On Sunday, September 29th, the 41st edition of the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) came to a close. While chatting with many of the participating riders, the GR editorial team received this question from a few people: “What kind of organization is behind such an amazing ride event?” With that in mind, we conducted an interview with Travis Counsell, Executive Director of the organizing body, the Hawaii Bicycling League, and an avid cyclist himself. We also received a message from him for all participants, so please read on! GR Editorial Team (hereafter GR): Could you give us an overview of the event? Travis Counsell (hereafter Travis, without honorifics): This event is the largest lon […]

Table of Contents 1 Haruki Murakami, Basho2 The Romantics 1. Haruki Murakami, Basho It is well known that the French have a fondness for Japan, and although Emmanuel and Guillaume (the organizers of The Japanese Odyssey) initially seemed to have no direct connection to the country, they were, in fact, deeply captivated by Japanese culture. What especially drew them in were the works of Haruki Murakami, which are highly popular in Europe, and the haiku of Basho—examples of Japan’s lyrical literary tradition. After the 2016 race, when I interviewed them for the first time, I was struck by their enthusiasm, which could not be explained by mere tourism or exoticism. If the emotional depth of lit […]

This time, I am convinced.The Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) is the best ride on Earth. This is my second time riding in Hawaii, following last year. I’ve been pondering how I should be involved as the Communication Director of Global Ride (GR). Last year, I was so focused on completing the 160 km ride that I just gave it my all. It was my first time riding a road bike overseas, and everything felt exciting. However, this year was my second time. I didn’t expect to feel the same excitement as before. So I intentionally decided not to view the event from a rider’s perspective. Instead, I planned to ride in the GR editorial team’s car and focus on capturing photos of the HCR and the b […]

Sunday, September 29, 6:22 AM. The temperature is around 23°C, with a wind speed of 7 km/h.The Honolulu Century Ride has kicked off at sunrise again this year.A scenic course that lets you fully experience Hawaii’s ocean and mountains, along with the great weather, all supported by cheerful and friendly volunteers and staff, making it a truly joyful event. Around midday, just before the 160-mile turnaround point, a sudden downpour dampened spirits on the Kamehameha Highway, leaving the atmosphere a bit gloomy… However, some riders said that the Makapuu Point on the return route was stunningly beautiful after the rain had cleared.  We bring you a vibrant photo album capturing […]

Table of Contents 1 Birthplace: Strasbourg2 Eco-Conscious Companions3 Into Ultra-Distance 1. Birthplace: Strasbourg Now, it’s about time to talk a bit about the organizers of TJO, the real masterminds behind the mysterious setup. France, home to the world’s greatest cycling race, the Tour de France, has embodied and preserved the tradition, prestige, and pride of cycling like no other country since the invention of the bicycle’s prototype in Paris in 1791. Many races and events held across France boast over a century of history, with the Tour at the pinnacle. This cultural foundation nurtured the format of *brevets* and iconic events like Paris-Brest-Paris, leading the way for global c […]

Table of Contents 1. Checkpoints and Segments2. The “Subtlety” of the Route 1. Checkpoints and Segments The 2016 event begins at Nihonbashi in Tokyo and passes through 11 mountain checkpoints (CP) scattered across various regions of Japan. Riders aim to reach the final destination, Dotonbori in Osaka, within two weeks. The total distance is approximately 2,500 to 3,000 km. The level of craziness has certainly increased compared to the previous year. Nihonbashi to Dotonbori—usually a familiar route along the Tokaido, should only be about 550 km using Route 1. So, how does it become 3,000 km? The key to this puzzle lies in the checkpoints. Here are the CPs that were required for co […]

Table of Contents 1. The Full Picture Remains Unseen2. Dot Watchers 1. The Full Picture Remains Unseen As the new year began, the second edition of The Japanese Odyssey (TJO) felt much more welcoming to me, eager for revenge after the previous year. The official website was more detailed, even including specific route information. The event starts at Nihonbashi. Throughout the text outlining the event’s philosophy and overview, I sensed the organizers’ growing enthusiasm and respect for Japan, the host country, even more so than the previous year. The site was still only available in English, likely because they were, like other ultra-distance races, aiming to attract participant […]

Cyclist Ayaka, who resides in Brisbane, along with her partner Yoshi, will report on the Brisbane Cycling Festival from a local cyclist’s perspective in two parts. In the second part, we will provide a report on the main event, the “Tour de Brisbane.”*Part 1 is here Table of Contents 1. What is the Tour de Brisbane?2. Start and Finish at the Expo Venue3. Like Virtual Reality! Racing Through the Heart of the City4. The Story Bridge and Highway with a View of the City5. Aid stations that are truly satisfying in their simplicity.6. In the “Sunshine State” 7. The Evolving Cycling City of Brisbane 1. What is the Tour de Brisbane? During the Brisbane Cycling Festival, […]