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Hawaii, the ultimate place to ride on Earth.

This time, I am convinced.
The Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) is the best ride on Earth.

This is my second time riding in Hawaii, following last year. I’ve been pondering how I should be involved as the Communication Director of Global Ride (GR). Last year, I was so focused on completing the 160 km ride that I just gave it my all. It was my first time riding a road bike overseas, and everything felt exciting.

However, this year was my second time. I didn’t expect to feel the same excitement as before. So I intentionally decided not to view the event from a rider’s perspective. Instead, I planned to ride in the GR editorial team’s car and focus on capturing photos of the HCR and the breathtaking scenery along the ride.

But on the day of the event, I found myself pedaling through the pouring rain, filled with an overwhelming sense of joy that made every cell in my body tingle.

Hawaii, you’re truly incredible.
I never imagined I could experience such awe on my second time.
The majestic landscapes formed by volcanoes, Hawaii’s unique climate, and its kind-hearted people—all of these create a one-of-a-kind riding experience you can’t find anywhere else.

The excitement begins even before the start.
A little after 5 a.m. on the day of the event, riders from all over the world gather at Kapiolani Park. Their faces are filled with anticipation for the ride that’s about to begin. The dry Waikiki breeze gently blows through the park. What a blissful scene. Even though I had decided not to ride this time, I started to feel the excitement building, and my body was itching to get on the bike.

These kinds of electronic signs can be seen all along the course.
These kinds of electronic signs can be seen all along the course.
These kinds of electronic signs can be seen all along the course.
Various booths are set up at the starting point in Kapiolani Park.
Various booths are set up at the starting point in Kapiolani Park.
Various booths are set up at the starting point in Kapiolani Park.
The opening ceremony begins at 5:40 a.m., and the ride starts at 6:22 a.m.
The opening ceremony begins at 5:40 a.m., and the ride starts at 6:22 a.m.
The opening ceremony begins at 5:40 a.m., and the ride starts at 6:22 a.m.
Many riders also come from Asian countries other than Japan.
Many riders also come from Asian countries other than Japan.
Many riders also come from Asian countries other than Japan.
Makoto Matsuda, participating for the first time.
Makoto Matsuda, participating for the first time.
Makoto Matsuda, participating for the first time.
The ride begins with the sunrise,
and the riders’ silhouettes are beautiful.
The ride begins with the sunrise,
and the riders’ silhouettes are beautiful.
The ride begins with the sunrise,
and the riders’ silhouettes are beautiful.
The light intensifies with each passing moment.
The light intensifies with each passing moment.
The light intensifies with each passing moment.
Diamond Head Lookout
A commemorative photo taken in the morning glow.
Diamond Head Lookout
A commemorative photo taken in the morning glow.
Diamond Head Lookout
A commemorative photo taken in the morning glow.
The way the sun rises, painting the sea,
is nature’s finest entertainment on display.
The way the sun rises, painting the sea,
is nature’s finest entertainment on display.
The way the sun rises, painting the sea,
is nature’s finest entertainment on display.
Riders basking in the golden light as they ride.
Riders basking in the golden light as they ride.
Riders basking in the golden light as they ride.
Climbing the hill toward the morning sun.
Climbing the hill toward the morning sun.
Climbing the hill toward the morning sun.
Forming a train with their companions.
Forming a train with their companions.
Forming a train with their companions.
The early challenging section: Heartbreak Hill.
The early challenging section: Heartbreak Hill.
The early challenging section: Heartbreak Hill.

The rising sun bathes the sea, the mountains, and the riders in golden light. In this setting, only the sound of pedaling and tires gliding over the asphalt can be heard. I believe that the first 25 kilometers of the HCR, which starts at sunrise, are the most beautiful.
There are two lookouts where you can enjoy breathtaking views: Diamond Head and Makapuʻu Point.
At the Diamond Head Lookout, you can gaze at the incredibly beautiful sea that changes dramatically as the sun rises.
At the 20-kilometer mark, the first aid station, Sandy Beach, provides a place for many riders to rest their legs while basking in the morning sun rising from the sea.
From there, after about 4 kilometers of climbing, you’ll reach the lookout at Makapuʻu Point. Here, you can enjoy stunning views of the blue sea dotted with Rabbit Island, which resembles a rabbit, and the strikingly steep mountains that give you a chill. This is one of the HCR’s most scenic spots.
I believe that the essence of long rides lies in the feeling of immersing yourself in the grandeur of nature, relying solely on your own strength.
I have ridden my bike in various places across Japan and in New York. However, I know of no other place where such a succession of beautiful landscapes can be experienced.

