A serialized essay by photographer Eigo Shimojo, who continues to follow ‘The Japanese Odyssey,’ an ultra-long-distance and intensely core ride event held in Japan. The second installment covers the spirit of self-support that sustains ultra-long-distance rides and the journey leading up to his first participation…? Table of Contents 1. Ultra-Distance and Self-Supported2. The Pioneering ‘The Transcontinental Race’ 1. Ultra-Distance and Self-Supported To succinctly describe the characteristics of ‘The Japanese Odyssey’ (TJO), there are two key terms: ‘ultra-distance’ and ‘self-supported.’ Most races involve covering a set route of hu […]

Far Away. For the past decade, events and races known as ultra-long-distance have been emerging worldwide, surpassing the realm of long-distance cycling. These events cover thousands of kilometers, taking riders across countries and prefectural borders, over mountains and rivers, over the course of a week to half a month. With no aid stations or support vehicles, cyclists must rely solely on themselves until they reach the finish line. These grueling rides have been steadily gaining attention among cyclists in the know. While ‘brevets’ are well-known in Japan, recently, a niche group of cyclists has turned their passionate gaze toward ‘The Japanese Odyssey.’ This even […]