Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) is the largest cycling event in Hawaii.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s just for avid cyclists. It’s a special gathering place for people who, from the moment they step off the plane, feel that “Hawaii’s here! I’m back!” They come to fully experience the sea, sky, and island nature wrapped in that blissful Hawaiian breeze. However, this ride event requires participants to pedal their way across distances from 25 to 100 miles. Hawaii is already paradise, so…why go by bike? What are these riders hoping to see along the way?
This series dives into the diverse appeal of Hawaii, bringing the voices of individual riders to the forefront. First up, we share the perspectives of first-time Honolulu Century Ride participants.
Table of Contents
１. Sharing Life Together in Marriage / Yutaka Tanaka and Chisako Tanaka
２. Not a Race, but a Fun Ride / Tadashi Noda
３. First-Time Participation Through Fortuitous Connections / Teruyo Watanabe, Jason MacBride, and Akifumi Matsunaga
Yutaka and Chisako Tanaka are newlyweds who just tied the knot this summer.
When Yutaka proposed in July, they hadn’t even thought about where they would go for their honeymoon—or if they’d be able to go at all. But then, Yutaka, who loves cycling, heard about the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) from a senior who participates in triathlons around the country. Described as “the top event in the world,” this recommendation inspired Yutaka to take part.
“My senior has been in so many events, so I knew his recommendation couldn’t go wrong. I thought that if our first shared experience as a married couple was HCR, it would be amazing,” Yutaka explained.
Throughout the ride, Yutaka was attentive to Chisako, who was taking on her first long-distance ride. He positioned himself to shield her from the wind and offered words of encouragement from behind, creating a warm and memorable experience together.
“The view from Diamond Head in the morning was absolutely stunning—it was the best! I was a bit nervous before starting, but I’m so glad I went for it!”
Despite the fatigue from her first ride, Chisako passionately shared her excitement with a big smile at the 50-mile turnaround point. Yutaka, by her side, looked equally content.
Around 3 p.m., under clear skies, the two crossed the finish line hand in hand. They welcomed this new chapter of their lives with radiant smiles, standing out brilliantly in the goal area at Kapiolani Park.
I saw Tadashi Noda continuing to ride with a relaxed smile even after passing the turnaround point.
Noda is a former professional keirin racer. This HCR marks his first event participation since retiring from competitive cycling over a decade ago. The opportunity arose when his friend and fellow rider, Naohiko Matsumoto, invited him.
Originally, he had no intention of becoming a keirin racer. Just as he was planning to ride around Japan on his motorcycle after graduating from university, he was scouted to become a keirin racer. As a student, he was already aware that the prize money in this sport far exceeded a company employee’s salary. He knew that tough days awaited him if he joined, but winning would offer him access to a world beyond what ordinary people could experience. After much hesitation, he decided, “Why not give it a try?”
Noda proved to be exactly as the scout had predicted. He started riding a competitive bicycle and passed the entrance exam in just three months. With exceptional skills that stood out among his peers, he was ranked S-Class after turning professional, enjoying a competitive career that spanned over 30 years.
Among the riders gathering at the venue to pick up their bib numbers before the event, Noda stood out with a remarkable presence. He didn’t say much, but an extraordinary calmness radiated from him. When asked what he hoped to gain from participating for the first time, he simply replied, “As long as everyone has fun, that’s what matters.”
Then he added quietly, “It’s nice to have a fun ride where you can stop if it gets too tough.”
Indeed, this event is a fun ride.
Noda’s words, coming from his background of rigorous training and a performance-driven world where he used to ride over 200 kilometers a day, remind us of the enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere that this event offers. Here, everyone has their own goals and countless ways to enjoy the experience.
After retiring from competitive cycling, Noda stayed away from bikes for a while. However, he was inspired to start riding again thanks to his friend Matsuda, a long-time college buddy. Now, he rides about 70–80 kilometers twice a week, enjoying ride trips that include stops for B-class gourmet lunches. “I just go along with whatever he wants to do (laughs).”
During the event, he crossed the finish line with old friends, feeling the pleasant breeze of Honolulu.
How was Noda’s first fun ride experience?
On the day of the event, I met a cheerful trio at the buzzing start gate. Teruyo Watanabe, who runs a guesthouse for riders called “SUEHIROYA” in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, and her husband, architect MacBride Jason, were there along with Akifumi Matsunaga, a cycling guide in Yabakei, also in Oita.
With the slogan “Discover Kyushu – CYCLING ISLAND KYUSHU,” Oita is known for its scenic roads, including those leading to Beppu Onsen, the Aso mountain range, and Kunisaki Peninsula, making it a captivating place for cyclists. What were their feelings about participating in this event, living in such an attractive region?
“I used to live in Kailua, so I’d like to visit there. Also, I want to eat Burger King!”
Speaking is MacBride Jason, who has experience living in Honolulu. He says that American Burger King is exceptional. Indeed, the robust flavor of the beef at any location captures the authentic experience. It’s completely different from wagyu, and it’s the kind of taste that you end up longing for.
His partner, Teruyo Watanabe, expresses a desire to feel “the scenery and mood of Hawaii, as well as the sense of unity during the event.” Each of them has their own ways of enjoying the experience as a couple.
Teruyo learned about HCR from a former colleague at her previous job. This colleague, who lives in Honolulu and works in sports, suggested, “If you’re going to manage accommodations specifically for cyclists, it might be a good idea to experience an authentic cycling event,” and introduced her to HCR. Honolulu is also significant for Jason, as it’s a place he once lived. Since he only recently started riding road bikes, the option to choose distances ranging from 25 to 100 miles was appealing. With the recommendation that “it’s simply the best event,” they invited cyclist Matsunaga, with whom they have a partnership for their guesthouse, and the three of them signed up together.
Matsunaga, who regularly works as a cycling guide, had a different level of speed. Although the three started together, he quickly pulled ahead of the other two. This scene, typical of a fun ride where everyone can go at their own pace, was a delight. While participating in the event, Matsunaga looked forward to “interacting with the locals,” and he likely enjoyed the aid stations as well.
Teruyo and Jason completed the 50-mile (80 km) ride, while Matsunaga finished the 100-mile (160 km) course.
There is joy in participating as a group and crossing the finish line together, as well as the fun of enjoying each individual ride. This was their first participation in the Honolulu Century Ride, connected by friendship. Feeling the Hawaiian breeze, they are sure to bring new riding energy back to their home in Oita.
Photo_HONOLULU CENTURY RIDE / HM-A
<To be continued>
In the next installment, we will bring you the second part of the first-time participants. Stay tuned!
🚲Honolulu Century Ride 2024 Rider Interview
・ First-Time Participants #01
・ First-Time Participants #02
・ Intermediate Participants
Post Date：2024.10.31
