After the World Championships, I returned to Japan from Switzerland. On the trip from Narita to Centrair, I boarded a propeller plane for the first time in my life. Perhaps because my seat was positioned right where I could see the propeller, I was initially surprised by the intense vibration and noise, but I still vividly remember how thrilling the flight was, as if I were balancing my own body while riding in it. As I gazed out the window during the flight, a beautiful, snow-capped Mt. Fuji suddenly appeared, and while captivated by the view, I hurriedly pressed the camera shutter.
It’s been about a month since the world championships ended, and now that I’ve been released from the tense mode of the season, my feelings have finally settled down.
Reflecting on how I was in such an intense "combat mode" while racing, I feel relieved that I was able to end the final Tokai Cyclocross Wild Nature race of the season by simply having fun with everyone.
Now that the season is over, I feel like I need a period of rest and physical recovery, but since I’m not the type to sit still, I find that keeping my body moving is actually having a positive impact on my lifestyle.
I wanted to refresh my mood and enjoy riding my bike again, so recently I’ve been spending more time riding with others rather than going solo.
This winter has been warmer than usual and should naturally be easier to ride in, but since I’ve lost weight, I’ve been feeling colder, and the tips of my toes have developed chilblains; I’m fighting the itch every day.
Even when I go into the mountains, the pollen flies and I can’t stop the stuffiness in my eyes and nose, but once I start pedaling, feeling my body temperature gradually rise and my breathing hitch, the sensation of forgetting everything and becoming one with the bike is, for me, the best moment imaginable.
The overflowing smiles of everyone who played until they forgot the time brought back that fresh feeling I had when I first started cycling, something I’d forgotten during the race season. And, the rice balls from Onigiriyasan that we stuffed into our mouths together in the mountains at lunch were, as expected, exceptional.
I’ve become quite comfortable with my Seven cycles kellcruis SL, and now I’m driven by a desire to keep riding forever. This is why I can’t stop riding; I have a strong feeling that the more I engage with this bike, the more it will draw out my own hidden potential and the true charm of cycling.
What heightened that feeling even more is Paisen’s RIDE IS LIKE HAIKU, which I personally look forward to every time. If you haven’t read it yet, please do.
Since a new season begins in April, I plan to increase the number of times I ride my road bike this spring, as a way of getting back to my roots, and visit places I’ve yet to see. Why don’t you try making an opportunity to go for a ride, remembering the times you enjoyed cycling, too?
With spring just around the corner, I’d like to restart the AYA Ride soon, so please look forward to it! I will announce it on the blog again.
We also have other events you can enjoy, such as RidinBirds2020, so let’s have fun together this year! We look forward to seeing you all there!