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FEATURE
Head to the Prime Ride Locations Selected by Our Editors.
Unwind and Discover~~ City and Nature Rides Across Queensland ~~
100 km of Cycling in Cairns, Queensland (Part 2)
*This page contains a promotion in collaboration with Jetstar Airways. In September 2025, the Global Ride editorial team arrived at Cairns International Airport in Queensland to cover the ride-and-run event, the Port Douglas Gran Fondo. Arriving just before 5 a.m. local time, we passed through the immigration gates to find the airport bustling with visitors from Japan, all eager to see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed coral reefs and tropical rainforests. Jetstar’s direct flights, which allow passengers to sleep on the plane and arrive early in the morning, are especially popular. After landing, travelers can take a bus or rental car to their destination and enjoy a relaxed first day. With o […]
100 km of Cycling in Cairns, Queensland (Part 1)
*This page contains a promotion in collaboration with Jetstar Airways. In September 2025, our editorial team headed to Cairns in Queensland, Australia. The purpose? To take part in the “Port Douglas Gran Fondo” ride-and-run event (https://portdouglasgranfondo.com.au/). Now in its fourth year, the highlight of this event is undoubtedly its stunning highway route that runs along the Pacific coast—home to the world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef. In this series, we’ll bring you a three-part story of cycling in Cairns—before, during, and after the event—featuring the exclusive highway ride, the vast natural beauty of Queensland, fresh local cuisine, and fascinating historical landm […]
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From environmental values to cycling gear — rooted in philosophy. The term “sustainable development” was coined during international conferences in the 1980s, eventually leading to the adoption of the “SDGs” by the United Nations in 2015. A decade on, even Japan—once slow to adapt—is finding that “eco-friendly” has become such a given, it’s almost a dead phrase. Today’s buzzwords have shifted from “sustainable” to “regenerative,” calling for an even deeper commitment. In a time when the planet is in crisis, consumer goods are overflowing, and the waste we see around us is overwhelming, the desire to say “But I still want to enjoy life” or “I still want to ride my bike!” resonates more than e […]
Drawn by Aloha~~ Riding with the Breeze of Honolulu ~~
Trip Notes from Five Riding Duos
#02 – 5 nights, 7 days / Riding 80 km in Honolulu with My Two Schoolgirls
This is the second installment in our series featuring trip notes from riders participating in the Honolulu Century Ride 2025.Our guest this time is Kinuyo, a passionate cyclist who has joined the HCR many times and loves Hawaii so much that she often visits with her family. As a tour support staff member for Tobu Top Tours, she is admired by many riders for her wealth of cycling knowledge and warm communication.Every year, she rides the full HCR course on her road bike—but this year, she decided, “I want to ride with my daughters!” Her plan: to place her 7-year-old on the back seat of an e-bike and have her 12-year-old pedal on her own. Joined by her husband, who would tackle the full round […]
Trip Notes from Five Riding Duos
#01 – 5 nights, 7 days / with a friend of 50 years.
To everyone still basking in the afterglow of the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR), and to those cyclists who couldn’t join this year—this month we bring you a special series of first-hand ride journals written by the participants themselves. Five groups of riders, each crossing the finish line in their own style, share their experiences of the HCR along with stories from the days they spent in Honolulu before and after the event. How did they make the most of their stay? What did they eat, see, and feel throughout their trip? The first story comes from Naohiko Matsumoto, who is approaching seventy and has completed the HCR 100-mile course—160 km—seven times.A former classmate and long-time frien […]
PHOTO ALBUM 🌈 Part2
The Honolulu Century Ride is held annually on the fourth Sunday of September. Riders participate for various reasons:“We got excited thinking it would be amazing to ride in Hawaii.”“Seeing my partner enjoying cycling made me want to join too.”“I participate as a health benchmark, wondering how many more times I can join.” This year, a new course around Hanauma Bay was introduced, and the event was blessed with clear skies throughout. How was your ride? Following the first part of the photo album, we present the second part, showcasing the beautiful views of the Honolulu Century Ride 2025. Text_Global Ride Editorial TeamPhoto_HONOLULU CENTURY RIDE / HM-A*HO […]
Feeling the breeze of the Seto Inland Sea.~Cycling paradise extending from the Shimanami Kaido.~
Cycling Monitor Tour Report for International Media #03
*Check out Race Report #01 & #02 here.https://globalride.jp/trip-travel/ehimemonitortour24_01_en/https://globalride.jp/trip-travel/ehimemonitortour24_02_en/ Table of Contents 1. Touring the Fishing Villages and Capes of Southern Ehime (Uwajima City) 2. Our Everyday Lives Become Someone’s Entertainment (Uwajima City – Matsuyama City) Already, the Ehime tour has reached its fifth morning. As we enjoy a homemade Japanese breakfast at Kokuriko, the cozy rural dormitory that has hosted us for the past two days in Uchiko, our conversation with the owners, spoken in the gentle lilt of the Ehime dialect, is just beginning to reach full bloom… Yet, it’s already time to say goodbye. Parting […]
Brought to you by Jeremy, an immigrant from the U.S.A.
