Real name: Pata
Where do you live? Boston (actually Somerville) MA

Explanation of your handle: hiraku means open in Japanese and Kibou means hope. I am mixed heritage Japanese American.

Explanation of your avatar: hmm. Haven't figured this one out yet.

Age (general or specific) 44 will be 45 this year in September

Occupation: Former Professor of Education, currently artist and Reiki master

Favorite bike: I am getting a Luna prebuilt and can't wait. Would love to have a custom built Luna with Campy stuff on it. Yum.

What's in your stable? Fuji Provence, and a Fuji Sagres

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 30.1 down a hill in Bedford MA, woo hoo!

Another picture of yourself or your ride? No pics yet.


What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Hmmm. Don't lie much which is the truth. I've called in sick before when it was really a mental health day. I guess that counts.

Most memorable moment on my bike: Well, I was just getting to know my sweetie and he took me for a bike ride. We rode about 25 miles which was the longest I had ever gone. At one point, when my energy was flagging, he put his hand on the small of my back and gave me a much needed push. Not only was it helpful, but a surge of electricity went through me. I guess I fell in love on a bicycle, at least in part.


Most fun ever had on a bike? I have fun all the time for different reasons. Sometimes it's fun to ride with my eleven year old daughter. She'll pass me and say catch me. When I do and then pass her she says, "Mommy, I am tired, slow down!" So, I do. She'll change gears for the fun of it petalling 90 mph and then put it in the big ring just to see what happens. All in the life of an eleven year old!