Special Thanks / Photo By Kenji Muto a.k.a @muto_photo
It’s been nine years since I started working at Circles.
Time flies by unbelievably fast.
Before I knew it, Uno-chan has become one of the more experienced members of the team...
Still, there’s a mountain of things I don’t know—not just about bikes—so I hope to keep climbing it steadily, taking a break now and then along the way.
I’ve had the chance to see all kinds of scenery from the city of Nagoya.
I’ve seen and felt things that were deeply meaningful, as well as things that weren’t, with my own eyes. I may not be very good at sharing those experiences, though.
At my core is the desire to push my body and experience new things in earnest. That’s something I want to keep cherishing, now and in the future.
Let’s bring the Uno-chan documentary to a close here.
Now, let’s get into the main story. That’s right: sfiDARE CRIT.
As always, I’m curious to see what sfiDARE CRIT has in store for 2024.
With the word sfiDARE—meaning “to challenge”—as its guiding principle, the event continues to attract fans and expand the horizons of the “cycling community.” Led by its director, Toshifumi Kodama, whose ideas are always positive and forward-thinking, the whole field of riders is constantly excited.
This year marks the first-ever series, with Rounds 1 through 4 all taking place on fixed-gear bikes.
For the opening round, 2024 Block CRIT, we borrowed the BLOCK 47 venue in Hashima City, Gifu Prefecture, and temporarily closed off public roads to hold the race. I hope you’ll enjoy seeing this compelling race—from every angle—that felt like a true season opener!
The Fun Goes Beyond the Racing
At sfiDARE CRIT, we aim to create an event where riders and spectators alike can all have a good time.
A race alone isn’t enough to make a fun event!
Perhaps that’s why there are so many different booths, making it a day that everyone from kids to adults can enjoy.
At the booths, great music is playing, and that bright red T-shirt looks good on you!
Let me introduce Yashiro (aka Yassie), a regular at Circles, who keeps us riding on a breeze with his DJ set.
The one standing next to him with a stern look is his son, Ryoma.
They say kids grow up watching their dads, and Uno-chan declares, “Don’t worry! With a dad like that, you’ll grow up to be an interesting adult too!”
The Thrill of a Serious Challenge
Maybe the unwritten rule of sfiDARE CRIT isn’t simply to enjoy the race, but to “enjoy racing with everything you’ve got.”
Through racing in sfiDARE CRIT, I’ve come to understand what it means to compete.
With every race, I realize that the real joy lies in throwing yourself into it and enjoying every moment to the fullest.
As things get underway, the excitement among the riders is building! The starting signal is about to sound.
Even poker-faced Hajime-chan seems to have butterflies in his stomach. (That’s just my guess, haha.)
I always watch him shift gears so smoothly and effortlessly as he picks up the pace.
Uno-chan tries hard to chase him down, but ends up watching him ride away with that same calm, steady style every time...
Next round, I’m going to chase Hajime-chan with everything I’ve got!
Kenji, you’re not in focus—and neither is Uno-chan! (Laughs)
Just kidding. The rider who drove all the way from Tokyo in a rental car and made it safely is Hiromu Mitsumune (aka Hiromu).
He’s a regular at sfiDARE CRIT and a formidable competitor in this year’s series.
He’s not really an opponent, but I love how he rides with such calm composure and power—and how he shifts into the right gear at just the right moment...
Hiromu recently came by Circles, and we caught each other up on how things were going before he headed off.
Then on race day, we met up and said, “Let’s ride hard and stay safe!” before heading to the start together, carrying our bikes.
Come to think of it, you were interested in the QUOC Night!
We sell them at Circles, of course, so feel free to order a pair from our WEBSHOP!! “Let’s both spread the word about QUOC, then go for a ride somewhere!”
He’s definitely a contender for the win.
That’s right, his name is Shunto Seshimo (Seshimo-kun).
At last year’s Yokohama CRIT at Nissan Stadium, this remarkably young and experienced rider made it onto the podium against international competitors from CMWC.
Though he’s young, his good manners and focus in every race get us other riders fired up, too.
Seshimo-kun may be strong because he reads the race better than anyone, rides efficiently without wasting energy, and keeps pushing right to the finish.
Seshimo-kun was one of the favorites to win, and he did it!!
Congratulations!!
He shook hands firmly with a Korean rider, and they congratulated each other on a great race.
Seeing moments like this reminds me just how wonderful sports can be.
Regardless of whether they finish first or last, it’s wonderful to see riders respecting one another and chatting with smiles on their faces.
To Wrap Up
I love sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN.
I really love it.
I’m filled with gratitude for everyone who comes here.
But at the root of those feelings is the bicycle.
Without bikes, sfiDARE CRIT would never have been born.
Without bikes, I might never have been able to write such a freewheeling article.
The bicycle is a magnificent machine.
I love bicycles.
Next up is Odaiba, Tokyo!!
Until next time—see you all again, happy and healthy!
If you’d like to ride a fixed-gear bike, come talk to us at Circles!!
From Uno-chan
