Please let me write about our first cycling event in 2017. It’s COFFEE & WORKSHOP HOPPING RIDE.
We held this event on January 29th. We just worried about the weather because the event was scheduled to be held on January 8th but it was postponed due to the bad weather. Our cycling event often postpone or suspend due to the bad weather. Actually Tokyo’s winter is little rain. I think CHARI YA TOKYO’s somebody is a rain bringer… Anyway, the weather was amazing on 29th. We had a fantastic holiday.

I’d like to report the event along the time table.
Meeting time was 9 am. The participants came to our office to register in streams.

The participants need to sign our promissory letter at the reception desk.
I think the reception desk should be inside the office next time because it was too cold.

After registration, the participants who rent a bike and helmet go to pick up them.
We can arrangethe bicycle(Rockbikes)at your height.
We have 4 sizes Helmets(bern).　It very fits the casual style.

Everybody get ready!!

This is the photo of before departure.
We could start the event on time. Thank you for your cooperation!

Can’t see our flag but it’s OK!!

We often cross this bridge because　no cars there. And also can feel nice breeze.

It looks cloudy but it was sunny actually. That’s true!!

We arrived at Sato Shoten leather studio in Higashimukoujima.
Higashimukoujima is so famous for a complicated alley.
This leather studio is also difficult to find　even through use google map.

It’s like a secret base. You can see los of leathers inside the studio.

Here comes the workshop!!

His name is Mr. Uchida. He is a third-generation craft man of Sato Shoten.
He kind enough teach us about the leather craft and history of Higashimukoujima.

We make a leather cup sleeve in this workshop.

We had a variety of the leathers choose form.

There are so many leathers that they can’t decide which one to chooce.

Next process is ”nen wo ireru”.
Nen wo ireru means pay attention in Japanese. We draw a line on the hem. It makes　the lather look sharp and rich. This work is like women’s make up. They put on eye liner.

Actually this work is most important and difficult.
Next work is rub the hem. It makes the hem strong.

Make marks for make holes.

Make holes by using the hummer!!

Hit it!!

Put on the hook after make holes.

Finally nearing completion!

Last work is customize!

You can engrave any alphabet and make any pattern you like.

Everyone become a creator at this time.

HAVE A GOOD COFEEE

Someone engraved name and words, someone made a pattern.
We made a variety of cup sleeves.

DOPING TIME! Such a punk!!

By the way, this cup sleeve become a bangle. If you are cyclist, it become a nice pants guard.
It’s very functional!!
Mr. Uchida you are genius!

The workshop was successfully completed!
Let’s Go to Kiyosumishirakawa!

But we should have lunch before go to Kiyosumishirakawa.

We visited Mclean, a new and populer hamburger restaurant to have lunch.

Here comes a nice hamburger!

We were starving!
Just eat!!

Another angle.

She is from New York and she told us Japanese hamburger is also nice!

This is hamburger with tempura.
The hamburger in Japanese style!!

It’s soooo big!

Finally we go to Kiyosumishirakawa!
We’ll visit some coffee roasteries and learn how to make coffee with steamed milk by using an espresso coffee machine. The tour is continue. However, I write about Kiyosumishirakawa next time!

Thank you for reading.
I’ll see you soon!