"July already??" While part of me thinks how fast time flies, these days I just keep wishing the gloomy rainy season would hurry up and pass. Even so, I wanted to report that the other day, I experienced something where the feeling of "this is fun!" truly won out!
It might be a bit sudden, but does everyone know about sfiDARE CRIT??
Whether you already know about it or not, I want you to read this blog, and more importantly, I want you to actually make your way out to the event!
Since I can hear you asking, "So, what's it like?", let's dive right into the introduction.
What is the sfiDARE CRIT Workshop?
To start off, the sfiDARE CRIT workshop is held once a month at the Hirata Riverside Plaza in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture.
Using fixed-gear bikes, the goal is to help beginners learn the knowledge and skills to enjoy riding, and to build a foundation for moving on to the next level.
I would be so happy if you could feel the experience of a fixed-gear bike for yourself. There were girls participating on the day, so let’s all, young and old (lol), have some proper, fun riding time!
The weather forecast wasn't great this time, but thanks to the sfiDARE CRIT staff, we were able to get started safely! Thank you for your hard work in that muggy heat!
Basically, the workshop starts around 9:00 AM and winds down around 12:00 PM. (Start times may vary by month.)
At registration, we ask participants for a 1000 yen contribution (free for those 18 and under) toward operational costs. They provide drinks and snacks during the workshop, so your heatstroke prevention is all set!
Take Advantage of Rental Bikes
A strength of the sfiDARE CRIT workshop is that they prioritize the customer first and foremost when hosting these sessions.
If you've never ridden a fixed-gear bike or don't even own one, their support is perfect!
With fixed-gear bikes for both kids and adults, as well as access to tools for things like attaching pedals or adjusting saddle height, you can attend the workshop with total peace of mind.
Also, Toshifumi Kodama, the head of sfiDARE CRIT, gives kind and precise instructions, so why not take this opportunity to get a fixed-gear lecture? We even heard a first-time participant that day happily say, "Wow, this is actually really fun!"
However, rental bikes are limited in quantity, so don't forget to apply in advance! If you find yourself thinking, "I'm interested in sfiDARE CRIT!", please come to the Circles shop and ask for Uno-chan!!
Workshop Content
Now, I'd like to give you a rough idea of what happens during the sfiDARE CRIT workshop!
Since the ground was wet from the rain and we were dealing with occasional showers that day, they focused on the foundational practice menu for riding a fixed-gear bike.
Oh look, one of our valued student customers at Circles, Haru-kun, has swapped in his rain-ready saddle. He seems to love his fixed-gear bike so much that he's constantly thinking about it at home after school (lol).
First, "basics" are important for everything, right? So, let's start by practicing a trick called a "standing" to get comfortable on a fixed-gear bike.
Standing is a trick where you stay stopped in place on your bike without putting your feet on the ground.
I don't remember when exactly, but I once took a huge tumble while trying to "stand" at a red light in the middle of Sakae (lol). I have this memory of just riding off as if nothing happened, though (sweat).
Once you master standing, you'll become better at handling your bike, and I hope you'll remember it as a very important skill that allows you to experience more of the fun of fixed-gear bikes and helps you take the next step!
It doesn't take up much space, so it's great for self-practice or just having fun like a game with friends, so please give it a try!
Cleat Catching!
These aren't generally used on the town bikes people usually ride (like city bikes), but on road bikes, fixed-gear bikes, and mountain bikes, we use something called "clipless pedals." These are highly valued by people who are conscious of performance, such as for racing, or for those who ride long distances on cycling trips!
To answer the question of "What are clipless pedals?" in the first place, let me explain simply!
Clipless pedals are pedals that allow you to attach a fixture called a "cleat" to special shoes, fixing your foot to the pedal so it won't slip off.
The benefits of clipless pedals are that your pedaling becomes stable, allowing you to ride more efficiently. Since the pedal and shoe are fixed, you can transfer power from both your pushing-down and pulling-up strokes, reducing the load on your legs. The strong connection between shoe and pedal helps you naturally maintain correct form for a more efficient ride.
Starting with one foot fixed to the pedal, and then clicking (catching) the other foot into the pedal as you start rolling seems easy, but it’s actually tricky... it goes pretty deep (sweat).
Skilled riders can get it on the first try, but those still learning often can't click in and the pedal just spins around empty.
In the racing world, they say cleat catching is the most critical part. I'm still on my own journey of improvement, so I want to keep participating in workshops and races with a patient, non-quitting, challenger's mindset.
The secret, they say, is that if you approach the pedal with a "sincere heart," it just clicks in automatically (according to Master Kodama's teachings).
In Conclusion
Writing this blog again makes me think that I'd be happy if I could continue to explore the things I love, without forgetting to be grateful for the "people" and the "environment" around me, and keep stacking up new discoveries and encounters.
With the world in the middle of the COVID pandemic, some people are left racking their brains while others are acting recklessly, trying to push forward. Even though our methods and ways of thinking are different, I feel there's no right or wrong answer.
However, rather than looking down, I'd rather face forward even if I'm complaining, head to venues where I can enjoy myself, and get involved with all sorts of people to absorb as much energy as possible. That's what I want to do.
Let's all keep believing in the power of sfiDARE CRIT JAPAN and support them as a whole group of Circles staff!!
Better yet, let's all go as a group and join the sfiDARE CRIT workshop!! (Seriously) Because it's guaranteed to be fun.
Well then, let's keep living brightly and energetically. The next workshop is scheduled for August 1st (Sun)!
This was Uno-chan! See you later!
