After seven years, RIDEALIVE is back again.
Back in 2014, we were enjoying fixed-gear bikes, cyclocross, and touring, but we hadn't yet grasped the concept of "camp riding." That all changed when we saw Rick Hunter and his crew enjoying adventure rides in Death Valley with a bike style we’d never seen before. It turns out, that was the early stage of what we now call "bikepacking." Their style—using large saddlebags and frame bags that fit perfectly into the front triangle to eliminate racks and keep the bike lightweight for long-distance riding—was actually rooted in UL (ultralight) hiking and backpacking.
"Let’s try this out for our summer vacation!" That was the beginning of RIDEALIVE, and that curiosity became the very root of how we play at Circles.
The only things we decide are the meeting place and time. How you get there is entirely up to you. You build your own route, plan your own breaks, and decide on your own detours—nothing is prepared for you by someone else. When we gather like that, we sit around the campfire at night, drinking and talking, then head back out the next day.
Back then, our camping skills were just trial and error, and our styles were all over the place. Still, it was incredibly fun, and it expanded the horizons of how we play.
In this landmark year of Circles' 20th anniversary, we are going back to those roots. As RIDEALIVE 2026.
Your style of travel is yours to decide
This time, the stage is set in the area stretching from Yaizu City to Kawanehon Town in Shizuoka Prefecture. It’s also home to a newly developed route called the "Katsuo Trail." Created by our longtime friend Lucas from "PAPERSKY," this trail is a 205km loop with 6,150m of elevation gain, taking you from the coast of Suruga Bay into the heart of the Southern Alps. Of course, you don’t have to ride the whole thing; you set the route you want to ride yourself.
The dates are November 7th (Sat) and 8th (Sun), 2026. The goal for Day 1 is "Kunowaki Campsite" in the mid-reaches of the Oi River, and the goal for Day 2 is "Ishizu Coast Park" in Yaizu. That night, the after-party will be held at "Yaizu PORTERS," a cultural facility renovated from a former fishing gear warehouse at Yaizu Port.
All you need to participate is the ability to travel 50km while carrying your camping gear. That’s it. There is no set starting point. You can come by train (rinko), or you can join in as part of a hiking-style journey. You can participate with friends or family, or you can ride solo. Everyone can join these two days in their own way.
Good rides, good camping, good nights
Kunowaki Campsite is located on the spacious riverbank of the mid-Oi River, complete with restrooms and showers. It’s a place that has been carefully managed by the local community. While the style of each person planning their own route remains the same, we’ll be introducing some beautiful spots along the Oi River basin soon to help you with your planning.
And speaking of Circles rides, food is an absolute essential. In addition to our food and beverage team featuring Ariba, PFM, and Cherubim, we’re inviting an even more diverse group of guests this year to prepare a special menu. Make sure you come with a healthy appetite and reach the goal on both days.
Most of your entry fee will go toward making that post-ride experience happen; instead of our traditional anniversary party, the plan is for RIDEALIVE itself to be the party that celebrates our 20th anniversary.
Of course, it’s not just about riding and eating—another hallmark of RIDEALIVE is the freedom to bring your own play, whether that’s hiking, fishing, saunas, visiting historical sites, or birdwatching. We’re currently preparing a program from Circles as well, so please stay tuned—details will be released soon.
RIDEALIVE 2026 Special Page
About Participation Tickets
The entry ticket includes the following:
- Campsite accommodation
- DAY 1 Dinner (Circles Food Team)
- DAY 2 Breakfast (Circles Food Team)
- DAY 2 Dinner (Guest Food Team)
- Access to various events
- Ride accident insurance
*Additional fees may apply for certain events or food options.
*Cancellations must be made by October 20th.
Let’s get lost in the fun
Play seriously and with passion. You don’t need to be an expert. It’s about how you enjoy the moment with what’s available and who is there. If you need gear, buy it; think seriously about how to do things, and pour your energy into it. “That looks fun! Let’s try it! Let’s enjoy it!” This groove should remain unchanged now, in the past, and into the future. Let’s all have a blast and play seriously together! We look forward to your participation!
