I never thought that one day I would meet Ashima Shiraishi, but then I traveled to the United States for GSC’s closing party this past October, and our paths crossed. To an ordinary man like me, she has that aura of a world-class athlete and a celebrity, but when I summoned the courage to talk to her, I vividly remember how she spoke to me so casually.

Ashima was born and raised in the United States to Japanese parents, began climbing at an early age and is now renowned in that world for her strength, skill and grace dancing up the side of the rock wall.

She prefers climbing in the tranquility of the outdoors- so she left New York, where she was born and raised, and came to Los Angeles to study environmental studies and to gain access to the wide open spaces and topography of the American West. With the help of GSC, she converted an old Specialized frame that she got for a good deal on Craigslist. What began as a way to commute to school and get around town, evolved in to a full embrace of the bicycle life in LA. I’m in!

Having GSC in Ahima’s orbit ended up having a very big influence on her. Whether it was riding together as a crew or inviting everyone to the bouldering gym for a BikeToBouldering date. I imagine there are countless pressures that most of us cannot relate to for a young top athlete, but I was touched by Ashima’s humility and compassion for everyone she meets and greets with her infectious smile. Seeing her in the midst of her youth, enjoying life with her bicycle in LA, and accomplishing her goals makes me feel happy. “We owe at least some of it to riding our bikes.”

Ashima-chan recently got a new bike.

The frame is a CRUST ‘Evasion’ step-thru. In fact, she’s a recent addition to Team CRUST, who will be participating in an endurance gravel race called The Mid South next month! With the expert coordination of the CRUST team, we were thrilled to be able to provide some SimWorks products for her new bike build.

For wheels that are solidly built for a lighter-weight rider our allies at Velocity were tapped for use of their Blunt 35 rims wearing our Super Yummy Tire 26″ . Ashima’s cockpit features our Fun 3 Bar for intuitive bike handling and comfortable ergonomics. Considering her smaller feet, Tiny Bubbly Pedals were chosen with no hesitation.

As soon as the bike was assembled, it was naturally time for a quick ride on the singletrack near LA. Good, it suits you very well. Riding next to me is David, Ashima’s boyfriend. He is the youngest member of GSC’s staff, and perhaps not coincidentally, he’s riding an Evasion in the same color and dressed for success. David’s also scheduled to race in Mid South as part of Team CRUST. These two are the most adorable couple in LA…. so perhaps the world?

For so many reasons, we’re all looking forward to Ashima’s first century ride- The Mid South. Please support her by all means!