Although this happened before the start of the new year, I went for a ride with Keita and Yoshi as our final ride of the year.
Yoshi is leaving Nagoya at the end of this month as preparations for Circles Tokyo get into full swing, so I was finally able to fulfill the promise I made to him to ride together before he left.
Since everyone had plans after the ride, we decided to go for a gravel route rather than trying to rack up distance. We all had bikes equipped with matching SimWorks Super Yummy 27.5″ tires.
They provide peace of mind even on rougher terrain, and there’s no resistance when rolling on pavement, so I tend to reach for these tires more and more. They are starting to wear down, so I’ve thought about trying something different, but the overwhelming sense of security that comes from their high durability makes me feel like I’ll end up choosing the Super Yummy again.
If asked whether I prefer winter or summer, I’d answer winter without hesitation. It’s just that I can't handle the heat, but winter rides offer crisp air and unique scenery; even if it's cold when leaving the house, I love the feeling of my body warming up and my blood getting pumping as I start pedaling.
Winters have been getting milder year by year, and it was actually quite warm during the day this time, but I still love riding in the sharp, cold winter air more than any other season in Japan.
Oh, and I wore the new Tonbo Jacket v2 on this ride. I initially bought it thinking it would be great for commuting and everyday use, but it turned out to be a brilliant choice for this kind of casual gravel ride too.
It blocks the wind effectively on descents, and provides excellent heat retention thanks to Toray's SOLARSENSOR®L material. Being a fan of green, I chose the Olive Drab version, as that was clearly the way to go.
On this day, I used a RAL Merino Wool Long Sleeve Tee as a base layer and layered an ACLIMA M’s Warmwool Hood Sweater W/Zip underneath, and I’m convinced that by adjusting the thickness of the inner layers, I can easily get through the winter with this.
I wanted to wear it casually, so I chose a slightly looser fit. I am 163cm/64kg and am wearing a size L.
It’s a fantastic jacket that is currently my top pick for best winter purchase, so I definitely recommend you all give it a try!
A shot of Yoshi, who dove a bit too aggressively into a carpet of fallen leaves. Everyone, please take care, and let’s enjoy our rides this year by putting safety and health first!
