Registration has opened once again for one of the world’s greatest ride events— the Honolulu Century Ride, which takes cyclists through the island paradise of Hawaii.The Honolulu Century Ride (HCR), which attracts many repeat participants from Japan, will celebrate its 43rd edition this year. Daisaku Kawase, Communication Director of Global Ride, is now a regular rider and will be taking part for the third time. How does he enjoy Hawaii before and after the event? The answer lies on the North Shore. Within easy reach for a day trip, this popular area offers a laid-back local atmosphere quite different from Honolulu. In this two-part series, we follow a seasoned HCR rider on a cycling trip to […]

Are you familiar with “Rail Trails”?A Rail Trail is a path developed on the former tracks of disused railways, designed for cycling, walking, jogging, horseback riding, and other recreational activities. There are said to be thousands of such trails worldwide, particularly in Europe and North America. In Japan, a few examples exist, such as the remnants of the Ioki Forest Railway that once ran between Tokushima and Kochi Prefectures. However, their number and length are nothing compared to those in Western countries, where railways played a major role in opening up the land. The concept of Rail Trails began in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. Following World War II, as air travel ex […]

With cherry blossom season being declared one after another across Japan, many of us are starting to think beyond spring outings and toward summer plans. At the same time, it’s understandable that some travelers may still feel cautious about going abroad. These days, as we gaze at the blossoms, we’re reminded that both travel and sport are privileges made possible by a peaceful world. This year’s Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) will take place on Sunday, September 27, following Japan’s Silver Week holidays (September 19–23). If you can manage an extended break, even better. The Global Ride editorial team recommends heading beyond Honolulu to the laid-back and distinctly local “North Shore” area— […]