It’s already mid-November, and we can finally feel the touch of autumn. Recently, while browsing Instagram, I came across a post saying, “It’s already been a month, but I’m still feeling the vibes of Hawaii!” I couldn’t agree more. Just looking at the photos brings back the breeze and atmosphere of Honolulu. Here’s the next installment of our interview series on the Honolulu Century Ride 2024 (HCR). Once again, following our first feature, we bring you four dynamic first-time participant groups. So, why did you choose to ride in Hawaii? Table of Contents １. Thanks for the Big Smile / Yakihata２. Celebrating the 75th Birthday / Joji and Honda３. A Parent-Child Ride to Mark the End of Coll […]

“It’s the largest event of its kind in Japan and the only one where participants ride on a highway,” announced Governor Tokihiro Nakamura of Ehime Prefecture. With his opening remarks, the starting horn sounded. Around 1,750 riders set off in waves from the Imabari Highway Interchange (Ehime Prefecture) toward Onomichi City (Hiroshima Prefecture). At the same time, an equal number of riders began their journey from the Mukai Island Interchange in Onomichi, aiming for Imabari. Sunday, October 27, 8:08 AM, under cloudy skies. This joint cycling event between the two prefectures is globally recognized as Japan’s largest cycling event, celebrated for showcasing the natural beauty, tourism resour […]

Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) is the largest cycling event in Hawaii. But don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s just for avid cyclists. It’s a special gathering place for people who, from the moment they step off the plane, feel that “Hawaii’s here! I’m back!” They come to fully experience the sea, sky, and island nature wrapped in that blissful Hawaiian breeze. However, this ride event requires participants to pedal their way across distances from 25 to 100 miles. Hawaii is already paradise, so…why go by bike? What are these riders hoping to see along the way? This series dives into the diverse appeal of Hawaii, bringing the voices of individual riders to the forefront. First up, we s […]

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 […]