Special Thanks / Photo By Kenji Muto a.k.a @muto_photo
I believe the last time I was in Kyoto was on my 6th-grade school trip. I visited various temples and saw many Buddhist statues. I remember Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) leaving the biggest impression—I recall it being incredibly beautiful.
I also remember how my friends would proudly show off their bamboo swords (shinai), while I was so preoccupied with a girl I liked that I couldn't care less... Oops! Sorry about that; I'd like to move on to the main topic now (laughs).
On Sunday, September 12, 2021, I participated in a fixed-gear race hosted by sfiDARE CRIT in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture!
This event was held using a portion of the Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA. As always, it was packed with highlights, and I witnessed a scene where both participants and spectators couldn't stop smiling. I hope you'll read this Uno-chan blog so we can share the joy of sfiDARE CRIT together.
Let’s look back on the day with these wonderful photos from Kenji-kun. Here we go!
Pre-Race Ritual – Bike Inspection
Whether experienced or beginners, we all participate with the pride that "We are sfiDARE riders."
Also, since this was held during the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to successfully host the event by ensuring thorough virus countermeasures among participants, spectators, and staff. This included health self-management, wearing masks within the venue, and even requiring riders to keep their masks on during course warm-ups until one minute before the race. That said, what a stunning and rare collection of fixed-gear bikes lined up here!
Bike checks are super important
First of all, every race participant must visit the designated areas at each vendor booth to have their bike checked—things like chain tension, ensuring the handlebars are firmly fixed, and checking that the saddle isn't crooked.
Since it's a fixed-gear race, riders naturally navigate the course with "no brakes."
Because of this, I believe preventing injuries and issues caused by poor maintenance is even more important than racing fast. Protect your own life! I want to develop a habit of never skipping a double-check on anything.
Flat Bar Class Qualifiers & Finals
After finishing the bike checks, riders head onto the 350m course for about 30 minutes of practice runs. During these runs, each rider checks their entry approach into corners and timing for attacks on the straights.
It's not a time for going full speed, but rather a window for each person to verify course points and devise their strategy. Personally, I felt the course was one that city riders would enjoy, given that there are several tight corners that require deceleration and subsequent acceleration on the exit.
The fact that the course layout changes completely for each event might be part of what tickles the fans' hearts. It’s certainly tickled mine! (laughs).
Now, let’s take a look at the action from the Flat Bar Class, which is a new category this time!
Usually, the races center around drop bars, so this was very fresh and changed my perspective on how to watch the race—it was quite interesting. Observing the riders' performance and styles, you see everything from those wearing proper jerseys to those in casual clothes; there's a sense of freedom here that you don't see in other cycling disciplines! But when it’s race time, it’s all business, and the sound of cowbells rings out, cheering on these riders who show such focus!
The Flat Bar Class is heading into the final stages, with riders making their last dash. They’re appearing from the final backstretch now.
If you look closely, that's Kusaka-kun, a.k.a. Kusakayan, riding stylishly in a white T-shirt and short jeans. He's a familiar face and a mood-maker at sfiDARE CRIT. His gutsy riding, refusing to give up the lead once he has it, is always captivating! Give it your all until the end!!
Intermediate/Beginner Class Qualifiers & Finals
Moving on, let’s take a closer look at the Intermediate/Beginner class. From this class, the bikes switch to drop bars, and the scene becomes more quintessentially "sfiDARE CRIT." Watching the race unfold—regardless of gender—is thrilling and keeps spectators on the edge of their seats. Please, soak in every bit of the race action!
Everyone has been engaged in fierce racing since the very beginning! The men’s races are powerful, with such high intensity that there were even some crashes near the corners (sweat). I’m just relieved no one was seriously hurt.
I understand that injury is part of the sport, but I’d prefer to keep pounding the asphalt with safety as the top priority.
And the women’s racing—it’s more flexible and graceful compared to the men’s! Watching them ride like that is truly captivating! I’d better make sure I don’t get carried away with a crush—Uno-chan, keep reporting until the end (laughs).
Since I want to write this properly, I’ll also do a bit of sales! The super cool bike being ridden by this agile rider, Fuse-kun, a.k.a. Hajime-chan, is the MASH 2021 Steel, currently on sale at Circles!
There’s this article written by Yuya-kun, Circles' trick-loving human, so please read it before you buy! By the way, there are only about four left in stock, so apologies if they happen to sell out while you’re reading! (laughs)
Advanced Class Qualifiers & Finals
Wait, is it already the Advanced Class?! Looking up, I see a drone filming our playground. By the way, the sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN Instagram account features a video of this race scene, so be sure to check that out! Now, last but not least, I’d like you all to watch the intense race of the Advanced Class.
"Seriously, I was so nervous before the start (sweat)." In the Advanced Class, the qualifiers involve 10 laps (with about 15 riders), and the top 8 advance to the main event. I finished 6th in the qualifier, and right after crossing the line, I was shaky—not just from exhaustion, but because of the lactic acid building up in my thighs (laughs).
Anyway, I pumped myself up for the main race and pushed through all 25 laps! (surprised) Here’s how that went!
The main event of the Advanced Class has started! I naively thought, "Since it’s 25 laps, they’ll save energy in the beginning, right?" But that wasn't the case at all—everyone was riding at full speed! I desperately tried to keep up with the lead pack, gasping for air, but before I knew it, they were just distant backs. Realizing that, I shifted my mindset to "I'm definitely going to finish these 25 laps properly!" and managed to cross the finish line without any injuries!!
For Both Kids and Adults
sfiDARE CRIT also teaches children the fun of playing with bicycles. Instead of just creating a place for adults to gather, it simply expresses the sentiment that "Kids want to play just like the adults do!"
This time, I also got a peek at the scenes where children were having fun competing, such as the kids' race experience. I’m sure this will make any families with children think, "I want to get them on a bike, too."
To the Award Ceremony
Once the races for each class concluded, the top three finishers got to take home the super luxurious prizes that sfiDARE CRIT is famous for!
To the winners: you all looked amazing racing out there amidst such intense competition, and I’m glad there were no major injuries. Congratulations!
In Closing
I first discovered this team (sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN) at Bikelore Osaka at the end of March 2019. I still clearly remember how incredibly exciting it was to witness what was unfolding before my eyes. I am always grateful for the opportunity to attend these wonderful events, made possible by the incredible staff led by sfiDARE CRIT representative Toshifumi Kodama.
Thanks to sfiDARE CRIT support rider Jasmin Ten Have, who has now traveled away to Canada, I experienced the wonder of fixed-gear bikes and learned things that can only be experienced on a fixed gear. I believe my role is to continue my personal efforts to help more people in the world understand this deeper, and to show and share the stories of people and their bicycles.
And to finish things off with one last remark: "sfiDARE CRIT is the best."
Thank you for listening. If you're interested in giving it a try, please send me a message!
