Continuing from Part 1, here’s the second half of our ride at the Alps Azumino Century Ride 2026, held this May. This time, the return journey from Hakuba features one of the event’s most popular attractions—the Cycle Train. It’s a route that’s sure to delight not only cyclists, but railway enthusiasts as well. Text&Photos_Eigo Shimojo Table of Contents 4. 65 km → 111 km: Cycle Train / JR Hakuba Station → JR Shinano-Oiwake Station5. 120 km: Finish / National Alps Azumino Park (Horigane–Hotaka Area) 4. 65 km → 111 km: Cycle Train / JR Hakuba Station → JR Shinano-Oiwake Station Having ridden about 65 km from the start, I was already more than satisfied. Between the […]

On May 23, I took part in the Alps Azumino Century Ride (AACR), one of Japan’s most popular cycling events. Among the several course options, I chose the Cycle Train Route—a 120 km course that includes approximately 65 km of riding, with the remainder covered by train. As its name suggests, the AACR was inspired by the Honolulu Century Ride. After experiencing the event firsthand, Executive Committee Chair Raita Suzuki—a former Japanese Olympic mountain biker who represented Japan at the Sydney Olympics—returned home determined to create a similar event in his native Nagano. Since 2009, that vision has continued to grow into one of Japan’s premier fun rides. In addition to the cl […]

How do you explore Hawaii? A rental car is certainly convenient. You can drive from Waikiki to the North Shore in just half a day. But on a bicycle, the very same roads make you feel as though you’re discovering a completely different island. Scenery that flashes by in seconds from a car lingers with you at the pace of pedaling. You notice the scent of the trade winds, the sound of the waves, and the subtle rhythm of the island in a way that’s impossible behind the wheel. Perhaps that’s why the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR)—one of Hawaii’s signature sporting events—has attracted cyclists from around the world for more than 40 years. The real appeal isn’t simply co […]

Hello, and welcome back. Early summer already seems to be in the air, and the rising temperatures have been making my head spin a little. I hope you’re doing well wherever you are. The first time I rode in Honolulu was in September 2023. Since then, I’ve only attended as a member of the media. Time and again, I found myself having the same exchange with riders: “Are you riding this year?”“I’m here to cover the event.”“Why not ride while you’re covering it?” Fair point. Maybe I should. That thought was lingering in the back of my mind when I recently took part in my second TD Five Boro Bike Tour, a ride of about 65 km. What struck me most was how many new things I noticed on a cou […]

Held every May in New York, TD Five Boro Bike Tour (“TD” comes from the title sponsor, TD Bank) is one of the world’s most iconic urban fun ride events.For one special day, Manhattan’s major avenues, highways, and even massive bridges—normally filled with traffic and blaring horns—are opened entirely to bicycles.This is not a race.It is an opportunity to experience New York City itself.And that is precisely what makes the event so extraordinary. Text_Mayumi Kamura Table of Contents 1. Event Overview　FIVE BORO = Riding Through New York’s Five Boroughs　Manhattan　The Bronx　Queens　Brooklyn　Staten Island2. What Makes This Event So Unique?　(1) Ride Through a “Zero-Car” New York　(2) A Celebration, […]

Every year, riders from around the world gather for TD Five Boro Bike Tour—North America’s largest fun ride event, drawing some 32,000 participants. Once again, we joined the ride through New York, a global metropolis where the American dream and everyday reality coexist in the Gotham City skyline. With major roads across all five boroughs closed exclusively for cyclists, this bold and luxurious urban ride offers a truly unique experience. But what brings each rider here? What are their reasons for taking part Inspired by BNY’s slogan, “30,000 riders. 30,000 reasons.”, we present a photo album centered on the people of the ride itself. Each rider has their own reason. Their own style.Here ar […]

Held in Brisbane, in the eastern Australian state of Queensland, Tour de Brisbane 2026 goes well beyond the bounds of a typical mass-participation ride. Taking over the entire city, it’s an event of remarkable scale—where speed and cycling culture run side by side. The 2026 edition was held on April 12, drawing crowds of cyclists to the City Botanic Gardens from early morning. According to event organizers, participants came from 19 countries and regions, with around 7,000 riders in total—making it one of Australia’s largest urban gran fondos. A defining feature of this event is that it also serves as an official qualifier for the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. The 110 km category is clearly d […]

We present the second half of the fifth and final installment in our series, “Trip Notes from Five Riding Duos.”What kind of event is the Honolulu Century Ride? This 160 km ride diary that unpacks the experience comes from photographer and cyclist Eigo Shimojo. Enjoy it together with a rich collection of locally flavored, atmosphere-filled photos. 4 Nights, 6 Days / Kamehameha Road on the Southern Isles — the Classic Route Was Even More Classic Than ImaginedNote by_Eigo Shimojo DAY_4／September 28 (Sun) At 5:00 a.m., riders begin gathering at Kapiʻolani Park under a pre-dawn sky shaded deep purple. At last, it’s HCR day. Even though it’s a fun ride event, the tension before the start fills th […]