Until the day before, we were preparing for ‘Rinko de GO Ride in Shiso’ while worrying about the weather.
Despite the concerns, the day was blessed with a clear blue sky because the participant’s daily routine is good. Thanks to them.
MC Ake’s lively greeting marked the start of Rinko de GO Ride.
As always, the event was jam-packed with activities, including a ‘wheel bag-included wheel travel lecture’, ‘mini ride’ and ‘factory tour’.
MC Ake is always full of energy.
And always smiling company president Okubo.
The event began with a ‘how to use a bicycle bag’ lecture, and even those who had never used a wheel bag before or didn’t know how to take off a bicycle wheel were welcome to participate.
Mr. Saegusa, a.k.a. San-chan, our “Rinko Meister,” explained how to disassemble, store, and assemble bicycles with our staff while actually using our “RK-02” and “RK-03DR” bags for transporting bicycles.
The event carefully featured a detailed explanation of the key points of bicycle bag by San-chan.
Participants learned about the things to watch out for when doing a bicycle travel the essential equipment needed, so they can now call themselves bicycle travel masters!
A commemorative photo of the participants with their bicycles securely packed in their bicyclical bags!
After the bicycle lecture, it was time for the mini ride in the city of Shiso! This ride is not a race for speed or time, but a group ride for those who want to enjoy a relaxed and fun ride for the purpose of sightseeing in Shiso City.
The ride course in this time, we started from Okubo Works and stopped at many aid stations along the way!
There were a few tough uphills, but thanks to everyone’s hard work and support, we arrived at the aid station.
Aid Station 1: “Gohan Chotto Sanpai Watanabe”
We quenched our thirst with a delicious, hearty juice made with homemade yuzu and plum syrups.
Aid Station 2:“Rakusui Fishing Center” (turnaround point)
We were served a special lunch box made with fresh red-spotted masu trout (amago), freshwater salmon, and local vegetables at the Rakusui Fishing Center, which also served us in the second race.
After lunch, a 1.6-kilometer uphill challenge course to Iwakami Shrine was set up for those who wanted to run more hills, and each participant enjoyed the hill climb.
The return trip was downhill.
Participants ride down the hill with the wind in their faces.
Photo Spot: “Shisoramichi”
This pedestrian pathway features a mural created by Shiho Ueda, an artist from Shiso City.
It is sure to be Instagram-worthy!
It was the perfect place to take a commemorative photo with your bicycle.
Against the backdrop of the colorful mural, everyone posed for pictures with the biggest smiles on their faces!
After returning from the ride to the finish line at Okubo Works, we will take the long-awaited tour of the sewing factory!
The tour participants were treated to an up-close look at the various operating machines and the craftsmen’s careful sewing techniques, which they would not normally be able to see. The factory staff answered any questions in detail on the spot.
After the factory tour, we rested in the break room on the second floor of the company building.
They enjoyed delicious doughnuts from “Café Koume,” a very popular doughnut store in Yamasaki-cho, Shiso City. Everyone relaxed their tired bodies with something sweet and chose from four flavors: strawberry chocolate, Oreo, koshian butter, and lemon cream
Participants were given a one-of-a-kind “Just a Little Feeling Cup Holder” made from “hagire,” which is the leftover material from the cutting process.
The event concluded with a closing remark from the executive director.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this event and to all those who helped with the preparations. Your smiles are our greatest pleasure.
Okubo Works will continue to promote the fun of cycling and the charm of Shiso City through “Rinko de GO Ride”
We look forward to seeing you at the next one!
