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FEATURE
Let's head to trendy cycling spots to enjoy Japan.
Feeling the breeze of the Seto Inland Sea.~Cycling paradise extending from the Shimanami Kaido.~
An Ultra-Distance Journey by a Gravel Enthusiast
What’s the farthest you’ve traveled by bike so far? Maybe it was the coffee shop two stations away, the office an hour away by train, or perhaps just across the prefectural border. Likely, readers of this article are thinking, “No way, that’s way too close. I can ride much farther than that!” When you get a road bike or any kind of sport bike, there’s this urge to go farther and farther. Before you know it, you’ve broken through the 50km, 100km, and even 200km barriers, and you find yourself thrilled as your world expands with each new distance. So, how about 1000 kilometers? Does that sound like an impossible distance? With 1000 kilometers, you coul […]
~ From Cycling Shimanami 2024 ~
“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 […]
#03 Castles and Onsens and craft beer, Oh my!
Bicycle ride through Ehime culture that continues from Shimanami Kaido
The Shimanami Kaido isn’t the only bike route in Ehime for serious cyclists and bicycling explorers alike. This weekend we venture south from the entrance to the most famous biking route of the prefecture, in the city of Imabari, to the capital of Matsuyama, ending at the oldest bath house in Japan and possibly the most famous in the world. This route is called the Imabari-Dogo Hamakaze (Sea Breeze) Cycling Road.Although this course is mostly utilitarian, with views of the coast for only about half the way, it is a vital path between many great historical sites, quaint and quirky lunch spots and a good night on the town. Table of Contents 1. Scouting Expedition and Imabari Castle 2. Lunch a […]
Meet the gods of Japan~Cycling through sacred shrine areas~
~ Kumano Sanzan Pilgrimage, Exquisite Tuna, Cycle Train ~
Hello, this is Onsen Tamago Negitoro. I’m here to share the second half of our ride through the Kumano Kodo and the Kii Peninsula. We had planned a two-night, three-day ride trip, and we were able to end the first day while gazing at the mountains that felt almost divine. On the second day, we are finally heading to Kumano Hongu Taisha. The excitement is building as we approach the Kumano Sanzan pilgrimage! Table of Contents 3. Following the Mountain Paths 4. Red Torii Gates and Lean Tuna 3. Following the Mountain Paths On the first day, we planned to stay at a free campsite, and on the second day, we aimed to reach Kumano Hongu Taisha by evening, traveling along the forestr […]
~ Kii Mountain Range, Kumano Kodo, Off-Road ~
Hello, this is Onsen Tamago Negitoro. I was reminded of a conversation I had with a Spanish hiker when I cycled the Camino de Santiago in Spain before the pandemic. He asked me, ‘Have you been to the Kumano Kodo? You really should go!’ The ‘Camino de Santiago’ in Spain, the ‘Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage,’ and the ‘Kumano Kodo’ are all incredibly popular among hikers from abroad. While I had cycled the first two, I had never ridden through the Kumano Kodo or the Kii Peninsula. Despite its proximity to my hometown of Osaka, the rugged nature of the Kii Mountain Range has always made it feel far away. This time, I rode a route following the ancien […]
Cherry Blossoms and Architecture in Northern Honshu, Aomori
Aomori Prefecture, located at the northernmost tip of Honshu(the main island of Japan), offers food of the sea and mountains, and rich nature throughout the year. Its cherry blossom spots come alive in spring. This cherry blossom ride explores Hirosaki City, a castle town that flourished since the Edo period. Enjoy the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle, soothe your soul, and conclude the ride at the 800-year-old Owani Onsen for a relaxing finale. Indulge in the rich culinary offerings of spring in Aomori, from fruits and vegetables to seafood. Embark on a journey through spring in Aomori, where nature, culture, and cuisine blend harmoniously. Table of Contents 1. Starting from Aomori Airpo […]
EVENT
To fully enjoy fan ride events. Real reports from preparation to the day of the event are available here.
