Grobal Ride

CLOSE
JP EN

Editor M’s first-time participation, what to do? #6
“Inexperienced rider at the Honolulu Century Ride 2023”

＞Previous Entries

I don’t know what constitutes “enough,” but it’s clear that my training is far from sufficient as I depart Tokyo. I’ve at least got my helmet and jersey…

※

I’ve arrived in Honolulu. My first time in Hawaii 🌈 Even the Starbucks at the airport feels liberating 🌞 As I head towards Waikiki on the highway, I catch a glimpse of Diamond Head. Is this Hawaii… ✨ Despite battling deadlines of work during the drive, I gradually begin to feel the paradise vibes. Lush, vibrant plant life everywhere, it’s dazzling.

The banyan tree (baobab) guarding Waikiki Beach.

There are three days left until the event on 9/24. I have work (the reason for my trip to the United States) during that time, but my mental state seems to be in good shape.

With some peace of mind, I asked the staff accompanying me to show me shopping spots and more. I’m more interested in groceries than luxury brands, so we went to a supermarket. We stopped by “Wikiki Marker,” which is newly opened near the hotel. When you think of Hawaiian souvenirs, Hawaiian Host chocolates with their distinctive packaging come to mind, but the regulars here told me about coconut-flavored popcorn and honey. For breakfast, I got a kale salad and pineapple from the deli. I’m savoring the deliciousness of vegetables and fruits.

The natural magenta of the dragon fruit is dazzling.
Authentic spam musubi.

I suddenly remembered a conversation with a friend before departure.

“You know, I’m not confident about riding 80 kilometers. I might end up just eating spam musubi at the rest stops, and it’ll turn into a gourmet trip, haha.”

“Don’t want to see that, Mayumi.”

!!!

I eagerly returned to my room and started my workout routine, focusing on hamstring exercises. I’ve been doing various types of training, including the Wall Pilates that’s been appearing in Instagram ads a lot lately, for about three weeks. I only do these exercises in the morning and evening, but I feel like my lower back mobility has improved (although it might be a placebo effect). While I have a decent level of basic fitness, I’m not confident in continuously using the same muscle groups for an extended period. The dedication of athletes is truly admirable.

As I continued with my exercises, I realized there were only two days left until the event. I wonder how it will turn out…

This is Hawaii! Under the clear and crisp blue sky.

＜To be continued…＞

Text_ Mayumi Kamura

🚴‍♂️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.

Post Date：2023.10.20

Category

Tag

#Akafuku

#Aomori Museum of Art

#Brewery

#Bubble Gum

#Hirosaki Civic Hall

#Hirosaki Jyo

#Hirosaki Kouen

#Hokusai

#Honjyo

#Isuzu Gawa

#Jeremy Kicher

#Kussharo Ko

#Memanbetsu Airport

#Nebuta

#Neputa

#Ringo

#Sarutahiko Jinja

#Sumida Hokusai Art Museum

#Takara Bridge

#Yoshitomo Nara

All Tags
FEATURE EVENT TRIP&TRAVEL
Honolulu Century Ride 2025
Trip Notes from Five Riding Duos
#01 – 5 nights, 7 days / with a friend of 50 years.

To everyone still basking in the afterglow of the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR), and to those cyclists who couldn’t join this year—this month we bring you a special series of first-hand ride journals written by the participants themselves. Five groups of riders, each crossing the finish line in their own style, share their experiences of the HCR along with stories from the days they spent in Honolulu before and after the event. How did they make the most of their stay? What did they eat, see, and feel throughout their trip? The first story comes from Naohiko Matsumoto, who is approaching seventy and has completed the HCR 100-mile course—160 km—seven times.A former classmate and long-time frien […]

#Trip #Honolulu
EVENT
A Refreshing 100-Mile Ride Through the Green Foothills of the Japanese Alps
— Azumino Century Ride 2026 (Part 1) —

On May 23, I took part in the Alps Azumino Century Ride (AACR), one of Japan’s most popular cycling events. Among the several course options, I chose the Cycle Train Route—a 120 km course that includes approximately 65 km of riding, with the remainder covered by train. As its name suggests, the AACR was inspired by the Honolulu Century Ride. After experiencing the event firsthand, Executive Committee Chair Raita Suzuki—a former Japanese Olympic mountain biker who represented Japan at the Sydney Olympics—returned home determined to create a similar event in his native Nagano. Since 2009, that vision has continued to grow into one of Japan’s premier fun rides. In addition to the cl […]

#Azumino
EVENT
The Japanese Odyssey Report Season 2
A Crazy Journey Returns: Setting Sail for the 2025
＃02 The wave has arrived.

As the 2025 edition of The Japanese Odyssey (TJO) approaches, Global Ride proudly presents the second installment of a serialized essay by photographer Eigo Shimojo. This time, we step back to 2016, on the eve of the second TJO. Organized by Frenchmen Emmanuel and Guillaume—avid Japan enthusiasts who, at that point, had never set foot in the country—their dream of cycling across Japan was about to become reality. The evening’s vibes at a briefing held in Daikanyama, and the spirit of ultra-distance riding that emerged from it, set the stage for what was to come. ＊You can find the previous essay here. #02 The wave has arrived. The grueling checkpoints and the immense route of the ev […]