It’s already mid-November, and we can finally feel the touch of autumn. Recently, while browsing Instagram, I came across a post saying, “It’s already been a month, but I’m still feeling the vibes of Hawaii!” I couldn’t agree more. Just looking at the photos brings back the breeze and atmosphere of Honolulu.

Here’s the next installment of our interview series on the Honolulu Century Ride 2024 (HCR). Once again, following our first feature, we bring you four dynamic first-time participant groups. So, why did you choose to ride in Hawaii?

Table of Contents

１. Thanks for the Big Smile / Yakihata
２. Celebrating the 75th Birthday / Joji and Honda
３. A Parent-Child Ride to Mark the End of College Life / Hiro and Taka
４. Hawaii as a Source of Strength to Overcome Illness / Hidetoshi Aizawa

１. Thanks for the Big Smile / Yakihata

When asked, “What nickname would you like for media coverage?” they enthusiastically responded, “Yakihata!” which made me burst into laughter. Both are cyclists, but it was their first time participating in the HCR.

During the editing process, we go through countless photos taken by various photographers, but there was no couple more frequently photographed (or eye-catching?) than Yakihata pair. They could probably make a photo book with all the shots—seriously!

Their positive energy and incredible smiles naturally drew the camera toward them, and I couldn’t help but smile myself while selecting their photos.

Yakihata (female) had a personal best of 140 km, and this was her first attempt at 160 km, on a cross bike no less! In Japan, she enjoys rides on routes like the Shimanami Kaido and around Lake Yamanaka. Yakihata (male) has race experience in Japan, but this was his first time riding abroad—and his first time in Hawaii.

In their first-ever participation, they finished with double the excitement they had at the start!
Their smiles were at maximum!!!

Congratulations! 🎉
Let’s meet again next year! 🌈

２. Celebrating the 75th Birthday / Joji and Honda

The two who embodied the Hawaiian vibe even more than the locals at the pre-event registration were Joji (left) and Honda (right). Dressed in a striking salmon-orange outfit, they hinted, “We might be even flashier on the big day.” And indeed, on race day, they stood out everywhere in vivid red jerseys emblazoned with the large “CLUB BEAR” logo.

“BEAR” refers to Kuma（It means “bear” in Japanese.） in Kumamoto Prefecture and is also the name of Joji and his wife’s café-restaurant, “café BEAR.” Joji, who relocated from Fukuoka to the town of Oguni in Kumamoto, met Honda, a local who once organized the “Oguni 500” MTB endurance race, about 13 years ago. Joji, who previously ran a bike shop and a cycling apparel store in Fukuoka, quickly connected with Honda over their shared love of cycling.

Joji has visited Hawaii many times, as his daughter lives here. The inspiration for his first entry came from a suggestion she made: “Since you’re coming, why not join the HCR for your birthday?” This year marks his 75th birthday! Although he had visited many times, he had never participated in the event before, but this time, the idea took root.

With such an enthusiastic invitation from Joji to join him for his birthday and the HCR, Honda couldn’t possibly refuse. And so, the two decided to participate together for the first time.

The two met over ten years ago in their hometown, bonding through cycling as they collaborated on events like the “Minamioguni Enduro,” utilizing Honda’s planning skills. This year, they crossed the finish line together in the faraway land of Honolulu. Joji’s daughter gave him a truly wonderful gift!

We look forward to seeing both of you again for the 76th birthday celebration next year! 🌈

３. A Parent-Child Ride to Mark the End of College Life / Hiro and Taka

The father-son duo, Hiro and Taka, share a closeness that shines through in their conversation, reflecting mutual respect and camaraderie.

“My dad remembered when I once said I wanted to ride in Hawaii,” said Taka, a university student, when sharing their reason for joining the HCR. Taka fell in love with road biking back in high school. Although he always enjoyed cycling, he wanted to go faster, so he searched a personal trading site and found a design he loved, eventually acquiring it himself.

