To everyone still basking in the afterglow of the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR), and to those cyclists who couldn’t join this year—this month we bring you a special series of first-hand ride journals written by the participants themselves.
Five groups of riders, each crossing the finish line in their own style, share their experiences of the HCR along with stories from the days they spent in Honolulu before and after the event. How did they make the most of their stay? What did they eat, see, and feel throughout their trip?
The first story comes from Naohiko Matsumoto, who is approaching seventy and has completed the HCR 100-mile course—160 km—seven times.
A former classmate and long-time friend of Tadashi Noda, a retired professional keirin racer whom we interviewed last year, Matsumoto once again teamed up with him for this year’s event.
While he admits that “this year’s ride was a tough one,” he also enjoyed the pre- and post-ride days in Honolulu—complete with a newly acquired senior bus pass and leisurely day trips reminiscent of their student years.
What unfolds here is an everyday-yet-extraordinary cycling story—an HCR trip note written by two friends who’ve shared fifty years of pedaling and laughter.
5-Night, 7-Day HCR Ride Trip Notes with a 50-Year-Old Friend
Note by_Naohiko Matsumoto
| Date | Itinerary | |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Travel | Night: Depart from Japan |
| Sightseeing | Morning: Arrive in Honolulu Create Senior HALO card / Assemble bicycle / Watch fireworks | |
| Day 2 | Sightseeing | Pick up race bib / Leisurely cycling around the city |
| Day 3 | Event | Participate in Honolulu Century Ride 2025 |
| Day 4 | Sightseeing | Stroll around Honolulu city |
| Day 5 | Sightseeing | Visit North Shore and Haleiwa |
| Day 6 | Travel | Walk along Waikiki Beach / Depart from Honolulu |
| Day 7 | Travel | Night: Arrive in Japan |
Friday, September 26
After arriving in Honolulu, we dropped off our luggage at the hotel and went straight to the Ala Moana food court for a hearty plate lunch—prime rib steak.
After lunch, we took the bus to the Kalihi Transit Center to apply for a Senior HALO Card, the city’s bus pass for seniors. The process was easy: $3 including bus fare, a quick photo, and we had our passes in hand.
Back at Ala Moana, we stopped by Foodland to pick up groceries for dinner, then returned to the hotel to start unpacking and assembling our bikes, which we had carefully packed for the flight.
Just as I stepped into the bathroom, a loud shout came from Noda:
“I forgot my battery!”
(He meant the battery for his cycle computer.)
We both turned pale.
As we were still figuring out what to do next, another shout echoed:
“Found it!”
It had been hiding underneath the bike case. I stepped out of the bathroom and the two of us collapsed onto our chairs in relief. Crisis averted.
Dinner that night was modest—instant rice and fresh poke from Foodland—but satisfying after a long day of travel.
Later, we joined the crowd to watch the fireworks at the Hilton next door, a weekly Friday-night tradition on Waikiki Beach.
Saturday, September 27
We woke up at six in the morning—old men tend to wake up early for no reason—and took a refreshing walk along Waikiki Beach.
On the way, we stopped at Tropical Tribe for a Brazilian açaí bowl. It was rich and thick, yet surprisingly light and easy to eat.
Back at the hotel, we had breakfast with spam musubi we’d bought the day before.
Then, to check the condition of our bikes, we headed to the HCR registration venue. I secretly hoped to run into the staff member who interviewed us last year, but unfortunately, she wasn’t there this time.
After completing registration, I couldn’t resist buying a few HBL 50th Anniversary souvenirs. I’m a sucker for anniversary items—always end up spending too much on them.
Next, we made the classic pilgrimage to Leonard’s Bakery for their famous malasadas. We bought the original and cinnamon flavors, tucked them into our musette bags, and rode back to the hotel for lunch. The malasadas were still warm—they practically burned my back through the bag!
In the afternoon, we went shopping around Ala Moana for souvenirs and grabbed a grilled chicken plate for dinner.
Sunday, September 28
On the day of the event, woke up at 4 a.m.
Made pancakes using the mix purchased the day before and had breakfast with pineapple and other fruits.
At the start area, spotted editor M, who was covering the event, and greeted them!
A heartfelt (though perhaps just in my own mind) reunion.
Opening Ceremony: The U.S. national anthem and the Hawaii state song were sung. If more Japanese participants join, will Kimigayo be sung too?
As the sun rises, the HCR officially starts.
Don’t forget to press the start button on the cycle computer.
Right after the start, the peloton is tightly packed, so we ride carefully toward Diamond Head. At the sunrise point, we take our usual photos of each other.
Passing through the upscale Kahala area, we head onto the highway. Cars speed past us at quite a pace, but strangely it doesn’t feel scary—perhaps because it’s a bike-friendly environment?
This year, we rode through Hawaii Kai and tackled the hill climb to Hanauma Bay.
I had underestimated it, but the gradual ascent continued longer than expected. From the top, the breathtaking scenery lived up to expectations. We took some photos at the viewpoint, but looking back later, the shots didn’t quite capture the awe-inspiring view. I need to study better ways to take photos—maybe I’ll refer to photos from globalride for inspiration.
After a refreshing downhill, we reached the first aid station at Sunday Beach.
We tucked into oranges and poi malasadas, and made sure to grab the 25-mile sticker.
As we restarted the ride, editor M, riding in the media car, cheered us on—this kind of support is really encouraging♪
Next, we stopped at the Makapu’u Lookout to take the classic photo. The downhill from here was truly exhilarating.
