I headed to New York with my Brompton in tow.However, I had some trepidation about cycling in NY. After all, New York is a pioneering city in cycling, known for its messenger culture. Unlike Japan, cycling on the road is strictly enforced. Additionally, bikes follow the opposite rule of riding on the left side. I had ridden a road bike in Hawaii before, but this is New York, the greatest city in the world. It would be strange not to feel a bit nervous. This time, accompanying me to New York are Karen-chan, the runner and cyclist Karen Maruyama, and a friend who was a renowned cyclist during his university days. Originally, Osamu Suzuki was supposed to be part of this group as well, but for s […]

In preparation for Five Boro Bike Tour, I had already reached out to several people, including influencer Karen-chan (Karen Maruyama), who had articles up on Global Ride (GR), inviting them to join me. Osamu Suzuki-san was also among them. Through the connection of appearing monthly on Mr. Osamu’s radio program ‘Shin Radio Humanista’ on BAYFM, I extended the invitation. It seemed a pivotal moment in his life as he considered stepping down from his role as a scriptwriter, and I thought he might want to challenge himself with something new. From Osamu-san, I received an immediate response: ‘I want to go!’ Despite not usually riding bicycles, he felt a certain &#82 […]

Riding through Manhattan on a Brompton. Just imagining it makes me smile. After all, I’ll be riding my Brompton through places like Soho and Central Park, making it a truly rosy Manhattan experience. I’ve bought a few guidebooks like ‘100 Things to Do in Manhattan,’ and I even got a new denim jacket. I’ve also downloaded some Netflix shows on my iPad to watch on the plane. I’m all set and ready to go. One day, I suddenly realized something. By the way, how will this Brompton be transported overseas? Within the country, as long as it’s in a bike bag, it can be safely transported. However, when I Googled ‘Brompton overseas transport,’ I fou […]

It was love at first sight. I fell in love the moment we met. “Where should I go next with this one?” I find myself thinking. When was the last time I felt this excited? But it’s not a person I’m talking about. It’s a Brompton. And now, I’m truly enjoying life and travel with my Brompton. I’ve always been interested in folding bikes. But compared to road bikes, I thought small-wheeled bikes might be unsatisfying. I believed they wouldn’t reach the speeds of road bikes or be suitable for long distances. In my mind, road bikes were the “King of Bicycles.” That was my fixed idea. But even road bikes have their weaknesses. One of them i […]

The largest cycling event in the Northern Hemisphere, the “FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR,” commonly known as Bike New York. Here, we present Part 2.Part 1 is here. Riding alongside the cable car on the Queensboro Bridge! One hour after the start, I refueled at the rest area, munching and drinking. Crossing the 1,135m-long Queensboro Bridge, I am headed for Queens. There was a gentle incline, and I started to get a bit out of breath. In the midst of this, I glanced to the left and saw a cable car! “A first in my life! Riding alongside a cable car!” It was also my first time crossing a bridge over 1 km long. Cycling through a new city brings new experiences and excitement one aft […]

In the midst of Japan’s Golden Week. This year, the “FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR 2024” once again took over the streets of New York City.Unlike the blessed clear skies of 2023, temperatures hovered around 10°C. Near Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, where bike rentals were available in the early morning, the sea breeze made it feel even colder. Five Boro Bike TOur 20245th May 2023／64km Table of Contents 1. Packet pick up2. The starting point3. Fun ride around the five islands of New York.4. The finish line, and back to Manhattan. 1. Packet pick up 2. The starting point 3. Fun ride around the five islands of New York. 4. The finish line, and back to Manhattan.

An Extraordinary Experience: Racing Through Manhattan The “FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR,” commonly known as Bike New York, is held every May in New York City. It’s the largest event of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere, drawing cycling enthusiasts from around the world. About 30,000 people gathered with smiles on their faces, and of course, I was one of them. I wondered what kinds of bicycles everyone would be riding and what sights I would see as the morning of the event arrived. Around 5:30 a.m., in the dim light, I first rented a bicycle. They helped me choose a bike that fit my size and even adjusted the saddle, giving me a sense of security right from the start. It’s am […]

I used to live in New York for about 25 years. There was no more efficient means of transportation than a bicycle for getting around museums and art galleries for my art-related work. As we all know, New York City has long been known as a city with many world-famous art museums, and I like to suggest a recommended route for exploring contemporary art by bicycle. First, head to 5th Avenue and 89th Street along Central Park, commonly known as the “Museum Mile.” Among them, the one that catches the eye with its white exterior that resembles a giant snail is the Guggenheim Museum. It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America’s most famous architects. As you can imagine from […]