WORLD
The bicycle road race that began in 1903 started with a simple rule: cyclists would ride around France, and the first to reach the finish line in Paris in the shortest time would win. The route was later changed to include the Pyrenees Mountains, adding more drama. Today, it has become the world's largest bicycle race, spanning 23 days and covering a total distance of approximately 3,500 km. About 20 teams, each composed of 8 riders, participate. The rider with the best overall individual time wears the yellow jersey, known as the 'maillot jaune.' There are two types of victories: the overall victory, based on the total time over the entire period, and the stage victories, determined by the best time each day.
Hawaii's largest cycling event, held since 1981. Starting from Kapiolani Park and looping back at Swanzy Beach Park beyond Kualoa for a 100-mile (approximately 160 km) fun ride course. There are also enjoyable routes of 25 miles (about 40 km), 50 miles (about 80 km), and 75 miles (about 120 km) suitable for beginners and children. Along the way, riders are surrounded by endless blue skies and seas, passing through scenic spots like Makapuu Lookout, Kaneohe Bay Drive, and Kamehameha Highway, and encountering Hawaii's pristine landscapes, such as Waimanalo, known as paradise's gift.
North America's largest fan ride event with over 30,000 riders participating. Starting from New York Manhattan, the route passes through 6th Avenue, Central Park, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, before reaching the festival venue at Staten Island. The approximately 40-mile (64 km) course offers minimal elevation changes and ample aid stations. It's an event where even beginners can thoroughly enjoy riding through the refreshing May streets of New York City with a sense of urban adventure.
The main event fan ride of the "Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival" held in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The course consists of four options: 48km, 60km, 100km, and 138km. Even the 100km course has a very gentle elevation gain of 689m, suitable for intermediate riders. Riders start at Port Douglas, ride along the Great Barrier Reef Drive to Palm Cove, then return to Port Douglas for the finish line. The scenic road, lined with palm trees along the coast, is fully closed to riders. This event allows cyclists to ride through the course passing the "Great Barrier Reef," recognized as a World Heritage Site, and the "Queensland Wet Tropics," the world's oldest tropical rainforest, while enjoying the refreshing breeze.
Australia's most famous fan ride event. The approximately 100km course rides from Brisbane, Queensland, to the Gold Coast. With over 4,000 participants, it's beloved by both Aussies and long-distance ride enthusiasts. Starting from Brisbane's South Bank, the route includes a 16km stretch of normally bus-exclusive highway that is transformed into a bike-only road for the event, adding to its popularity. Featuring vast grasslands and coastal cycling routes as far as the eye can see, the course is known for its minimal elevation changes, making it enjoyable for riders of all levels. Surrounded by cheerful and welcoming Aussie cyclists, it's impossible not to smile while taking part in this event, offering a true taste of Australia.
One of the main events of the "BRISBANE CYCLING FESTIVAL" held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The festival, which takes place during autumn from March to April, features cycling-related events held almost daily. The "Tour de Brisbane" is one of its main events. During the festival, roads like the Legacy Tunnel, typically for vehicles only, and the South East Busway, reserved for buses, are completely closed off, allowing cyclists to comfortably enjoy a 110km ride.
JAPAN
This is Japan's largest cycling event, celebrated by riders worldwide for its course that includes nine stunning bridges connecting the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
It's popular as a scenic event held on regulated highways, allowing participants to enjoy breathtaking views safely.
The course offers eight options ranging from 40 to 140 km. The event alternates between a large-scale version with 7,000 participants and a medium-sized one with 3,500, co-hosted primarily by Ehime and Hiroshima Prefectures.
Aid stations feature regional specialties, such as seafood dishes, taimeshi (sea bream rice), local B-grade gourmet foods, and desserts made with Seto Inland Sea oranges and lemons, letting participants savor the flavors of autumn.
It's a highly popular event, with entries filling up quickly; participation is determined by lottery.
