Editor M’s first-time participation, what to do? #3
“Inexperienced rider at the Honolulu Century Ride 2023”

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I started feeling anxious due to the tough feedback from former pro rider, Ishizuka-san. I thought, “I need to start training right away…”

I was indifferent to bicycles until I came across this job, but when I started talking to various people, I realized that there are surprisingly many riders around me. After the recent golf boom, I have a feeling that there will be a cycling boom. In terms of fashion, not only outdoor brands but also suit makers and women-centric brands are entering the market in earnest. Cycling is gaining high attention as a healthy sport that doesn’t emit exhaust gases.

In the midst of all this, I asked the rider who seemed most patient to teach me and organized a lesson for complete beginners. I rented a road bike from a city rental cycle for 1,000 yen a day. Cheap…

Since I was repeatedly told by Mr. Ito (the founder of TURE DE TSUMARI) that I should practice as soon as possible, I was overwhelmed just to have managed to organize the lesson. I might be safe now… Or so I thought! With a self-deprecating remark about my novice status, I immediately began practicing.

I was first surprised to see gears for speed adjustment on the handlebars. At this point, I realized that the event side might be inexperienced that there was a participant who was like me. I felt relieved that I had practiced beforehand, right at the start.

I struggled to fully grasp the mechanism of the gears (like shifting them inward or towards me makes it lighter) and wished they had explained the basics of the bicycle’s structure. But I couldn’t bring myself to ask. I remembered when a boss once told me, “If you don’t understand something, ask right away.” However, I couldn’t ask because I couldn’t articulate what was unclear to me…

Well, the temporary coach assured me that I would understand while riding. I was saved.

With that mood, we started in the Kanto Plain with a temperature of 33 degrees Celsius and 70% humidity. We were supposed to ride lightly and finish, but in the end, we rode for about 1.5 hours. What a refreshing experience!!!

To be continued…

Text_ Mayumi Kamura

At the rental bike station, the bike in front had the words “KONA, HAWAII.” Hawaii is calling me.

🚴‍♂️Editor M’s first-time participation, what to do? series🚴‍♂️

#01 Road to Nowhere
#02 Under Pressure
#03 One Fine Day
#04 No women , No cry
#05 Here Comes the Sun
#06 Kaimana Hila
#07 ANOTHER WORLD
#08 Bonus episode : An Accident as Expected

Profile

Mayumi Kamura
I’m a Global Ride editor. My expertise lies in visual expressions like design, art, fashion, and more. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted me to focus on my physical and mental health. I started playing tennis and resumed taking contemporary dance lessons. Considering that bicycle-related accessories often boast high design quality, I have a feeling I might become a fan during this experience.

FEATURE EVENT TRIP&TRAVEL
Honolulu Century Ride 2025
Trip Notes from Five Riding Duos #04
5 Nights, 7 Days / Life-Changing Views …Why the 80km Course Is the Best Way to Experience Hawaii — My Third Journey to Honolulu —

This series presents Honolulu ride trip notes from riders participating in the Honolulu Century Ride 2025.In this fourth installment, we feature Daisaku Kawase, Communication Director of Global Ride and a television producer, who is taking part in the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) for the third time. With extensive experience in ride events across Japan, Kawase prefers to travel with his own bike whenever possible, relishing the freedom of exploring destinations by pedaling through them. He delights in local cuisine just as much as riding, seeking out great neighborhood spots along the way. On race day, his approach to HCR feels less like a competition and more like an extension of a cycling j […]

#Hawaii
FEATURE EVENT
Editor M’s first-time participation, what to do? #2
“Inexperienced rider at the Honolulu Century Ride 2023”

I also consulted with Mr. Ito, the initiator of TURE DE TSUMARI, who had just completed the event recently. When I mentioned that I needed advice, he said that he would first like to hear about my current situation. A true architect, I couldn’t help but admire his attention to detail. He also looked up the elevation differences for the HCR in advance and suggested that I should ride for the expected duration to get a sense of my stamina and riding style. It does make sense…!

#HCR #How to