While Japan has been enduring days of heat that feel hotter than midsummer, far to the west on the European continent, France too is under an intense heatwave. And just recently, the grand festival no cycling lover can ignore — the Tour de France — had been in full swing there. Watching the riders circle the country under the blazing summer sun, who wouldn’t feel the urge to ride in France themselves? However, the vast farmlands blooming with sunflowers are scorching, and the legendary Mont Ventoux is known as “The Mountain of Death.” For beginners, such rides may seem a bit too demanding. Yet, there’s no need to give up so soon — France is full of cycling routes made for leisurely rides. Am […]

Cyclist Ayaka, who resides in Brisbane, along with her partner Yoshi, will report on the Brisbane Cycling Festival from a local cyclist’s perspective in two parts. In the second part, we will provide a report on the main event, the “Tour de Brisbane.”*Part 1 is here Table of Contents 1. What is the Tour de Brisbane?2. Start and Finish at the Expo Venue3. Like Virtual Reality! Racing Through the Heart of the City4. The Story Bridge and Highway with a View of the City5. Aid stations that are truly satisfying in their simplicity.6. In the “Sunshine State” 7. The Evolving Cycling City of Brisbane 1. What is the Tour de Brisbane? During the Brisbane Cycling Festival, […]

When cycling in France, let’s consider what arrangements are needed locally and how to plan your trip. You have two options: bring your own bike or rent one on-site. Table of Contents 1. Tips for Checking Your Bike on International Flights2. Renting a Quality Bicycle in France 1. Tips for Checking Your Bike on International Flights First, consider the case of bringing your bike on the plane to France. I asked Action Sports Corp, a company that handles the “Bike Porter” bike transport cases for airlines, about the latest situation. Q: What size bikes can be checked on international flights? Is it free or are there additional fees? A: Policies vary depending on the airline for international fl […]