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 […]

How do you explore Hawaii? A rental car is certainly convenient. You can drive from Waikiki to the North Shore in just half a day. But on a bicycle, the very same roads make you feel as though you’re discovering a completely different island. Scenery that flashes by in seconds from a car lingers with you at the pace of pedaling. You notice the scent of the trade winds, the sound of the waves, and the subtle rhythm of the island in a way that’s impossible behind the wheel. Perhaps that’s why the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR)—one of Hawaii’s signature sporting events—has attracted cyclists from around the world for more than 40 years. The real appeal isn’t simply co […]

Prospect Park in Brooklyn is a 585-acre park that opened in 1867. Designed by the duo of landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who also designed Central Park, this park has become one of the most popular cycling routes for New York cyclists. During the autumn season, in particular, visitors can enjoy its especially beautiful scenery with foliage.  If you’re biking from Manhattan, you can get there by crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, which is also very popular for walking! A dedicated bike lane is set between the pedestrian walkway and the roadway for cars. Once you’ve crossed the Brooklyn Bridge, it’s about a 20-minute ride to the entrance of Prospect Park at G […]