Was those two days just a dream?
I don’t think I’m the only one feeling that way.
Hey everyone, long time no see. It’s HAPPY.
I was born and raised in Hamamatsu, a true-blue Hamamatsu native!!
When I was a kid, once May came around, I’d go wild for the Hamamatsu Festival; when summer vacation arrived, I’d swim in the nearby river and have a BBQ on a charcoal grill. Then, I’d head to the sea, drop a line to go fishing, and eat the fish I caught right there as deep-fried snacks, seasoned only with salt and pepper. It’s a region where you can enjoy fun activities throughout all four seasons.
Thinking about it now, the things I do as an adult aren't that different.
Though, that was mostly back in junior high school....
Once I got into high school, I was obsessed with club activities, and after retiring, I’d have BBQs at a friend's house in Kanzanji—famous for Hamana Lake Pal-Pal—or at a friend's place in Arai-cho near the Hamana Lake motorboat racing track, or at a friend's place in Koto... in other words, what I’m trying to say is that being near the water has always been a part of how I have fun.
“Ridealive,” which started under the title of Circles’ Summer Vacation.
This is my fourth year participating.
This year was particularly special because I had recently become independent from Circles and opened my own bike shop, HAPPY&SLAPPY, in my hometown of Hamamatsu, and to have Ridealive held here allowed me to look at things from a different perspective.
When Keita-san from Early Birds approached me about this, I gave him an immediate (and enthusiastic) "yes."
Since it was being held in Hamamatsu, I was constantly thinking about what I could do and how I could make sure the visiting guests would have a great time.
Hamamatsu isn't a big city, but it's not the countryside either—yet, this land is blessed with various natural playgrounds like the sea, mountains, rivers, and lakes.
For the Shizuoka edition of Ridealive, I wanted people to use their bikes, but since we have so much nature, I also wanted them to enjoy other activities and experience something beyond just cycling.
Allow me to introduce the local friends who supported my plan.
“T-flow” Takuma-san
He took care of us for the SUP and outrigger canoe experience on the first day. He is proud of his hometown, Mikkabi, and teaches people both the joy and the dangers of nature. His shop has a great vibe, and it’s a space where you can relax so comfortably that you’ll realize two hours have passed before you know it.
“House of surf” Asumi-san
He helped us with the surfing experience on the second day. Though he is a professional longboarder, he taught beginners with great care and shared the joy of surfing.
“MINATO’JR” Sugi-san
He looked after us for lunch after surfing and provided shower facilities.
He spends his break times volunteering to clean the Shiomi coast and mow the grass. Attracted by his character, so many different kinds of people come to hang out—it’s like a human crossroads.
“Takohito” Hayato
He made our Ridealive tenugui (hand towels) using traditional Hamamatsu chusen dyeing.
We were in the same class for three years in high school and went through all sorts of trials and triumphs together.
The adventure, including the preparations, has come to a close.
I fully understand that money is necessary to survive in this world.
For me, having just opened a shop, closing up for the weekend event was a significant blow, but I gained so much more than that.
Through this Ridealive, I was given an opportunity that no one else could experience, and I truly believe that I learned things that money can't buy, things I could never have experienced on my own.
Through this event, I believe that what mattered most was having people from all over the country bring their bikes to visit Hamamatsu, enjoy the best parts of this city and its nature to the fullest, ride through our land, and hopefully come back again.
And for those who unfortunately couldn't join us this time, if this sparked an interest in cycling and they start using a bike as a means of transport in their daily lives or just for fun, that’s a great thing for the future of Hamamatsu.
The two-day adventure involved various challenges beyond just riding a bike.
Personally, I interpret Ridealive as an experience where you encounter things that are a little tough or completely new, leading to new discoveries. It’s easy to forget simple fun, but when you challenge yourself—even a little bit—and experience frustration, struggle, or hard work, all of it, both the good and the bad, is etched into your memory.
Even minor mistakes or mischief turn into shared laughter later on with the friends you experienced them with.
To be honest, it’s been busy since I returned to Hamamatsu, and it’s true that I’ve had less time to spend with my family.
But I’m truly grateful to my wife, my children, and my family for supporting me and prioritizing what I really want to do here in Hamamatsu.
Well then, now that the event is over, I’m planning to take my family out camping.
Moving forward, I hope to continue growing alongside those who want to make this city better and more enjoyable, and to keep connecting with various people using the bicycle as a tool.
I am very much looking forward to having fun with all of you again in Hamamatsu. To everyone who participated, thank you for your hard work.
And thank you so much for coming to play in my beloved hometown of Hamamatsu!!
HAMAMATSU IS A GREAT PLACE, PLEASE COME AGAIN!
Happy
| Frame | Surly | KARATEMONKEY |
| HeadSet | ChrisKing | brown 1-1/8 |
| HeadSet | ChrisKing | |
| Rim | WTB | Freqency |
| Seat | WTB | Speed V |
| Tire | Maxxis | Ardent Skinwall29x2.4 |
| Stem | SimWorks By Nitto | Rhonda |
| SeatPost | SimWorks By Nitto | Beatnik |
| Main Group | Shimano XT | |
| Handle | Hunter cycles | Smoth move Flatswepper |
| Frame Bag | Porcelain Rocket | |
| Seat Bag | Porcelain Rocket | |
| Paint | kyutaipaint | Wetpaint/Color Matching |
TEXT by Happy ／ PHOTO by Eri Tanaka / Happy