress. The routes the seniors build are really something.
And just like that, we arrived at Circles and the ride was over!
Riding a bike is truly fun, and it's even more fun when it expands your social circle.
I plan to keep organizing rides that help broaden that circle.
Announcement for the next Morning Ride
The next morning ride is on May 17th (Sun)!
We're changing things up a bit for the next one—lots of staff members will be joining!
A slightly luxurious Sunday morning where we ride lightly before the shop opens and have coffee or breakfast at the park. Why not join us for this staff ride?
May Morning Ride
Date: May 17, 2026 (Sun)
8:30 Meet at Circles
9:50 Return to CirclesDestination: Kawana Park (Planned)
What to bring: Bicycle, helmet, breakfast, etc.
No sign-up required, so please feel free to join us.
May 17th (Sun), 8:30 at Circles! We’ll be waiting!!