#6 First Race!
Excuse us.
Is the manager around?
Yeah, welcome.
Oh, it's you girls. Good timing.
I just finished.
Wow!
Tomo-chan and Fuyune-chan, your bikes are so shiny.
Of course they are.
I gave them both a tune-up and polished them.
This one's Akizuki-chan's road racer.
Not only is it affordable, but it's good for touring, commuting,
and even a bit of racing.
It's a perfect first bike.
Wow. You picked a good one, Tomo-chan.
It may be affordable, but I spent all my savings on it.
I'll have to help around my family's shop for a while.
What does your family do?
We run a liquor store called Benten Liquors.
My family pays me a little bit of an allowance for helping out around the store.
Benten Liquors? That's where we get our sake.
Really?
Yeah, most of the stuff my family buys comes from your store.
Really? So you're one of our regulars.
But that must be hard.
In addition to schoolwork and club activities,
you even help out at your family's store.
Yeah.
But because of that, I was able to buy this bike.
It's no big deal.
Take good care of it.
Of course.
This is your Pinarello, Kamikura-chan.
Just look at this beautiful full carbon frame.
The components are top grade, too. They're electric.
Wow, I bet it even climbs hills easily.
What?
I see it all the time in commercials.
Because of the motor, you can quickly speed up any hill.
That's not the same thing, Maiharu-chan.
Only the gear shift on this bicycle is electric.
It doesn't help you move forward at all.
It's totally different from pedelec bikes.
What? Really?
I heard it was really expensive, so I just assumed...
It certainly was unbelievably expensive.
I cleaned out my savings, too.
Besides, I won't have regrets later if I buy the best stuff now.
That's enough chat. Go test your bikes out.
Everyone has their own preference when it comes to positioning.
I'll adjust anything that doesn't feel right, so just let me know.
Oh, but...
We still don't know enough to have preferences.
Then Higa-chan, why don't you go with them?
Since you ride a road racer, you should be able to give them advice.
Okay.
We're off.
See you later.
They're lucky they all have their own bikes.
What are you going to do about the Night Criterium?
Apparently beginners can enter using whatever bike they want,
so I thought I'd ride that.
You're going to be the only one on a mommy bike? You can't be serious.
You're hopeless.
Okay, leave it to me.
What?
Who do you think I am?
I'm Cycle Flat's manager, Hooji Korone.
We're back.
What's going on?
I'm not sure either.
That should do it.
Maiharu-chan, get on.
Yeah, that looks about right.
Where did that bicycle come from?
That thing? I threw together a leftover frame in the back and some old parts.
It doesn't look like much, but I guarantee it works.
How does it feel?
Great!
Manager, this bike...
Yeah, you can borrow it for a while.
What?
You can ride it during the Night Criterium.
What? Really?
Yeah, think of it as a freebie for buying two of my bikes.
That's great, Hiromi.
Now, all four of us can ride road racers.
Yeah. Thank you, Manager.
There aren't many days left before the criterium.
You should practice hard so you get used to riding your bikes.
Okay.
Oh, right. Don't forget to wear helmets.
Kamakura Night Criterium
Thanks for waiting, everyone.
There.
They're finally here.
Oh! Yuika-chan, you came, too?
Yeah. After my sister told me they'd be arriving today, I couldn't sit still.
Sensei, we can't wait, either.
Okay, okay.
Ta-dah! They're fresh out of the oven.
It's the Minami Kamakura Girls Bicycle Club team jersey.
The clothes really do make the woman.
Hiromi, you seem confused. That wasn't a compliment.
What?
But it's true that you all look great.
That's because your design was great, Yuika-chan.
Thank you.
But don't you think these racing pants are too form-fitting?
I don't like that we can't wear anything under them.
What are you talking about?
Racing pants are worn on bare skin to prevent chafing.
And they're form-fitting to reduce wind resistance.
They're shaped that way for a reason.
Really?
But these colors might be a little flashy...
Do you not like my design?
Oh, that's not what I meant.
I was just surprised since they're flashier in person.
What's wrong with being flashy?
It's like we're advertising to everyone that the bicycle club is here.
Right, Natsumi?
Huh? Well, it certainly isn't a plain design, but some cycling wear is even flashier.
I like them.
They're flashy enough to get you in the right mindset.
Mindset?
Yeah, I feel like riding when I put my cycling wear on.
It's like a switch being flipped.
