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I never imagined that a day like this would come in my life. Being invited as a guest rider for the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR), which boasts a 40-year history, is quite an honor. And the fact that this ride will be professionally recorded for a television program adds another level of excitement. Up to this point, I’ve been writing about shipping my bike from Japan, my first impressions of Hawaii, and the test ride in Hawaii. Now, it’s time for the actual HCR event. The night before the ride, I couldn’t quite settle my nerves. I didn’t want to eat too heavily, as it might make me feel sluggish, so I had sushi rolls and a vegetable salad I bought from the ABC Store, e […]
Sudden events led me to participate in the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) in Hawaii, which takes place in September. I brought my road bike with me, and this is my first experience riding abroad. So far, I’ve written about the bike transportation from Japan and my initial impressions upon arriving in Hawaii. Now, let’s dive into the exciting part – my first ride in Hawaii! On the day I arrived in Hawaii, I had a meeting with the seasoned producer, Mr. Watanabe. For this challenge, Mr. Watanabe is closely following me, and we are producing a TV program about it. While I’m full of doubts about how well a fifty-something man’s first participation in HCR will go, I’m a […]
A newcomer participating in the Honolulu Century Ride 2023.It wasn’t just one accident.According to Heinrich’s Law (1:29:300),several accidents fitting the 29 and 300 categories were experienced. I’m grateful for completing the ride safely, butI want to remember that I was just a ride noviceuntil I finished the ride.During the ride, every time I met the camera crew,I was asked, “Are you okay?” and “How are you?”Checking myself as I was in the stage before “Do your best” stage, haha.And there’s a good reason for that… 🚲Fell right after the start. As expected. Furthermore, I started in the super front rows, about 10 rows from th […]
The 80km ride completed! ※ Two days after the event. I’m writing this while looking at the surfers off the coast of Wikiki Beach. It’s the best workcation. I wasn’t particularly interested in the southern islands, so I felt like, “Hawaii, huh?” But… Hawaii is amazing! I’m starting to understand why people keep saying that. Better late than never! I think it’s all thanks to completing the fan ride… The main topic. I will write the details in a separate report, but I completed the 80 km fan ride within the time limit. I’m overwhelmed with emotions, and it’s such a clear and wonderful feeling. How many times in life do you get to […]
>Previous Entries I don’t know what constitutes “enough,” but it’s clear that my training is far from sufficient as I depart Tokyo. I’ve at least got my helmet and jersey… ※ I’ve arrived in Honolulu. My first time in Hawaii 🌈 Even the Starbucks at the airport feels liberating 🌞 As I head towards Waikiki on the highway, I catch a glimpse of Diamond Head. Is this Hawaii… ✨ Despite battling deadlines of work during the drive, I gradually begin to feel the paradise vibes. Lush, vibrant plant life everywhere, it’s dazzling. There are three days left until the event on 9/24. I have work (the reason for my trip to the United States) during that […]
>Previous Entries Up to the Previous Entry I cursed my lack of planning as I struggled to find time for practice. Nonetheless, I completed my final ride in Japan (the second one). I put on my newly purchased helmet… ※ During a class, the math teacher told a student who had forgotten their compass, “Your state of mind depends on your state of things!” This is something that I remember to this day. Many mathematical details have faded into oblivion, but this has stayed with me. Indeed, preparing one’s tools is like a ritual before starting something or a demonstration of determination. I had purchased my helmet and cycling jersey a few days ago. Regulars apparently buy […]
>Previous Entries I experienced a refreshing feeling from the short practice with the temporary coach. Above all, I felt the pleasant sensation of the wind. Could creativity be born from here? Already, this amateur seems to be developing a habit… ※ I received advice that took up many scrolls. One thing I found very important for long rides was the following: ・Adjust the saddle position. Making a mistake here can lead to a posture that puts a strain on you (it’s okay if the bike allows adjustments along the way). ・Maintain a consistent cadence, even on inclines. For this, shift gears frequently. ・Try to pedal with the back of your thighs rather than your calves as much as possible […]
By chance, I ended up going to Hawaii and found myself embarking on my first ever international bike trip. For cyclists, traveling with a bike is always a tricky endeavor. In the Part 1, I discussed the decision of how to pack my road bike for the journey and the durability of one of the ultimate bike travel items, the Scicon. However, the next dilemma started from here. That is access to the airport. Usually, I would access the airport using public transportation. However, given the size of the Scicon, it was anticipated to be quite challenging. First, I would need to take a taxi from my house to the station, then transfer and head to Haneda. This would involve carrying a backpack, pulling […]
By some stroke of luck, I ended up participating in the Honolulu Century Ride. While my initial joy was short-lived, I soon found myself facing a perennial dilemma for road cyclists: the issue of transporting my bike. Yes, it’s the matter of bike transport. I’ve been riding road bikes for about 20 years now. I’ve experienced bike transport within the country a fair bit. Bike transport requires a lot of attention. When I take the local trains, I avoid rush hours, and when I ride the Shinkansen (bullet train), I reserve a seat with ample luggage space at the rear of the carriage. When I fly, I check in at the airport at least 30 minutes earlier than usual. Road bikes can be f […]
<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 s […]