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 course I thought I already knew. The experience reminded me just how rewarding it can be to ride the same route again.
The scenery looked completely different. Or rather, the scenery itself hadn’t changed much—but the range of things I could see and appreciate had expanded. The messages on handmade signs held by spectators, road signs customized just for the event, the mood of local residents, the character of the neighborhoods themselves.
The first time, I was so focused on simply reaching the finish that much of it passed me by. To return with the ability to see beyond that—to notice details I had missed before—felt like an incredible luxury.
So, this year, I’m planning to experience the HCR once again as part of my coverage. There’s something special about returning to the same event—the way each edition reveals new perspectives and turns a few days of your life into a journey that feels both small and surprisingly significant.
And that brings me to something I’ve been curious about for quite a while: cycling aloha shirts and aloha-inspired ride apparel!
Every region seems to have its own distinctive patterns and designs, doesn’t it?
There are various definitions of an aloha shirt—being made in Hawaii, featuring prints inspired by Hawaiian culture and nature, or using details such as coconut or shell buttons. But for cycling, functionality becomes just as important as style.
One of the standout examples I noticed at last year’s HCR was a group wearing beautiful aloha-inspired cycling shirts from OSTROY, a cycling apparel brand based in New York.
On the back right side, it even features jersey-style rear pockets, making it a genuine cycling shirt rather than just a casual aloha-inspired top. The fact that it looks good both on and off the bike is part of its appeal.
I also spotted several riders wearing aloha-style shirts from outdoor brands, which struck a nice balance between functionality and relaxed island style.
And for the 50th anniversary of Hawaii Bicycling League last year, a commemorative design by artist Eric Karbeling featured bicycles and hibiscus flowers as its central motifs.
The flowing curves inspired by ocean waves add a sense of movement and storytelling to the design, making it feel unmistakably Hawaiian.
Aloha-inspired designs are actually even more common on cycling jerseys than on traditional shirt-style garments, which opens up a wider range of options for riders.
The variety of colorful aloha-themed jerseys worn by participants is remarkable. Many riders also proudly wear official HCR jerseys from past editions, adding another layer of personality and event history to the ride.
Whether it’s your first HCR or your fifth,
why not embrace the aloha spirit and ride through Hawaii in an aloha-inspired outfit this year? 🌺🚴🤙
At the expo venue, the Hawaii Bicycling League also offers a selection of archive merchandise. From cycling jerseys and socks to water bottles, there is a wide variety of items available.
Some products are discontinued or no longer sold commercially, and quantities are limited, so if something catches your eye, it’s best to grab it while you can.
Text_Mayumi Kamura
Photos_HONOLULU CENTURY RIDE / HM-A
Profile
Mayumi Kamura
I’m a Global Ride editor. My expertise lies in visual expressions like design, art, fashion, and more. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted me to focus on my physical and mental health. I started playing tennis and resumed taking contemporary dance lessons. Considering that bicycle-related accessories often boast high design quality, I have a feeling I might become a fan during this experience.
Post Date：2026.06.05
