By chance, I ended up going to Hawaii and found myself embarking on my first ever international bike trip. For cyclists, traveling with a bike is always a tricky endeavor. In the Part 1, I discussed the decision of how to pack my road bike for the journey and the durability of one of the ultimate bike travel items, the Scicon.

On the morning of September 27—the day before the 2025 Honolulu Century Ride—Ala Moana Park lay beneath a beautifully clear blue sky and gentle sunlight. But instead of cyclists astride their bikes, it was dignified figures mounted on splendid horses who waited on the park’s lawn. The horses, like the people gathered around them, were adorned with flowers in a riot of colors. At 9:00 a.m., the perfectly synchronized drums of a marching band echoed through the air, drawing cheers from the assembled crowd. This was the Floral Parade, an event that began in 1946 and marked its 77th edition in 2025. Celebrating Hawaiian culture, fostering its transmission to younger generations, and sharing its […]

September 28, 5:45 a.m.At Kapiolani Park, along Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.Less than 30 minutes before the start, the area around the start zone was filled with cheerful greetings — “It’s been a year! How have you been?” “Let’s take it easy again this year!” — as if old friends were reuniting.There were also conversations celebrating new encounters: “He’s finally joining for the first time this year!” Though it was still dark and faces were barely visible under the event lights, the atmosphere was bright and full of energy.It felt like everyone was celebrating the chance to set off on their annual reward — riding through Honolulu. This year’s weather was on their side.Daytime temperatures rea […]