From that point on, his passion for cycling deepened. While searching for beautiful places to ride, he often came across Hawaiian spots. He invited his father, Hiro, to join him for a ride in Hawaii, but at the time, Hiro wasn’t much of a cyclist, and the idea didn’t really resonate. Then, the world entered the pandemic era.

Fast forward a few years to the end of 2023…

“I remembered him saying something like that,” Hiro recalled, as his son’s old wish resurfaced in his mind.

In reality, Hiro had become quite immersed in the world of road biking, inspired by Taka. Sometimes, parents find themselves following in their children’s footsteps.

Curious, Hiro searched “Hawaii” and “cycling,” and that’s when the HCR appeared. “This is it!” he thought. Riding solo abroad felt daunting, but an event like this meant plenty of fellow riders. Plus, Hawaii held memories of his honeymoon.
With Taka about to graduate and a busy future ahead, this could be their last ride together for a while. Hiro quickly invited his wife to join as well, turning the HCR into a family adventure.

On the day of the event, the two took on the 80km course. For Hiro, who rides more frequently than his son, this distance was manageable, but he was mindful of Taka’s pace. Equipped with bike intercoms in their helmets, they shared casual conversations and reflections throughout the ride. After finishing, Hiro expressed his joy, saying, “Even when the distance between us grew, it felt like I was riding alongside my son.”

Before the event, Taka humorously mentioned in an interview, “We always plan to ride together, but my dad ends up way ahead!”
How was your first experience riding the Honolulu Century Ride, staying connected every step of the way?

４. Hawaii as a Source of Strength to Overcome Illness / Hidetoshi Aizawa

“I actually got cancer. I was undergoing chemotherapy until this past spring. But I really wanted to participate in this event,” said Hidetoshi Aizawa with a gentle smile, sharing the shocking news. Aizawa-san has been a regular participant in the Honolulu Triathlon and Honolulu Marathon, and his routine involves spending May and December in Hawaii for these events.
“The atmosphere here is just so good, right? It’s refreshing, healthy, and everything you do feels invigorating.”

What led Aizawa-san to the HCR was a bicycle shop he regularly visited in both Japan and Hawaii.
“The bike shop I frequent in Japan told me, ‘If you love Hawaii so much, you really should participate in that cycling event (HCR).’ Even when I came to Honolulu and rented a bike, the staff told me that if I was riding a road bike, I should definitely join the HCR (laughs). Everyone recommended it, so I always thought I’d participate one day.”

Aizawa-san was diagnosed with cancer in 2022. He had been living a healthy lifestyle, exercising whenever he had the chance, when he noticed a lump on the bottom of his foot. Having endured the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, just when things were starting to improve, he was struck by illness, and he couldn’t help but feel down, wondering, “Why me?”

“Of course, when I was undergoing intensive treatment, I couldn’t move much. But even while I was hospitalized, I tried to keep my body active as much as possible. I did what I could in bed, in my hospital room, and around the hospital, gradually increasing my activity.”
Aizawa-san, driven by his love for Hawaii, maintained this level of effort, similar to the dedication of a top athlete working toward a comeback. He made a remarkable recovery this spring and was able to participate in the HCR.

“I was half nervous and half excited because it was a distance I’d never ridden before. Hmm, but I think the excitement was bigger!”
Before the race, that’s what Aizawa-san said, but he completed the race brilliantly. After crossing the finish line, he gave media interviews and strolled through the finish area with ease. When he saw me, he smiled and walked over.

“Wow, that felt great. I was nervous about the 160km, but it was fine. I’ve passed these roads many times, but riding a bike and feeling the connection with the island is just the best! I’m going to take it easy today.”

Having experienced Hawaii through triathlons and marathons many times, the wind he felt on this new journey in life must have been something truly special for Aizawa-san.

Photo_HONOLULU CENTURY RIDE / HM-A

<To be continued>

🚲Honolulu Century Ride 2024 Rider Interview
・ First-Time Participants #01
・ First-Time Participants #02

Post Date：2024.11.19