That's it. That's it, Tomo-chan.
It's important for us to produce results today
in order to be acknowledged as an official club, right?
So we should all wear these uniforms to get in the right mindset.
We can't be faint-hearted, huh?
You're right.
Thanks, Yuika. I'll race in my uniform.
Okay.
Let's go, everyone.
Yeah.
We come by here every day, but it feels different tonight.
Yeah, it's like it's not our school.
Anyway...
We're sort of...
Out of place, aren't we?
Pull yourselves together.
Don't be so timid before the race has even started.
That's right. We're supposed to produce results here,
so my grandmother will recognize the bicycle club.
Racers, please finish registering
and attach the number plate and sensor you received to your bike.
Come on. Go get registered.
Okay.
Hey, Sis!
Nagisa?
What are you doing before the race?
And the manager?
Korone
Indeed. I'm Yakisoba Flat's manager, Hooji Korone.
What are you doing?
It's a local bike event. How could I stay away?
Here, it's fresh. It's good.
It is good.
Right? I recommend the sardine and tendon omelet, too.
Anyway, where are the girls?
They're registering.
Oh, right. Who's this girl?
Akizuki-san's sister.
Akizuki-chan's, huh?
Yes. My name's Yuika.
Nice to meet you, Korone-chan.
"Chan"?
Are you helping your older sister today? Good girl.
I'm not a kid!
We got number plates and...
What is this?
Apparently, it's a sensor.
They use it to count laps and measure times.
Wow, it's so high tech.
Should I put my number plates on my basket?
It says to put the sensor on the front fork.
What's the front fork?
It looks like a lot of our classmates are here.
And they're all people who don't seem too interested in bicycles.
Maybe it's because the race is at school.
But it's open to the public.
Want me to tell you why?
Azuma-senpai?
It's been a while.
What is the reason?
It's because all the school's sports teams
agreed to participate for promising new members.
Like what we did with you?
Yeah.
You probably haven't heard,
but lately the sports clubs have been stealing members
from each other with increased fervor.
The situation was pretty strained for a while.
But then the principal...
Why don't you settle things at this event?
I'm sure my grandmother is enjoying this.
Like I said during our race,
even the swim team and track team can participate equally in a bike race,
so everyone agreed to the principal's terms.
Then they're...
...sports club members passionate about acquiring new members?
Are you here for Natsumi-chan again?
No, no. I've given up on her.
I'm just here because I like competition.
And the sports clubs aren't the only ones participating.
The art club, the literature club, the woodwinds club...
I think that's the cosplay club.
Why are the cultural clubs participating?
Who knows? I'm not sure.
Regardless of the nature of the event,
maybe they think it'll count toward their club's achievements if they stand out.
In other words, they're taking this race seriously, too.
Oh, right. You should be careful.
I did say earlier that everyone would be on equal footing in a bike race,
but there's one group that's different from the rest.
That's right. Since you're the bicycle club, everyone's got it out for you.
Anyway, good luck.
Good evening, everyone.
I'm Hibara Kano, and I'll be hosting this event.
Thank you for having me.
First, I'd like to thank Principal Kamikura for allowing this event to take place.
The Night Criterium will take place
on a one-kilometer course set up inside Minami Kamakura High School's campus.
Riders in the beginner class will race over ten laps or ten kilometers of the course.
The intermediate and advanced classes will race over 30 laps or 30 kilometers.
Pads have been placed at dangerous locations along the course,
and lights have been set up along it, but the race will start after dark.
A first aid station has also been set up just in case,
Huh? My mom's here.
but please be careful, so you won't have to use it.
What?
Is that nurse your mom?
Yeah.
She said she had to work tonight, so what's she doing here supporting me?
I think she's working right now.
Since the beginner class has so many participants,
we'd like to change how the race will start.
What?
Most of the beginner class is made up of Minami Kamakura High students,
so the race will begin in class order.
The first-years will start first,
KAMAKURA CUP Night Criterium in Minami Kamakura High School A Message to All Participants
followed by the second-years, then finally the third-years and general public.
Which means...
We'll be starting at the front.
There's already enough pressure on us. I can't believe we're starting at the front.
It's okay. We have road racers.
They're stronger than mommy bikes.
But I lost on a road racer to Azuma-senpai on a mommy bike.
Well...
Are they okay?
I should help them relax.
Girls, listen up.
Have you heard the expression "all for one, one for all"?
