Hello everyone! It’s Chan-Mai!
Can you believe there are only 3 weeks left until RIDEALIVE...!?
Before I knew it, the blog posts I’ve been writing have become completely focused on RIDEALIVE.
So, this time, I want to talk about the "people" behind RIDEALIVE.
Circles is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Over these past 20 years, there have been countless meetings, farewells, interactions, and adventures.
Of course, what I’ve seen up close is just a tiny fraction of that long history. Even so, since joining Circles, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to meet so many people, hear their stories, and hang out with them.
(The photo is from our 18th anniversary event during my first year at the company. It was incredible to see that many people gathered together.)
Every time I hear stories passed down from person to person or witness the relationships that still continue today, I feel like I’m gradually getting a glimpse of the 20 years of Circles that I don't know. Through the people I've met, I can feel the long odyssey that Circles has walked.
And for this year's RIDEALIVE, we are bringing together the friends who have helped create this history of Circles and continue to play with us today.
Some are brand creators, some are former staff, and others are longtime riding buddies. Our ways of connecting are all different, but everyone is connected through the place that is Circles.
Since we’ll be spending the same time together, it would be a waste to just ride! I really hope you’ll reach out, talk to them, and hear all their stories.
So, let's take a peek at the people who will be gathering for this RIDEALIVE!
Welldone / Inocchi-san
When talking about the history of Circles, it's impossible not to mention this name. That presence is Inocchi-san from Welldone.
Even on the podcast I host, when I welcome guests, Inocchi-san's name comes up more often than not. It might not be an exaggeration to say that he knows more about Circles than the current staff.
In those 20 years of history, there must be a mountain of stories we don't know. From stories about the old Circles to tales of past adventures and memories, please make sure to ask Inocchi-san about them!
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It’s been a while since my last RIDEALIVE.
I don’t often get the chance to ride and camp with everyone, so I’m really looking forward to it!
Personally, I want to see Thomas the Tank Engine on the Oigawa Railway lol
Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of Circles!!
20 years is truly amazing.
I’m one of many fans who look forward to seeing Circles continue to evolve.
Looking forward to working with you all in the future!
Peak Design / Masa Shimizu-san
The man who can become friends with anyone in 0.2 seconds, Shimizu-san. My own first impression of him was so strong; I was surprised by his friendliness and how easily he breaks down barriers (lol).
I’m sure many of you have seen him at POP UP STORE events held at Circles.
A super salesman involved with various products, including Peak Design, NEMO, and his own brand. He has had a long and deep relationship with Circles. It’s not just the appeal of the products he handles, but above all, I think Shimizu-san's own character creates these human connections.
No worries if you're meeting him for the first time. I'm sure that by the time you realize it, you'll feel like you've been friends for a long time!
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Congratulations to Circles on your 20th anniversary!
I can’t remember how many years it’s been since I first visited your shop, but it remains a stylish, "now" bike shop with such wonderful, smiling staff that I still love it just the same. Please continue to be a shop that I always want to visit.
This is my first time participating in RIDEALIVE, so please be gentle with me...
With a level of dedication beyond the norm, Hosokawa-san from tade qui handles everything by himself, from material selection to production.
Not only is his sincere attitude toward craftsmanship impressive, but his works, born from his unique sensibilities, are packed with a charm that is distinctly Hosokawa-san's.
He is an important friend who participates in the Circles anniversary festival every year to help liven up the celebration. Please take this opportunity to ask him about his dedication to craftsmanship and what he thinks about when he’s making things.
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The legendary Circles! And the legendary event hosted by them! To think I could participate in RIDEALIVE... I'm so glad I'm alive! Anyway, congratulations on your 20th anniversary. Please keep being the number one bike shop in Japan.
From Sabae, Fukui, the city of eyeglasses, FLOAT creates sunglasses that are surprisingly light and comfortable to wear.
Both of them are huge bike lovers themselves, and their relationship with Circles goes far beyond just business. Their attendance rate at our events and rides is surprisingly high, and before I know it, it feels like we're always hanging out together (lol).
Many Circles customers are likely fans of FLOAT as well. Getting to ride with the makers themselves and talk to them directly is one of the joys of this event. If you see them, please say hello!
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Congratulations on your 20th anniversary! Looking forward to the day 🚴
JINDAIJI MOUNTAIN WORKS / Jackie, Ayumi, Atsushi
With a unique group of members, JINDAIJI MOUNTAIN WORKS creates products with a unique worldview.
This time, in addition to our representative, Jackie-san, Ayumi-chan and Atsushi-kun will also be participating!
Whether it's hiking, trail running, cycling, or fishing, their repertoire of hobbies is incredibly rich. What's more, their work is interesting precisely because they actually play and experience these things themselves.
From gear talk to travel stories and hobbies they've been obsessed with lately, the conversation is sure to be endless. Please take a look into their world of play.
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Congratulations to Circles on your 20th anniversary!
Using bicycles as an entry point, Circles has continued to expand ways to play and connections between people.
We are looking forward to playing together with everyone at RIDEALIVE in this special 20th anniversary year!
We will play as hard as we can, in true JMW fashion!TORAYA Equipment / Toshi-san
One of the brands with a long-standing relationship with Circles, TORAYA EQUIPMENT. They are also important playmates of ours.
The products created with the concept of "travel" have a unique charm that other brands don't, and they are incredibly popular every time we hold an order event at Circles.
Because they are thought up and made by people who actually enjoy traveling, both the usability and the design are packed with their unique perspective.
They are more than just a brand and a shop; they are friends with whom we’ve played and spent time. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of stories come out this time!
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Congratulations on your 20th anniversary! This marks my 10th year of association with Circles (probably).
I'm looking forward to RIDEALIVE, the first one since Yamanashi!Both have a unique worldview, vivid imaginations, and a wealth of experience in travel and play. I think that their sensibilities and practical experiences are what connect to the craftsmanship of HIKER TRASH.
The appeal of the gear itself is wonderful, but once you know what kind of scenery the maker has seen and what kind of experiences they have had, your view of the product can change a little bit.
Please enjoy talking with the two of them about their travels and hobbies!
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We are always indebted to Circles, so I'm excited to be able to participate in such an event! I hope I can repay that favor someday!
POC / Kyon-san
Kyon-chan, who used to work as a Circles staff member.
Actually, I’ve never worked with her, but I’ve heard stories about her from all over. And what everyone says in unison is... "She’s an absolute heavy drinker!"
That alone makes you curious about what kind of person she is (lol), but if you see her approaching with a big smile and a drink in her hand, I’m sure you’ll hit it off right away.
I’m happy that she’s participating in a Circles event like this, even though she’s currently involved with POC. Whether you're an old friend or meeting her for the first time, let’s all have a fun night together!
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I’m looking forward to riding, eating, drinking, and sharing that time together!!
There are still more people I’d like to introduce, but that’s it for today.
RIDEALIVE 2026 is guaranteed to have a super fun night waiting for us! Everyone, please look forward to it.
We plan to close ticket sales soon. Even if you haven't decided to participate yet, if you're worried about routes or gear, please feel free to ask us!
See you next time, this was Chan-Mai~🌞
Click here for details on RIDEALIVE and registration!
