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 […]

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.

This series brings you trip notes from riders taking part in the Honolulu Century Ride 2025.In this final fifth installment, we present a photo report by Eigo Shimojo, whose work—including The Japanese Odyssey and his Rhône River ride journals—has long connected him with cyclists and cycling routes around the world. The collection is filled with quintessential “Hawaii” and “America” ride photos. We’d love to share even more, but page space is limited… or is it? That will have to wait for another occasion. This is a true gem of a photo report—perfect for fueling your daydreams of the 2026 Honolulu Century Ride. Note by Eigo Shimojo One sweltering midsummer day in 2025, a request arrived from […]