The Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) is Hawaii’s largest cycling event. It’s also a milestone that draws participants from various disciplines—cycling, marathons, triathlons—with its allure of being a “must-do at least once in a lifetime” experience.
In the third installment of our HCR rider series, we interviewed participants who are riding in their second or subsequent HCRs. “Once isn’t enough,” “I want to share this with the people I love”… What keeps bringing them back to HCR?

Why do you choose to cycle in Hawaii?

Table of Contents

1. The Volunteer Staff’s Incredible Energy: Yoshi & Junko
2. Riding Through Honolulu with Cycling Club Friends: Osamu Kosaka, Eriko Takashiba, and Kumiko Ueda
3. Always Smiling, Always Together: Takahiro Endo & Mitsuki Togitani
4. Savoring the Scenery of a Third Ride: Makoto Harada

1. The Volunteer Staff’s Incredible Energy: Yoshi & Junko

“The charm of the Honolulu Century Ride lies in the sense of unity between participants and staff, as well as the excellent manners of the riders,” shared Yoshi and Junko.

Curious about their perspective, we asked if their experience came from participating in many events. It turns out that both are seasoned triathletes, regularly competing not only in Japan but also in Hawaii for over a decade.
This year, after participating in the Honolulu Triathlon in May, they decided to return for this September event. Though they hesitated at the thought of traveling to Hawaii twice in one year (perhaps too indulgent?), they couldn’t resist the allure of the ride’s exhilaration. In the end, they made the decision just before the registration deadline.

For Yoshi, “the shower time and reggae cheering in the latter half of the event are the absolute best.” He expressed how uplifting the friendly and energetic support from the volunteer team was—a sentiment echoed by many other participants. Junko is also a big fan of this reggae cheer squad, smiling as she shared, “I love how bright and cheerful the volunteers are, encouraging us with reggae music in the background.” Despite encountering some rain along the way this year, the two crossed the finish line together in harmony, waving at the camera with smiles.

This interview revealed that many triathletes also participate in HCR. While the cycling distance in HCR is significantly longer than in a triathlon, this seems to be its main attraction for cycling enthusiasts.
I once heard a regular participant in grueling events like Ironman say, “People who push themselves in triathlons rarely join cycling-only events because the approach to riding is different.” While that may be true, for participants like Junko and Yoshi, who take on challenges with a sense of enjoyment, the opportunity to ride longer distances while soaking in the beauty of Hawaii seems to be a powerful motivator.

Junko and Yoshi, we hope to see you in Honolulu twice again next year!

2. Riding Through Honolulu with Cycling Club Friends: Osamu Kosaka, Eriko Takashiba, and Kumiko Ueda

The three of them work for the same company and are members of its cycling club. Last year (2023), Kosaka and Ueda participated in HCR, and their glowing praise of the event—”The scenery is amazing!”—inspired Takashiba to join this year.

Ueda had long wanted to participate in HCR and had shared her enthusiasm with the other two. “Takashiba and I ran the Honolulu Marathon together, and that’s when I learned about the cycling event (HCR). I thought riding a bike here would be amazing. It’s less strenuous than a marathon, and you can explore places you’ve never been before,” she explained.

“And you get to eat a year’s worth of bananas and peanut butter at the aid stations,” Kosaka added with a grin. Takashiba laughed, responding, “I was told the bananas at the aid stations are nothing like the ones in Japan, and they really lived up to the hype!”

When asked seriously about the best points of HCR, they all agreed: “The Hawaiian scenery and breeze are unbeatable.” Compared to the Honolulu Marathon, the smaller number of participants makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable ride, they said.

They took a commemorative photo with their finisher certificates. Hopefully, other members of the cycling club will be able to join next year!

3. Always Smiling, Always Together: Takahiro Endo & Mitsuki Togitani

Takahiro Endo and Mitsuki Togitani, who live in Hawaii due to work, are an active couple who participate in triathlons and marathons. Takahiro is participating in HCR for the second time, and after sharing the event’s appeal with Mitsuki, they decided to join together. This is their first long ride, so they have been training extensively for the ride.

“I actually tend to ride ahead and finish first, so I always get scolded afterwards,” Takahiro said with a wry smile, while Mitsuki gave him a sharp look.

“That’s right. So, if you leave me behind tomorrow, no dinner for you,” Mitsuki replied.
By the way, Takahiro is taking on the 160km challenge.

“I definitely want to avoid skipping dinner after riding 160km, so I guess my goal tomorrow might just be to make sure I get dinner. She’s always serious about it,” Takahiro added.

“I’m serious,” Mitsuki said with a smile.

After the finish, “The course route is amazing! Especially the forest from ‘Jurassic Park’ was the best!” Even Mizuki, who lives in Hawaii, was excited by the breathtaking views she experienced during HCR. From the refreshing smile, it seems that Takahiro managed his pace well.

See you in 2025!

4. Savoring the Scenery of a Third Ride: Makoto Harada

Makoto Harada, who started cycling after searching for a hobby that he could enjoy alone, first encountered road biking. He also lived in Germany for a time, where he used to ride his bike extensively.

“I work at a restaurant, so I’m busy year-round, but since I live in Hawaii, I want to make time once a year to enjoy a ride that’s truly Hawaiian.”

In his first year of participation, Makoto Harada turned back at the 75-mile point and didn’t achieve the 100-mile goal. He was frustrated by how close he was, but in his second year, he completed the ride successfully.

“However, I was physically drained, and I didn’t have the energy to fully enjoy the scenery. This year, I’m still not fully prepared, but I hope to enjoy the views and also taste the shaved ice at the aid stations!”

Harada-san smiled as he shared this. Even though it was the day before the ride, after the interview, he said, “I need to finish my work for tomorrow,” and pedaled off toward his workplace.

I look forward to meeting him again next time and hearing about how he enjoys his fourth ride!

Photo_HONOLULU CENTURY RIDE / HM-A

<To be continued>

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

Post Date：2024.12.04