It's cold, isn't it?
It was snowing just two or three days ago, after all.
Amidst all that, I headed out to the Kansai Cyclo-cross Round 6 at "Kurondo-ike" this Sunday.
When I left, it was snowing heavily, and I was worried about whether I'd even be able to reach my destination.
But once I left Nagoya, the snow stopped without a fuss, and I arrived safely.
You can check out the race details and results over at the CRC Blog (here),
but I'd like to share a few personal thoughts.
It was cold, but it was incredibly fun.
I think the best part about Kansai Cyclo is that it has just the right mix of serious and casual vibes.
It’s fine to have your own goals and go all out.
It’s also fine to go just to experience that sense of fulfillment and the smiles after you're done.
And it's also fine to go to experience that euphoria and escape from the everyday that you just can't find in normal life.
Everyone can enjoy it in their own way—
I think that's its greatest appeal.
Now, this course consisted of quite a lot of climbing, stairs, and quite a lot of descending, and the downhill sections felt pretty gung-ho.
Just between us, there were even some women who were in tears.
Well, I can't tell if they were tears of terror or tears of frustration, though (laughs).
Personally, I’m a bit of a downhill fanatic, so it was the best.
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But I kept thinking that if my brakes were a bit more responsive, I could push myself even further.
Just then, something perfect for me arrived, so for those of you scared of descents, those who want to enjoy them to the max, or those who love new gear, I'd like to introduce it to you.
It is this, ta-da...
*Zap*, *flash*, *boom*.
Tada!!
Jamis 2012 NOVA RACE 123,900yen
If you're wondering what's different about this bike compared to previous cyclo-cross models,
if you've noticed, you're sharp.
See, see? Did you notice?
The strangely clean stem area, and that odd disc attached to the tip of the fork.
Yes! This cyclo-cross bike is equipped with disc brakes.
The advantage of disc brakes is that they demonstrate absolute stopping power under any conditions.
If you make good use of this braking power, I guarantee you'll be able to hit those descents hard.
They stop really well, so you can also reduce that sense of fear.
Bikes with disc brakes have been added to the full lineup starting this year.
There are others, such as:
FELT F65X 173,250yen
Since last year, the use of discs has been permitted in UCI-sanctioned races,
and this is the latest spec that has just been born.
With absolute braking power as a weapon, it's guaranteed to gain momentum.
For those of you who have been bitten by the cyclo-cross bug spreading through recent blog posts,
how about making this your first bike?
The next Kansai Cyclo-cross is on January 8th, next year—Round 7 at Kibogaoka Cultural Park in Shiga Prefecture.
Of course, the Circles team will be heading out there, so
if you're planning on riding the latest spec for your first race,
we're always waiting for you.
Oh, and of course, watching is fine too,
so please feel free to say hello.