Text by Rie Sawada / Photo by Shige & Go Sato & Eri Tanaka

The Doppo Ronin bicycle frame, carefully handmade and welded by SimWorks in a small bicycle workshop in Japan, as well as the Ronin’s predecessor ‘Doppo ATB’, have been reliable companions on my journeys through the years. Including the earlier ATB model, I’ve traveled extensively with Doppo frames. In particular, for demanding trips lasting over seven days—such as the Stagecoach 400, Oregon Outback, journeys to NAHBS, or the Olympic Adventure Route—I always choose the Doppo Ronin. Its reliability is tested in unpredictable terrain where provisions or support can be scarce, embodying the spirit of a true ‘Ronin’ Samurai. My travel style resonates deeply with the name “Ronin,” giving me a unique attachment to this frame.

With every journey, my bikepacking skills and the setup of my Doppo frame have evolved. My adventures aren’t limited to cycling—they extend to surfing and exploring diverse terrains. Like a ronin wandering freely, I continue seeking uncharted paths. One day, my dream is to attach a surfboard to this Ronin bike and embark on a cycling journey in pursuit of waves.

2024 Bikepacking Events

It sounds like the “Bikepacking Ride After the Bicycle Expo” and “Rie’s Birthday Ride” have become a beloved tradition! Combining the MADE exhibition with a group bikepacking adventure brings together like-minded friends and framebuilder colleagues. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate shared passions and foster connections between participants from Japan and the United States. Let me know if you’d like suggestions or ideas for enhancing the ride or exploring new routes for future events!

This year’s route was the Corvallis-to-the-Coast (C2C) Trail in Oregon, covering about 60 miles (about 90 km) over two days from the starting point in Corvallis to the finish at Ona Beach on the Oregon Coast.

A journey that begins with MADE

Following the close of the show, I collected the latest Doppo Ronin that was on display at the SimWorks booth at the MADE Show, loaded up my luggage, and set off on my journey. This year, Chris King collaborated with Block15 to make a beer at MADE, and some folks from Block 15 wanted to join our annual ride, so we decided to ride the C2C trail, a well-known bike route in Oregon that we were able to start from Block15 in Corvallis. Kelsey from Block 15 knew the route well and led the way, so we were able to proceed smoothly without getting lost (like I’m known to do!)

Our ride started off SUPER CHILL and rather late in the day, enjoying lunch and some kick off beers as soon as we gathered. The goal of the first day was a campsite 32 miles (about 51 km) away. The first 10 miles were on the road, then we transitioned to gravel slopes and a bit of single track trails to the campsite.

Singletrack challenge

There was a point along the way where I had to make a choice. Should I take it easy on the gravel, or take some optional single track? I’ve been into mountain biking lately, so I chose the single track, believing that Doppo Ronin could handle it. Maybe not fully considering I was riding a fully loaded rigid all-terrain bike as opposed to my plush full suspension trail bike, I struggled with the steep ups and downs and slippery roots, and fell a few times. At times I almost fell off a cliff, but luckily I got caught on a tree branch and didn’t fall completely. Nevertheless, the downhill was a special experience, and I felt like adrenaline was pumping through my body.

Go, who was riding behind me, said, “Rie disappeared off the trail in an instant.”

He joked and helped me. Curtis came back, worried that I was riding too slowly, and encouraged me by saying, “If you ride too slowly, the sun will go down. No one will wait for you.” In fact, it was quite dark in the forest, and without Curtis’ encouragement and reminder, I likely would not have been able to reach the campsite before sunset.

Riding downhill is fun and invigorating, but then the climbing starts again and I began to worry about when we would reach our destination. Just then, endless blackberry brambles appear again and again, and they’re so sweet and delicious that I stop and lose track of time, filling up on them. That’s when Curtis jokingly (and not half-jokingly) says, “No Rie~! No more stopping~! No more blackberries! The sun’s going down. No one’s going to wait for you~!” I laugh and smile, and we carry on.

The Goal is the Sea

The second day was also full of ups and downs. I prefer the downhill riding, but climbing is slow going and not exciting for me. Just then, Jeremy, who was riding an E-bike on display at SyCip Design (Jeremy only turns on the E-bike when he is pulling someone), pushed me easily with human and electric power. Sometimes Curtis, who is not riding an E-bike but effectively has E-bike power, also pushed me, and I was able to climb faster than my typical pace, so that helped speed the day along a bit.

Probably the most exciting uphill ride was when I grabbed Curtis’s back pocket, Curtis grabbed Jeremy’s saddle, and Jeremy pulled us both with the 1-2, human and electric power punch like a train. We pedaled closely together, trying not to lose our balance, not to get separated, and not to disrupt the pace of the two of us. It took some serious concentration.

As I got over the last mountain, I felt the sea breeze on my skin. As I approached the beach, I felt a sense of accomplishment from the two days of coast range riding. At the finish line at Ona Beach, everyone had already arrived, but I rolled in last and took my time. I enjoyed the joy of cycling along the sandy beach by the sea.

What was memorable about this trip was the single track on the first day and the moment of cooperation with friends. The combination of Doppo Ronin x Super Yummy x Sim Loader demonstrated the All-Terrain power that can handle any road. And the good vibes with friends who rode with me made this trip special.

I continue traveling freely like a samurai with my Doppo Ronin. The Doppo Ronin is my partner that has the all-terrain power to handle any road. What kind of adventure should I go on next with this partner?