What is Hajime Bike Club?

Hello, I’m Hajime Imoto.

As some of you may have noticed, I’ve recently started a kids' mountain bike school called Hajime Bike Club.

The inspiration for this project came from my background as a downhill (DH) mountain bike racer. I’m completely hooked on DH—there’s something incredibly addictive about it. I wanted to figure out how to share this passion with others, and starting a school felt like the best way to do that.

Looking ahead, I also thought about how we can nurture Japanese riders who can excel on the world stage. Racers at the top level are just the tip of the pyramid, and to support that, we need a strong foundation. That means creating an environment where anyone can easily get into mountain biking. With that goal in mind, I decided to start this kids' mountain bike school as a place where they can learn and grow.

At Hajime Bike Club, we offer two classes: the Beginner Class and the Intermediate Class.

The Beginner Class is designed for children who have tried riding a mountain bike but have never ventured onto a course or may lack confidence. This class focuses on helping them safely acquire basic skills, with activities tailored to each child’s level.

The Intermediate Class, on the other hand, is aimed at children with a solid foundation in mountain biking. It provides an opportunity for them to refine their skills and take their abilities to the next level.

Both classes are designed to support children in gaining confidence and enjoying the thrill of mountain biking while learning in a safe and encouraging environment.

At Hajime Bike Club, our primary goal is to introduce kids to the fun and excitement of mountain biking—essentially turning them into mountain biking enthusiasts (and maybe even addicts, in a good way, of course!).

Key Highlights of Hajime Bike Club

• Taught by a Current Japanese Champion: Kids have the unique opportunity to learn from a national champion.

• Intermediate Class: Designed for children who are interested in racing or want to ride faster, including those aiming to compete in downhill series races.

• Beginner Class: A relaxed class that welcomes kids who have never ridden a mountain bike before.

• English Exposure: Warm-up sessions with native English-speaking instructors provide a chance for kids to get comfortable with English in a fun and interactive way.

These are the main aspects we aim to focus on.

Personally, I’ve always wanted to start a project like this, and now that it’s become a reality, I’m genuinely enjoying every moment of it.

Currently, we run Hajime Bike Club at Forest Bike Park in Odawara, but this club isn’t limited to one location. Our mission is to spread the charm of mountain biking and bring joy to as many people as possible. The club welcomes participants of all ages, from kids to adults, and we’re flexible in offering on-site programs at various locations and facilities.

If you’re a school, local government, or community interested in organizing a mountain bike school, feel free to reach out to us. We’re happy to discuss ideas and explore possibilities with you.

We’ll continue to provide updates on this school as it grows!