Heading toward the second aid station in Kailua, Noda and I chatted about how it seemed different from last year. Upon arrival, I mentioned to our ride buddies, “So the mountain-side route is gone this year, huh?” Only to learn it wasn’t—the result of a regrettable wrong turn!
Well, it’s a fun ride, so let’s not sweat it…
From here, we continued on the city streets, turning it into a steady distance-logging ride.
Third Aid Station
It’s not as lively as in previous years. I really loved the cheerful cheers from the aid station staff here…
We headed along Kamehameha Road to the turnaround. The roughly 10 km coastal stretch in front of Swanzie Park at the turnaround is my favorite part of the course!
Every time, the emerald-green waters are so soothing. This is the reason I ride in the HCR.
At the turnaround aid station, we refueled with spam musubi.
While taking the customary 100-mile turnaround photos, we reunited with Taro Shirato after a long time!
We greeted each other, took a photo together, and then continued toward our respective goals.
Feeling a bit fatigued, the return ride became a steady, distance-focused effort.
We properly covered the mountain route we had shortcut on the outbound leg and headed for the biggest challenge of the return ride (a bit of an exaggeration!)—the hill climb up to Makapu’u.
Pushing our tired bodies, I glanced at the sea…and saw an unbelievably vivid green ocean like never before! This is Hawaii! This is the Honolulu Century Ride!
It’s a view that you just can’t experience from Waikiki Beach.
The downhill from Makapu’u was rough, so you couldn’t let your guard down!
As expected, there had been a crash and an ambulance was on site. Hope the rider is okay.
We passed through Hawaii Kai Golf Course and headed toward the final aid station.
We filled our bottles with oranges and ice, preparing for the last stretch of the ride.
There, a young man—seemingly American—was putting ice 🧊 into everyone’s bottles. I was reminded that Americans can be unexpectedly kind, a kind of thoughtfulness I rarely notice in people in Japan these days.
Riding along the highway toward the finish, Noda’s legs surprisingly started cramping around here.
But true to his former pro status, he managed to push through with some clever adjustments!
This section always has a tailwind, so we were able to keep heading for the goal.
We passed through the upscale Kahala neighborhood and tackled the final hill climb at Diamond Head.
Once that climb was done, it was the finish. A sense of relief washed over us, along with the first twinges of Hawaii withdrawal.
After crossing the finish line, the two of us collapsed onto the grass, unable to move for a while.
Then editor M appeared! We spent a fun time together, whether in interview mode or just chatting.
Afterward, we had our photos taken and fully enjoyed the HCR finish experience.
This year, a lack of training caught up with us, and though utterly exhausted, we managed to complete the 100-mile ride. With longer breaks at the aid stations, we finished about 30 minutes later than last year.
Reluctantly saying goodbye, we promised the staff we’d meet again next year. Saving pocket money little by little and training steadily, we vowed in our hearts to take on the 100-mile challenge again next year.
By night, too tired to do much else, we enjoyed dim sum at Kapiolani Seafood Restaurant near Ala Moana. The restaurant is reasonably priced, delicious, and highly recommended—though surprisingly few Japanese visit.
Monday, September 29
Woke up surprisingly early and took a stroll along Waikiki Beach in the morning.
As two days ago, had an acai bowl at Tropical Tribe—today it was Hawaiian flavor. I personally prefer the Brazilian one.
For breakfast, I made a chicken omelet using pancakes, sausage, egg soup, and leftover grilled chicken.
Stayed at the hotel relaxing until around noon, then picked up souvenirs at Dean & Deluca, Ala Moana, and Walmart.
Dinner was an easy choice: an orange chicken plate. Went to bed early to rest up for tomorrow’s Haleiwa stroll.
Tuesday, September 30
(Editor’s note) On this day, Matsumoto-san enjoyed a day trip to the North Shore and Haleiwa. The two old friends on their bus trip—like returning to their student days, and relying only on $2.50 senior cards!—will be featured in a later Global Ride North Shore special.
Wednesday, October 1
The final day.
Woke up to overcast skies and rain—the first time we’d seen this in Waikiki!
After a while, the rain stopped, so we went for one last walk.
Having used up all our food last night, we had a simple breakfast at the hotel café with coffee and the banana cake we bought yesterday.
With our bulky bike case and suitcase in tow, we waited in the lobby for the taxi we had arranged.
It rained all the way to the airport, but Noda quietly muttered, “If the weather had been good, we’d still want to stay in Honolulu, huh…”
After arriving at the airport, we completed check-in and headed inside.
We had a light brunch at the newly opened Panda Express, a Chinese eatery. One plate each was too much, so we shared a single plate between the two of us.
Afterward, we wandered around the airport shops before boarding our flight back to Japan.
The transfer at Haneda and onward to Kitakyushu took quite a while, but we finally made it back to Kitakyushu Airport. Stepping outside, I thought, “Huh? It’s autumn already”—and the Honolulu withdrawal had already begun.
HCR 2025 was tough this year, but as always, it was truly an enjoyable trip, getting to see familiar staff and reconnect with people I hadn’t met in a while.
Profile
Naohiko Matsumoto
Born in 1957. Inspired by the 1970s TV program Subarashiki Jitensha Yaro, he developed a passion for cycling. In high school, he admired Eddy Merckx, who raced in the Tour de France, and used money earned from part-time jobs to purchase his first road bike. During university, he spent his student years cycling extensively with his classmate Noda.
After entering the workforce and starting a family, he drifted away from cycling. However, after turning 50 and with his children grown, his passion for cycling was reignited. He resumed riding with Noda, who had retired from professional keirin racing. In 2010, he participated for the first time in his long-time dream event, the Honolulu Century Ride.
Post Date：2025.10.27