That sounds familiar.
Is that from The Three Musketeers?
Bike racing might seem like an individual competition, but it's not.
It's about working together with your teammates to reach the finish line.
Working together?
That's right. The four of you are a single unit.
If everyone does what they can, you're sure to be strong together.
But how can we work together?
I'm about to tell you exactly how to do it, so listen up.
Beginner Race Will Begin Shortly
It's nearly time for the beginner race to start.
Is everyone ready?
I feel nervous.
My throat feels tight.
Well, we have to do it now. Right?
Natsumi?
Huh?
Oh, yeah. Let's do our best.
Anyway, I feel a little nervous about being chased by all these people.
Yeah, and we're right next to—
Bear! Bear, bear, bear!
The race will start in ten seconds.
It's starting. It's really starting.
Five seconds.
Four.
Three.
Two.
One.
Start!
We just have to pedal as hard as we can.
Wait.
Huh?
Natsumi's not coming.
What? Natsumi-chan?
While the rest of the lead group has left, there's one racer who hasn't started yet.
She seems to be having trouble with her cleats.
Meanwhile, the lead pack is approaching the first turn.
Higa-san, calm down. Just do it like you always do.
O-Okay...
It's in.
The second-years are starting now.
I'm falling.
Natsumi-chan!
Someone has fallen. Someone has fallen at the starting line.
Hiromi?
What are you doing?
Ouch.
Are you okay, Natsumi-chan?
Y-Yeah.
Can you stand? Are you hurt anywhere?
No, I'm fine.
Hey, you're in the way.
If you're going, then go.
Azuma-senpai...
Maiharu-san, it's been a while.
The president of the light swimming club...
Mikako, let's go.
Okay, okay.
We'll be waiting for you.
Natsumi-chan, we should go, too.
What? But you don't have to start over with me.
Your bike seems to be okay.
Let's start together.
She's right.
Fuyune-chan?
Akizuki-san, you, too?
Hiromi, here's your bike.
Th-Thanks.
You're borrowing it, remember? You can't just throw it away.
I thought you two went on ahead.
Do you think we're that heartless?
That's right. It's the bicycle club's first race.
Let's ride together.
Quit lollygagging.
Let's start together again.
All of you...
You can do it. You can still make up for it.
The race is just getting started.
Everyone's cheering for us.
We've got to do our best now.
Exactly.
Is everyone ready?
Yeah.
Yes.
I'm ready any time.
Here we go.
The appeal of road bikes on full display makes you want to start riding tomorrow.
A-O-P: The first cycling club.
Choose the frame
Choose the size
Accidents (Flats)
Accidents (Chain)
Must-have items
Useful items
Maintenance
Proper posture
In this segment, we bring you must-see information for newbies to road bikes with
Fukuo Yui
Hirose Yuki
A-O-P's Hirose Yuki...
And Fukuo Yui.
"While riding a bike, it's impossible to avoid..."
"Uh-oh! The chain came off!"
"Now you've done it."
"What should I do?"
Dealing With Accidents 2: The Bike Chain
This time we'll learn
techniques for fixing slipped bike chains that even beginners can use.
On a bike with this many gears,
it seems like it would be difficult to fix a slipped bike chain.
Since the bike uses a derailleur, the chain will definitely sometimes slip.
Y's Road Ochanomizu Manager Yamada Yunosuke-san
What?
But don't worry if it does come off.
It's easy to fix, so let's give it a try.
Yes, please.
The derailleur is attached to
the back of the bike and has something called a tensioner.
Tensioner
The tensioner.
This maintains the tension in the chain.
If you push it forward, the chain sags.
Press the derailleur's tensioner to loosen the chain
You're right.
Take the loose part of the chain and place it on the teeth of the closest gear
Replace the chain on the gear and slowly turn the pedals
and slowly turn the pedals.
And then...
It's working. That was quick.
Wow.
That's it.
It's quite easy, so give it a try.
Yeah, let's.
If you press clean parts of the derailleur, you can keep your hands clean.
Right here?
Then put the chain on the closest gear.
Now put it on the closest, most accessible gear.
There.
Okay, now slowly turn the pedals.
You did it.
And that's it.
Since it's so easy to fix, just do it slowly and properly like I just showed you,
Next Time How to Perform Maintenance
and you'll have fixed it in no time.
Try it out for yourselves.
Okay.
Got it.
Next Time What Can I Do?