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 […]

I used to live in New York for about 25 years. There was no more efficient means of transportation than a bicycle for getting around museums and art galleries for my art-related work. As we all know, New York City has long been known as a city with many world-famous art museums, and I like to suggest a recommended route for exploring contemporary art by bicycle. First, head to 5th Avenue and 89th Street along Central Park, commonly known as the “Museum Mile.” Among them, the one that catches the eye with its white exterior that resembles a giant snail is the Guggenheim Museum. It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America’s most famous architects. As you can imagine from […]

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 […]