Everyday life with a Patagonia backpack. vol.2 Model Sho Masuda

Mr. Masuda started riding this bike about two years ago. He wanted to compete in a mountain race where teams use maps and compasses to cycle and run to checkpoints, so he asked a senior teammate for advice and was given a bike that the teammate wasn’t using—and that’s how it all began.

"This is what's called a gravel road bike—a type that can handle both mountain trails and city streets. It was the perfect bike for me because I could finally compete in the race I’d always wanted to, and I could also use it for everyday riding. Since I used to ride a track bike, I enjoy tinkering with bikes, and I love being active, so cycling was the perfect hobby for me."

"You can't win that mountain race on physical strength alone," says Masuda. "Set against the backdrop of the great outdoors, the race requires participants to visit checkpoints within a time limit and compete for points, so map-reading skills and team cohesion are essential. That, he says, is the real thrill of it."

"When I guess there might be a checkpoint here, take the shortest route to it, and then find that the checkpoint is exactly where I thought it would be, I just feel genuinely happy that I’m actually reading the map correctly. It’s also really fun to spend time with fellow hikers who share the same goal, discussing things like, ‘We should go this way,’ or ‘No, not that way.’”

He discovered the joy of exploring the mountains by bike, and while he often visits nearby places like Chichibu and Hannō in Saitama, he’s even ventured as far as Shikoku. He says it offers a different kind of fun compared to hiking or trail running.

"I really love a challenge (laughs). I like pedaling my way up those winding climbs until my legs finally give out and I collapse. Then, the descent after I clear the pass is my reward. I just can't get enough of that."

And apparently, these days he enjoys cycling not only in the mountains but also by the sea.

"I've gotten really into fishing lately. I actually went all the way to Odawara the other day. I was planning to set off on my bike the night before, but I was too tired from work, so I just took the train with my bike instead. Cycling and fishing go really well together—it makes it easy to move between spots."

From the mountains and the sea to getting around town, bicycles seem to have become an indispensable part of Mr. Masuda’s lifestyle. He’s currently thinking about building another one of his beloved bikes.

"Should I buy another gravel bike that fits my size, or go for another fixed-gear bike? Either way, I’d like to build it from scratch myself. I’m not that knowledgeable yet, but it’s fun to figure out how it all works—like how tightening one part makes another part stiffer—so I’m always tinkering with it."

Mr. Masuda usually rides his bike for trips of about 20 kilometers each way. In addition to the pleasure of cycling through nature, he seems to enjoy his daily commutes as well.

"I think it's interesting that Tokyo has so many hills. If the roads were flat and straight, I think I'd get bored. But when there are changes in elevation, I really love shifting between heavier and lighter gears to keep my effort level steady."