The Japanese Odyssey is an ultra-distance cycling event founded in 2015 by two French cyclists, Emmanuel and Guillaume. Held irregularly at a pace of once a year, the event features a different course each year, spanning 3,000 to 4,000 km across Japan with mountain passes and unpaved trails. Except for the designated start, finish, and 15 checkpoints, participants are free to choose their route but must complete it within 12 days using GPS and maps. Despite its grueling nature, the event sees an increasing number of participants from around the world each year. Registration is available on the official website. https://www.japanese-odyssey.com/
A fan ride event held in the Tsumari area of Niigata Prefecture (Tokamachi City and Tsunan Town) since 2006. This event originated from a cycling event conceptualized and planned by architect Yoshitaki Ito as part of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, a modern art festival held once every three years in this region. It doubles as an art tour where participants can enjoy the beautiful rural landscapes, art installations, and architectural works while cycling. However, as it involves cycling through mountainous terrain akin to hill climbing, the elevation gain exceeds 400 meters, and the course features intense ups and downs. Participation has been increasing annually, with riders looking forward to local specialties such as soba noodles, onigiri rice balls, tomatoes, and pickles served at aid stations.
A UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) sanctioned road race held around Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan, featuring distances and age categories. Consisting of two courses, 150km and 85km, with a time trial race included. Participants who place highly in this event earn eligibility to compete in the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. The breathtaking natural scenery of Hokkaido provides a high-speed backdrop for participants, supported by enthusiastic spectators.
A cycling event that circumnavigates Mount Yotei, the symbol of southern Hokkaido. The 60km course features a variety of points of interest, including endless roads and undulating hills, making it quite appealing. It is held as a pre-event for the Niseko Classic.
CULTURE
Interesting even if you don't ride! Various bicycle-related cultures.
RM
“Bicycle”
“Wadjda”
The Story of a World Where Women Can’t Ride Bicycles
~ Kumano Sanzan Pilgrimage, Exquisite Tuna, Cycle Train ~
~ Kii Mountain Range, Kumano Kodo, Off-Road ~
“Making Hawaii a Place Where Everyone Can Enjoy a Cycling Life”
Livingston Taylor
“Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream”
Domestic Japan Edition #02
Domestic Japan Edition #01
TRIP&TRAVEL
Going everywhere by bicycles. To local rides to experience the charm of the land
From the sacred atmosphere of the mountain-deep areas of the "Kumano Kodo" and "Mount Koya" to the coastal resorts like "Shirahama" with its stretches of white sandy beaches, this region offers a variety of cycling and trekking routes with close proximity between sea and mountains and abundant terrain.
A cycling paradise area featuring the world-renowned Shimanami Kaido, visited by cycling enthusiasts from around the globe, along with courses that lead to high-altitude mountain areas and hot springs.The specialty is citrus fruits.
A city renowned domestically for its delicious soul food.
Local seafood, motsu nabe (offal hotpot), and Hakata ramen are favorites among international tourists as well.
With world heritage sites like the Miike Coal Mine, the city has also been focusing on developing cycling routes in recent years.
Home to renowned tourist destinations such as Japan's highest shrine, Ise Grand Shrine, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kumano Kodo, and the picturesque Ago Bay famous for pearl cultivation both domestically and internationally. Also renowned as the land of ninjas.
A rich area surrounded by the sea, wild mountains, and forests, known for its extravagant festival with lavish festival car and cultural contributions. It's renowned for its deep-rooted culture. Among its specialties are the "Oma Tuna," a symbol of the first auction, and apples.
Japan's northernmost area. Visitors from around the world flock to the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to enjoy its magnificent views in every season. The fresh seafood is exceptional.
Australia's third-largest city, following Sydney and Melbourne. Cycling routes are well-developed, and several major cycling events are held here.
ENTRY
Sign up for Fun Ride events worldwide from here.
Date: 2025.5.4 Sun
Location: USA / New York
Entry Period: Entry Closed
Date: 2025.9.28 Sun
Location: USA / Honolulu
Entry Period: Entry Closed
Date: 2025.9.12 Fri - 14 Sun
Location: AUSTRALIA / Port Douglas
Entry Period: Entry Closed