Hello, this is Ikeda.

Why not forget your busy daily life for a bit and cycle a little further than usual? "Long-distance riding" is a style of cycling where you go beyond your usual distances to places you've never seen before.

One of the charms of long-distance riding is that by covering long distances, you can reach unfamiliar places, discover things you wouldn't by car, enjoy the scenery, and be moved by the beauty of nature.

Most of all, once you start challenging yourself with long rides, you'll be surprised by your own capabilities, thinking, "I can actually ride this far on my own!"

Long-distance riding is a style that you can enjoy immediately, at your own pace, and by yourself. You can stop at any cafe that catches your eye during the ride, or if you get tired, you can use a bike bag and take the train home!

You can enjoy it freely in your spare time on holidays.

As your stamina improves, you'll even be able to cycle all the way around Hiroshima Prefecture.

The exact distance for a "long ride" is truly difficult to define and varies greatly depending on each person's lifestyle and perception.

However, based on conversations with customers and comments from YouTube viewers, the following can serve as a rough guide for long-distance riding.

To make it easier to visualize, I've attached Grumpy's riding YouTube videos, so please take a look.

・Beginner Long-Distance Riders (20-50km)

→People who usually ride in the city or cycle a bit around their homes on weekends.

I think it's a good idea to start here, perhaps by exploring Hiroshima City or riding along the Shimanami Kaido.

・Intermediate Long-Distance Riders (100-200km)

→Those who want to ride seriously on weekends. It might be good to learn how to repair a flat tire as it might happen during the ride.

From Hiroshima City to Onomichi or Iwakuni, conquering the Shimanami Kaido, or cycling around Etajima, you'll encounter landscapes you wouldn't see by car.

・Advanced Long-Distance Riders (300km)

→Those who want to challenge the limits of how far they can ride in a day.

You'll ride distances unimaginable in normal life, such as from Hiroshima City to Fukuoka City, circling Setouchi, or riding from the Seto Inland Sea to the Sea of Japan and back.

・Long-Distance Explorers (300km+)

→Once you reach this level, you're a super veteran; go ride to any place you like across Japan!

If you're going to start enjoying long-distance riding now, a bike that is "comfortable and can be ridden for a long time" is recommended over one that is fast. In particular, tires with more air volume absorb shocks well and provide a comfortable ride. For example, the following bicycles:

KONA ROVE Series

BOMBTRACK HOOK EXT 

Blog: The Appeal of BOMBTRACK HOOK EXT

Blog: For those who want to know more about "BOMBTRACK HOOK EXT"

When it comes to long-distance riding, enjoying it at your own pace, regardless of distance, is the most important thing. Take on challenges little by little and discover new charms of cycling!

We also have recommended apparel, bags, and goods for long-distance rides on display in our store. Please feel free to give it a try during your free time at the end of the year!