My body, having ridden around on a bike packed with a bit more gear than usual, is complaining of muscle soreness, but that is simply proof of two full days of hard play—a feeling I imagine all the participants are likely sharing right now.
Following last year, we were able to celebrate the arrival of RIDEALIVE 2015 again this year.
This time, some participants joined us from as far away as Niigata and Hiroshima. Each set off from their own starting point, carrying their own sense of adventure and playfulness as they aimed for Mikawa Kogen Campground.
Whether they are old friends or people you've just met, once you spend time together in the saddle, you become irreplaceable companions from that day on. When you have friends, you can push through even when things get tough. I think that is the mysterious power of the pedal.
The goal for the first day, Mikawa Kogen Campground, is situated on a small hill. Summoning our last bit of energy, we headed toward the finish line where everyone was waiting.
A magnificent bike tree welcomed everyone. The Shimoyama Saikuru Project, which is working to install bicycle racks made from repurposed local thinned wood, kindly provided special bike racks for use at the venue.
And then, everyone gathered for a toast.
As we praised each other’s efforts, we shared stories of the day's events and our own personal adventures.
To everyone who provided the food—a vital part of RIDEALIVE—thank you.
You offered the best hospitality, far exceeding our expectations, and I believe everyone was able to have a wonderful time.
With fireworks, live acoustic music, and a campfire, the fun night deepened as if we were savoring the passing of summer.
The next morning, with the rain coming down harder at times, everyone gathered from their tents into the plaza.
Everyone prepared breakfast in their own way, fueling up for the rides and activities ahead. We had encouraged everyone to make their own breakfast this time, and the scene was exactly what I had imagined: people cooking creatively and sharing meals together. Not only did it make for a wonderful start to the day, but there is nothing quite like sharing a meal outdoors with friends you've ridden hard with and shared both the struggles and the joys.
Once breakfast was finished, everyone dove into a variety of activities including trail running, MTB, fishing, and sea kayaking. Of course, the ride remains the central axis, and having different ways to enjoy ourselves is what we consider a rich life. Despite the weather still not being great, these masters of play didn't care at all and played with all their might.
Heading from the mountains straight to the sea, everyone gathered at CAFE OCEAN, the goal of the second day.
The rain, which had been forecast to fall all day, let up; and although we couldn't see the sun, it felt as if the sky itself was blessing the conclusion of our two-day journey.
Just like last year, CAFE OCEAN provided us with a truly wonderful space. I hope that everyone who participated, and even those who didn't, will make a point to ride out and visit the shops of those who supported us this time.
How much should we provide, and how much should we leave to the participants?
RIDEALIVE began with the concept of exploring play for oneself.
Setting routes, choosing gear and packing, and deciding how to have fun—rather than being handed these things, it is crucial that we build them ourselves.
Although the weather was never great throughout these two days, I was deeply impressed by how much all the participants truly enjoyed themselves, even among those who had to ride through torrential downpours. No one looked glum because of the rain; everyone was smiling from start to finish, and the atmosphere was filled with a powerful desire to find their own ways to enjoy the event.
The people we met this way now share a stronger bond, and as each individual’s "self-rotating power" connects, it turns into a greater rotation that continues to move forward. I want to cherish these encounters and keep turning together with everyone from here on out. Personally, I feel I need to cultivate even stronger self-rotating power to keep up with all of you, while simultaneously being very happy to have such companions around to support me.
We would like to thank everyone who supported the realization of RIDEALIVE 2015 (in no particular order):
The Mikawa Kogen Campground Team, The Shimoyama Saikuru Project Team, Mr. Shimada of Sunday Spice, Mr. Oda of Kissa Hiraya, Mr. Hayashi of Engiya and his merry crew, 26ism, The Noragawa Tourist Center Team, The CAFE OCEAN/ISLAND SURF Team, Giant, Aki Corporation, Intertec, Globeride, Mr. Takagi of ALTRA, Mr. Imoto of Atelier Michikusa
And finally, to all the participants who, despite this being only the second time the event has been held, bought tickets with great expectations and pedaled their way here under their own power despite concerns about the weather: thank you. It is because of you that we were able to finish successfully in this way.
Let me express my gratitude once again to everyone involved.
Thank you very much.
Photo By:Eri Tanaka
Instagram:#RIDEALIVE2015
More Photo:Circles Flickr
Let's cultivate even stronger self-rotating power and see each other again next year!