The first aid station: Sandy Beach.
The first aid station: Sandy Beach.
The first aid station: Sandy Beach.
Hawaii’s trees are also beautiful.
Hawaii’s trees are also beautiful.
Hawaii’s trees are also beautiful.
Riders replenishing at the aid station.
Riders replenishing at the aid station.
Riders replenishing at the aid station.
Staff members who place the checkpoint stickers.
Staff members who place the checkpoint stickers.
Staff members who place the checkpoint stickers.
From the Makapuʻu Point lookout,
gazing at Rabbit Island.
From the Makapuʻu Point lookout,
gazing at Rabbit Island.
From the Makapuʻu Point lookout,
gazing at Rabbit Island.
The descent from Makapuʻu Point,
with steep mountains and a gradient sea,
is stunningly beautiful—enough to make your soul tremble.
The descent from Makapuʻu Point,
with steep mountains and a gradient sea,
is stunningly beautiful—enough to make your soul tremble.
The descent from Makapuʻu Point,
with steep mountains and a gradient sea,
is stunningly beautiful—enough to make your soul tremble.

As I traveled by car from the start, watching the riders moving through the beautiful scenery, a thought began to bubble up within me.

“I want to ride too.”

My Brompton has four gears and isn’t well-suited for steep climbs. However, the road ahead should be flat. The distance to the next aid station is only 15 kilometers.
When I mentioned this to the other crew members, they agreed that capturing HCR from the bike wouldn’t be a bad idea. So, I decided to act quickly.

I parked the car, assembled my Brompton, and set off.
The charming streets of Hawaii flowed by in a blur. I could feel excitement filling my entire body. The pedals felt light. Ah, this is amazing. Riding is not something to just watch; it’s something to experience together.

A beaming face that looks just like a child going on a field trip. Photographed by Chief Editor Imamura.
A beaming face that looks just like a child going on a field trip. Photographed by Chief Editor Imamura.
A beaming face that looks just like a child going on a field trip. Photographed by Chief Editor Imamura.
The person taking photos from the car is GR’s Chief Editor Imamura.
The person taking photos from the car is GR’s Chief Editor Imamura.
The person taking photos from the car is GR’s Chief Editor Imamura.

As I entered the Wainamalo area, known for its jungle roads, it began to drizzle lightly. In fact, it often rains in Hawaii in the form of sudden downpours.

If this continues, it could become a problem.
I want to avoid getting completely soaked in my T-shirt and shorts.

Despite my concerns, the rain grew stronger and quickly turned into a downpour. My camera, which I was carrying in a sling, got completely soaked. This was the worst.
However, once I was drenched beyond recovery, I began to find it increasingly enjoyable. Other riders, caught in the heavy rain, were filled with excitement and started shouting loudly.
Yes, riding is an adventure. A downpour is welcome! My camera is dust- and water-resistant, so it should be fine even if it gets a little wet.

A deep forest where King Kong might be lurking.
A deep forest where King Kong might be lurking.
A deep forest where King Kong might be lurking.
When I called out “Sonic!” both of them struck this pose.
When I called out “Sonic!” both of them struck this pose.
When I called out “Sonic!” both of them struck this pose.
A downpour so heavy that I couldn’t see ahead.
A downpour so heavy that I couldn’t see ahead.
A downpour so heavy that I couldn’t see ahead.
Carefully, so as not to lose control of the handlebars.
Carefully, so as not to lose control of the handlebars.
Carefully, so as not to lose control of the handlebars.
A couple who participated on a tandem bike.
A couple who participated on a tandem bike.
A couple who participated on a tandem bike.

The rain stopped after about ten minutes, and blue skies spread above. A refreshing breeze blew through. My T-shirt was soaked, but thanks to the pleasant wind, I didn’t feel uncomfortable.

At the third aid station, I reunited with the crew. I had set off without carrying any bottles, and my throat was parched. I gulped down three cups of water in quick succession.

“You’re drenched. How about riding for another segment to dry off?”

Editor Kamura suggested. I see. That’s a good idea. My body was warming up, and I still wanted to ride more. Plus, even if I took photos from the car, they would only provide an objective view. To convey the excitement of the ride to GR’s readers, I needed to get back on the bike.

So, I decided to ride to the turnaround point of the 100-mile course.

