Editor M’s first-time participation, what to do? #3
“Inexperienced rider at the Honolulu Century Ride 2023”

<Previous Entries>

I started feeling anxious due to the tough feedback from former pro rider, Ishizuka-san. I thought, “I need to start training right away…”

I was indifferent to bicycles until I came across this job, but when I started talking to various people, I realized that there are surprisingly many riders around me. After the recent golf boom, I have a feeling that there will be a cycling boom. In terms of fashion, not only outdoor brands but also suit makers and women-centric brands are entering the market in earnest. Cycling is gaining high attention as a healthy sport that doesn’t emit exhaust gases.

In the midst of all this, I asked the rider who seemed most patient to teach me and organized a lesson for complete beginners. I rented a road bike from a city rental cycle for 1,000 yen a day. Cheap…

Since I was repeatedly told by Mr. Ito (the founder of TURE DE TSUMARI) that I should practice as soon as possible, I was overwhelmed just to have managed to organize the lesson. I might be safe now… Or so I thought! With a self-deprecating remark about my novice status, I immediately began practicing.

I was first surprised to see gears for speed adjustment on the handlebars. At this point, I realized that the event side might be inexperienced that there was a participant who was like me. I felt relieved that I had practiced beforehand, right at the start.

I struggled to fully grasp the mechanism of the gears (like shifting them inward or towards me makes it lighter) and wished they had explained the basics of the bicycle’s structure. But I couldn’t bring myself to ask. I remembered when a boss once told me, “If you don’t understand something, ask right away.” However, I couldn’t ask because I couldn’t articulate what was unclear to me…

Well, the temporary coach assured me that I would understand while riding. I was saved.

With that mood, we started in the Kanto Plain with a temperature of 33 degrees Celsius and 70% humidity. We were supposed to ride lightly and finish, but in the end, we rode for about 1.5 hours. What a refreshing experience!!!

To be continued…

Text_ Mayumi Kamura

At the rental bike station, the bike in front had the words “KONA, HAWAII.” Hawaii is calling me.

🚴‍♂️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.

FEATURE EVENT
I wanna ride on abroad
Honolulu Century Ride 2023 chronicle
#3 Hawaii was incredibly Hawaii.

What kind of impression comes to your mind when you hear about Hawaii? I’ve disliked it for as long as I can remember. I thought it was a place where celebrities go to frolic, where people ride banana boats and make a lot of noise, and it was filled with “ignorance-based prejudice.” I’ve never been a fan of glitzy things. I originally studied literature, and I’m actually quite introverted. I thought I’d never go there in my life. However, life is unpredictable. I was invited to participate in the Honolulu Century Ride for an article on this website. At 54 years old, I unexpectedly found myself embarking on my first trip to Hawaii. When I wrote on Facebook […]

#How to #Japan
FEATURE EVENT
HONOLULU CENTURY RIDE 2024
PHOTO ALBUM 🌈

Sunday, September 29, 6:22 AM. The temperature is around 23°C, with a wind speed of 7 km/h.The Honolulu Century Ride has kicked off at sunrise again this year.A scenic course that lets you fully experience Hawaii’s ocean and mountains, along with the great weather, all supported by cheerful and friendly volunteers and staff, making it a truly joyful event. Around midday, just before the 160-mile turnaround point, a sudden downpour dampened spirits on the Kamehameha Highway, leaving the atmosphere a bit gloomy… However, some riders said that the Makapuu Point on the return route was stunningly beautiful after the rain had cleared.  We bring you a vibrant photo album capturing […]

#HCR
FEATURE EVENT TRIP&TRAVEL
Honolulu Century Ride 2025
Trip Notes from Five Riding Duos
#03 Two Nights, Four Days: A Gentle and Beautiful Ride with Friends

This series features trip notes from riders participating in the Honolulu Century Ride 2025.In this installment, we introduce Tats, editor-in-chief of the Japanese cycling media outlet LOVE CYCLIST.Through his platform, he shares reviews of cycling brands from Japan and abroad, focusing on style, gear, and ride culture—while also leading a tight-knit community that enjoys weekly rides together.This time, drawing from his perspective as both a rider and a photographer, he reports on his 100-mile journey with friends.How did the Hawaiian wind, local atmosphere, and shared moments on the road come together? Here’s the story told from the unique viewpoint of LOVE CYCLIST. Two Nights, Four Days: […]

#Honolulu