Riverside Ride in Greenery Countryside
Now that we have traversed almost the entirety of the northwest coastal roads, let’s take a look inland at one of the multitude of routes crisscrossing the heart the prefecture, Okuiyo-Hijikawa River Cycling Course. Since it is still summer and as hot as ever, I chose a relatively leisurely ride following a meandering river from the mountains near the border to Kochi Prefecture to a familiar port town I passed through during my last ride; an almost exclusively downhill valley cruise leading to the sea. If you’re looking for a little more exercise, simply start at Nagahama Port and make your way up the valley from there. Table of Contents 1. Starting from Kishimojin(the Goddess of Childbirth […]
Brought to you by Jeremy, an immigrant from the U.S.A. To the westernmost tip of Ehime!
A straight coastal and fish ride along the Setokaze Kaido
This route, the Iyonada-Sadamisaki Seto Seaside Cycling Course, traverses a mountainous peninsula heading towards the most western point of Ehime and may be a bit of a challenge for some, but if you are a true masochist like me, why not try it during the summertime! Now, I’m of course not trying to discourage anyone from experiencing the excursion (it was a fun ride) but I must say that the time around July and August should probably be reserved for diehard cyclists of which I am no longer sure I’m a part of. In the end though, I survived riding over 80 kilometers in the heat of August. And I’d do it again, Table of Contents 1. The Starting Point, Shiosai Park 2. Futami Roadside Station 3. […]
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.
”Kokuho”
Between Beauty and Fear
#03 Hawaii
Macky Feary Band “Macky Feary Band”
Hello, Bike Transport & Rental Bikes
#02 France
Catia “Saudade de Paris”
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“Otoko wa Tsurai yo (It’s Tough Being a Man) : Go for It, Torajirō!”
#01 New York
3rd Bass “Brooklyn-Queens”
“Anselm”
An Artist Who Explores Giant “Factories” by Bicycle
TRIP&TRAVEL
Going everywhere by bicycles. To local rides to experience the charm of the land
Shizuoka / Tokai Reagion
The symbol of the prefecture is Mt. Fuji, an active volcano, and the area is dotted with tourist attractions that make the most of its varied terrain, including the Izu Peninsula Geopark and the hot spring resort town of Atami. As a place associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu, it also offers many historical sites to explore. Local specialties include seafood caught offshore in Suruga Bay and Shizuoka tea.
Kyoto / Kinki Region
This Japanese city boasts a culture unique to a capital that has existed for more than 1,000 years since 794. Remnants of the aristocracy's glory days still exist, both tangible and intangible, and historical buildings such as “Kinkakuji Temple” and “Katsura Imperial Villa”, machiya (traditional townhouse), Kyoto cuisine, and nature such as Arashiyama, allow visitors to feel the essence of Japan.
Wakayama / Kinki Region
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.
Hokkaido
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.
Ibaraki / Kanto Region
Saitama / Kanto Region
Tochigi / Kanto Region
Tokyo / Kanto Region
Okinawa / Kyushu Region
Mie / Kinki Region
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.
Aomori / Tohoku Region
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.
Hiroshima / Sanyo Region
The two World Heritage Sites—Itsukushima Shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome—attract a constant stream of visitors from around the world. In addition to the iconic Shimanami Kaido, a dream destination for cyclists, the region also features other captivating seaside cycling routes, including the Tobishima Kaido.
Miyagi / Tohoku Region
Fukuoka / Kyushu Region
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.
Ehime / Shikoku Region
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.
Chiba / Kanto Region
Narita International Airport, which handles the largest number of international passengers in Japan, is located in the region, which also records one of the highest numbers of inbound tourists nationwide. The area features a variety of coastal leisure destinations, including Kujūkuri Beach, a sandy shoreline stretching more than 60 km with numerous surf spots, and the Uchibō area facing Tokyo Bay, which offers convenient access from central Tokyo.
Osaka / Kinki Region
Kumamoto / Kyushu Region
The State of Pennsylvania / U.S.A.
Located in the northeastern United States, Pennsylvania has long thrived on industries that make use of its abundant natural resources, such as timber from its forests and waterways, and steel production supported by shipping along the Allegheny River. The state is also home to historically significant cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
France
France is home to the Tour de France, one of the world’s three major cycling races. Around the course, you'll find plenty of bike rental shops and a wide variety of scenic cycling routes, including through the picturesque Provence region and along the Rhône River.
Honolulu/Hawaii/America
Islands surrounded by wild and beautiful seas and mountains, embraced by the wind. Cycling and marathon events held in the best environment attract participants from all over the world.
New York/America
Queensland / Australia
Brisbane/Queensland/Australia
Australia's third-largest city, following Sydney and Melbourne. Cycling routes are well-developed, and several major cycling events are held here.
Taipei/Taiwan
ENTRY
Sign up for Fun Ride events worldwide from here.
Receipt of applications closed
Date: 2025.5.4 Sun
Location: USA / New York
Entry Period: Entry Closed
Date: 2025.9.28 Sun
Location: USA / Honolulu
Entry Period: Entry
Date: 2025.9.14 Sun
Location: AUSTRALIA / Port Douglas
Entry Period: Entry Now Open
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