“Ride a Live” was held on Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8.
This was the first time the event was held in seven years, marking Nagoya Circles’ 20th anniversary, and I came to participate from Tokyo.
Photo by Johnprolly from The Radavist
The only thing that was set was the finish line.
Everything else—the route, the bike, the clothes and gear—was completely up to each participant.
No two styles were alike, and everyone participated in the event in their own way.
But what was most impressive was how the bike brought people together, creating new connections that continued to grow.
Complete strangers naturally struck up conversations, got excited talking about bikes and gear, and chatted about everyday things. It was truly impressive to see how quickly the initial awkwardness faded and people gradually became closer.
As adults, I think we have fewer opportunities to meet new friends and companions.
Yet here were adults who came together through cycling, forming bonds regardless of age or occupation. It didn’t matter how fast you rode or how nice your bike was; it felt like a shared love of cycling was bringing people together.
Bikes not only take you to places you’ve never been but also introduce you to people you might never have met. That is the appeal of cycling.
Personally, it was wonderful to see regular customers from Tokyo connect with people who had gathered from all over Japan, including Nagoya.
People who usually enjoy cycling in their own towns came together in one place, forming new connections.
Seeing them come together as one large group, transcending the boundaries of shops and neighborhoods, was truly moving.
I was also able to reunite with customers I had met when I worked in Nagoya. Spending time together again, riding, eating, and catching up was truly priceless.
I realized that because I loved cycling, I had met people I might never have known otherwise, and because I loved cycling, I could still enjoy spending time with them even after all this time.
It was a weekend that reminded me once again how great cycling is.
Reports from the other staff members will be coming in one by one, so stay tuned.
Now, what I want to introduce is
the outfit I wore on the day, which worked really well.
One thing I realized again while participating was how unique everyone’s style is.
Just like bikes, your style can be whatever you want. What to wear, what to choose.
In a world full of so many options, it is only by thinking and choosing for yourself that your individuality can shine through.
I would like to introduce the outfit I actually wore out in the field and felt worked really well.
Circles Tokyo Exclusive Mizore U.L DAILY COACH JACKET
Outer: Circles Tokyo Exclusive Mizore U.L DAILY COACH JACKET
Pants: Mizore NYRON HARVEST TRAINER
CAP: RAL Fleece Cap
The star of this outfit is the Circles Tokyo Exclusive Mizore U.L DAILY COACH JACKET, which was recently released.
I had been wearing it all the time in my daily life since purchasing it, but this was the first time I had used it in the field.
The temperature was high during the day, so even wearing just a single RAL COOLMAX MERINO Tee during the ride felt hot, but the temperature still dropped at night. As soon as I got off my bike and the sun went down, the heat left my body all at once.
And this time, I stayed in a tent.
The cold of an November tent stay really gets to you. That is when this COACH JACKET came in handy.
Above all, it is warm. And incredibly light.
I want everyone to experience this lightness for themselves. It is so light you will forget you are wearing it.
I could wear it for hours without feeling weighed down and stay comfortable.
And honestly, I don’t think I could have endured the cold without it.
The outer fabric is an ultra-thin washed nylon with a windproof and water-repellent finish, while the entire lining is made of TEIJIN’s Octa®.
Octa® is a functional material that is lightweight while providing warmth, breathability, and moisture-wicking quick-drying properties.
You might think a jacket with a full lining would feel a bit heavy, but you will be surprised by how light it feels when you put it on.
It blocks the wind while also keeping you comfortable inside, so it pairs well with cycling, where temperatures and activity levels change.
This time, I wore it at the campsite after getting off my bike and also when sleeping in the tent, and it was completely stress-free. I slept so soundly that I didn’t even notice the earthquake in the middle of the night.
And as expected of Mizore. It is appealing not only for its functionality but also for its design.
It doesn’t look like typical outdoor wear, but rather has a simple, roomy silhouette, so you can wear it with almost any inner layer and look relaxed.
The hem has a drawcord, so it is also fun to cinch it and change the silhouette.
The snap buttons were changed to Circles colors. Even these small details are delightful.
We value not only outdoor activities like cycling and camping but also whether it is something you would want to wear as everyday clothing just as much.
This U.L DAILY COACH JACKET is exactly that kind of piece.
I have been wearing it every day for commuting and on my days off since purchasing it.
It is lightweight and functional, of course, but it also has a design that blends naturally into the city.
Whether you are riding your bike, going out for a bit, or traveling and camping.
It is not limited to any specific occasion and can be used in a variety of situations.
After actually wearing it at Ride a Live, I realized once again that having just one piece of clothing like this expands the possibilities of what you can do. It is not just clothing for riding a bike, but clothing that lets you enjoy a life with a bike even more.
Available exclusively from Circles Tokyo.
Please visit us in-store.