I decided to embark on a journey. Initially, I just wanted to leisurely spend time in some town. However, desires gradually grew. I want to enjoy delicious food, experience a contrast to life in Tokyo, and above all, I desire a comfortable place. So, I chose Naha in Okinawa. And there was one more significant desire. Cycling.

Sometimes, there are moments when you suddenly want to break away from your daily routine. It’s not that you dislike your job, but you feel the need for a change of environment. In such times, it’s good to grab your bicycle and go somewhere. Riding through unfamiliar lands with the wind in your face can clear away any lingering unease and enrich your life. So, one day, I headed to Naha with my road bike. In December 2023, Tokyo was already cold enough to require a coat. However, when I landed in Naha after just under a two-hour flight, the city welcomed me with temperatures where a T-shirt and shorts were more than sufficient.

Nice to meet you, everyone. Do you like cycling? Well, I’m sure those who love cycling have found their way to Global Ride’s column. So, do you happen to like ‘Okinawa, where despite being year-end, the temperature is 25 degrees, and the sea is incredibly beautiful’? This time, as a Uchinanchu writer born and raised in Okinawa, I, Nagahama, will guide you through an easygoing seaside cycling experience enjoyable all year round! How about reliving a fresh journey even for the locals?

I never imagined that a day like this would come in my life. Being invited as a guest rider for the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR), which boasts a 40-year history, is quite an honor. And the fact that this ride will be professionally recorded for a television program adds another level of excitement.

Reflecting on 2023, as the year draws to a close, how has it been for all of you? It’s likely that riders from around the world have cycled through various locations this year. To wrap up the year, the Global Ride editorial team is bringing you a photo album from three international events: ‘BIKE NEW YORK (FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR)’ in New York City, ‘PORT DOUGLAS GRAN FOND FESTIVAL’ in Port Douglas, and ‘HONOLULU CENTURY RIDE’ in Honolulu. Enjoy the exclusive shots captured by our editorial team, different from the official photos!

Sudden events led me to participate in the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) in Hawaii, which takes place in September. I brought my road bike with me, and this is my first experience riding abroad. So far, I’ve written about the bike transportation from Japan and my initial impressions upon arriving in Hawaii. Now, let’s dive into the exciting part – my first ride in Hawaii!

What kind of impression comes to your mind when you hear about Hawaii? I’ve disliked it for as long as I can remember. I thought it was a place where celebrities go to frolic, where people ride banana boats and make a lot of noise, and it was filled with “ignorance-based prejudice.” I’ve never been a fan of glitzy things. I originally studied literature, and I’m actually quite introverted. I thought I’d never go there in my life. However, life is unpredictable. I was invited to participate in the Honolulu Century Ride for an article on this website. At 54 years old, I unexpectedly found myself embarking on my first trip to Hawaii. When I wrote on Facebook […]

A newcomer participating in the Honolulu Century Ride 2023. It wasn’t just one accident. According to Heinrich’s Law (1:29:300), several accidents fitting the 29 and 300 categories were experienced.