It’s not just about the sea;
these hill climbs are also the true essence of the HCR.
It’s not just about the sea;
these hill climbs are also the true essence of the HCR.
It’s not just about the sea;
these hill climbs are also the true essence of the HCR.
Hanging a speaker from the saddle,
playing upbeat rock music from the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Hall & Oates, and others.
Hanging a speaker from the saddle,
playing upbeat rock music from the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Hall & Oates, and others.
Hanging a speaker from the saddle,
playing upbeat rock music from the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Hall & Oates, and others.
Some of the faster riders have already turned back.
Some of the faster riders have already turned back.
Some of the faster riders have already turned back.
The last 10 kilometers to the turnaround point run along the coast.
This final stretch, with its ocean views, feels like a reward for all the effort so far.
The last 10 kilometers to the turnaround point run along the coast.
This final stretch, with its ocean views, feels like a reward for all the effort so far.
The last 10 kilometers to the turnaround point run along the coast.
This final stretch, with its ocean views, feels like a reward for all the effort so far.
Here, it starts raining again.
Riding through the drizzle while glancing at the rough sea,
I can truly feel the power of nature up close.
Here, it starts raining again.
Riding through the drizzle while glancing at the rough sea,
I can truly feel the power of nature up close.
Here, it starts raining again.
Riding through the drizzle while glancing at the rough sea,
I can truly feel the power of nature up close.
At the 80-kilometer turnaround point with Kinuyo.
At the 80-kilometer turnaround point with Kinuyo.
At the 80-kilometer turnaround point with Kinuyo.

In the end, I completed the ride to the 100-mile turnaround point.

In the last 10 kilometers, it rained again, soaking my T-shirt once more. But by then, I didn’t mind at all; I felt completely refreshed.

I could have kept riding, but this was more than enough for this year.
At the aid station, I gulped down water and devoured three rice balls.

GR’s Chief Editor Imamura kindly lent me a fresh T-shirt. Putting on the crisp, dry shirt helped calm my excitement from the ride.

I folded up my Brompton and loaded it into the car.

Now, it’s time to head back to Kapiolani Park.

At the 160-kilometer finish line.
At the 160-kilometer finish line.
At the 160-kilometer finish line.
Shigeyoshi Asano, who completed the 160km ride on a Brompton.
Shigeyoshi Asano, who completed the 160km ride on a Brompton.
Shigeyoshi Asano, who completed the 160km ride on a Brompton.

We headed back to Kapiolani Park by car.
By the time we arrived, many riders had already finished.
Their faces were filled with a sense of accomplishment.

Seeing them shine with pride, I couldn’t help but feel a bit envious.

The Honolulu Century Ride is the greatest ride on Earth.
　
This second time confirmed that for me.
And I’m sure that on the third, there will be a new kind of joy.

If I can return here next year, I want to ride the full 160 kilometers again.

Because that’s the best way to truly enjoy Hawaii’s grandeur.



Text & Photo＿Daisaku Kawase

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#02　Bike transport: It’s Always a Dilemma (Part 2)
#03　Hawaii was incredibly Hawaii
#04　First Hawaii Ride – Test Run Episode
#05　Ride! Honolulu Century Ride !

Profile

Daisaku Kawase
He is a Free Producer, the Representative of Days Co., Ltd, Global Ride Communication Director.
Born in Aichi Prefecture. With 16 years of road cycling experience, he loves scenic rides. He squeezes in rides between work and travels all over Japan with his bike. His beloved bike is a Trek. After working as a producer on programs like “Ariyoshi no Okane Hakken Totsugeki! Kaneo-kun,” “Oyasumi Japan Nemuiine,” and “Asaichi” at NHK, he became independent in 2022. In addition to producing programs, he also handles project production for government and corporate clients.

Post Date：2024.10.17

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EVENT
HONOLULU CENTURY RIDE 2023 PHOTO ALBUM

Aloha!The entry for this year’s Honolulu Century Ride has begun.The exhilaration of cycling in Hawaii is…Such a special experience that even after nine months, it hasn’t faded.After participating just once, I can understand how regular riders feel.This sense of freedom and accomplishment is addictive!What kind of scenery will we see this year? 🌈Let’s look back at last year’s event through photos. Table of Contents １. September 24th, 2023 At the Entry Venue２. September 25th, 2023 On the Day of the Event １. September 24th, 2023 At the Entry Venue ２. September 25th, 2023 On the Day of the Event What kind of ride awaits us this year?Let’s meet at the Honolulu Centur […]

#Hawaii #HCR