Time moves slowly through warm, friendly winds.
Earth Ride is a long riding event that will invoke a pride in having created something on your own amid rich natural surroundings. The main purpose of the event is to recognize the real meaning and richness of life through riding bicycles; to emphasize exchanges with friends and locals; to think about the importance of respecting the environment, and to enjoy the beauty of nature, music, and culture.

Unlike races that consist of time trials and thrust, riders can choose a distance from between 40km and160km, and can attempt to complete the race in line with his or her own power, physical condition and pace, aiming to finish in approximately 8-12 hours. The course setting was created so that riders can take in what’s going on around them ¬– making the most of the local lifestyle and sights, as if they were touring the area on vacation. With this outlook, we’ve found in the past that a lot of entrants are beginners, even families, looking to get out on the road.

Earth Ride’s slogan is “Share the Road”, and it aims to promote a comfortable road relationship between both drivers and cyclists. Participants of the Earth Ride must follow road safety, though the traffic volume along the course is relatively low and the sites are mostly located where participants can indulge in the dramatic surrounding nature. However, courses aimed at learning how to safely ride a bike or to read traffic signs will be held the day before the race for participants anxious about riding in these conditions.

The Ishigakijima Earth Ride is a charity ride. In a bid to give something back to nature, a percentage of the registration fee will be donated to environmental activities in the region, such as the Churayama Churaumi fund raising group. Participation in the race, and the fact that participants enjoy cycling, will at the same time be a contribution to an ecological movement aimed at protecting nature and maintaining its beauty for our children.