In August 2026, Niseko Discovery Cycling, a fun ride event in Hokkaido, took place around the same time as the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. In this report, we follow Mei, a cyclist who spent years enjoying the cycling lifestyle in Australia, a country with a thriving cycling culture. What breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences awaited her on this fun ride through Hokkaido’s magnificent natural landscapes? Even now, as the first signs of autumn begin to appear, I often find myself thinking back to this summer in Niseko. In August 2026, I took part in the 100 km course of Niseko Discovery Cycling as a guest rider. Looking back, it was a truly special day spent in Nisek […]

The trio is back for another Honolulu Century Ride (HCR)! Tats, editor-in-chief of LOVE CYCLIST, a Japanese cycling media outlet and riding community, returns as a guest rider alongside Anna and Saad. Here’s the story of their second HCR adventure. Last year, they started from the very front of the VIP group and got a little too caught up in the blistering pace set by Taro Shirato. Having learned their lesson—or have they?—how did they approach the 100-mile ride this time? Join us as we relive their experience through photos capturing the wind, light, and beauty of Hawaii. ContentsOur Second 100-Mile RideStrong Winds at the Starting LineThe Places That Made Us Stop　Hanauma Bay　Kamehame […]

Designer Y, a Friend of Editor M “To be honest, it felt absolutely amazing.” When I started riding the Honolulu Century Ride—and even after I finished—those were the only words I could find. The exhaustion, the sense of accomplishment, the frustration… somehow, they all seemed to be wrapped up in that one phrase. I couldn’t think of a better way to describe it. So how did I, a graphic designer by profession, end up taking part in a 160 km cycling event in Hawaii? That’s the story I’d like to share this time. My first trip to Hawaii, my first visit to the United States, and my first long-distance ride. As someone who rarely rides a bicycle except to drop off and pick u […]

The Honolulu Century Ride 2026 has come to a close. After leaving behind Japan’s lingering summer weather, I had hoped to report back with an enthusiastic, “So this is Hawaii…!” But this year, with Hurricane Nolo approaching the islands, we were greeted by winds strong enough to make us wonder whether the event might be canceled. According to the data, average wind speeds at the start were around 18 m/s. Pedaling somewhere between feeling discouraged and refusing to give in, I found myself contemplating both the forces of nature and the value of a little self-discipline. Still, on my second HCR, I managed to complete the 120 km course—setting a new personal distance record for a fun ri […]

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 […]