Sugar Ride Kumejima
シュガーライド久米島CyclingAprilKume-jima
Sugar Ride Kumejima is a non-competitive ride on Kumejima with a 90 km Athlete Course and a 45 km round-the-island course; its 13th edition was set for 25–26 April 2026, with entry from ¥13,000 and a few rental e-bike places.
Photo N · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
The 13th Sugar Ride, set for 25–26 April 2026, was based at the Watermark Hotel Okinawa Kume Island, with check-in, a beach clean and a riding clinic with Olympian Kohei Uchima on the Saturday and the rides on Sunday morning. The organizers describe the 90 km course as hard work, past farm villages of red-tiled houses, along a forest road lined with camellias, over the bridge to Ou-jima and around a north coast where the north wind whips up the sea. The 45 km loop goes gently, and plenty of islanders ride it.
Nobody is timed, and the rules ask riders to stop at every red light, ride single file and stay behind the lead vehicle. Entry includes the riders' party at a resort hotel. Kumejima's own cycling association runs the day, and Okinawa Ringyo handles the rental bikes for anyone who'd rather leave their own at home.
Courses
- Athlete Course, junior high and up (¥14,000; 70 places; ¥23,000 with a rental e-bike, 10 places)90 km
- Round-the-Island Course, primary school and up (¥13,000; 70 places; ¥22,000 with a rental e-bike, 10 places)45 km
Worth knowing
- Book the 30-minute JTA or RAC flight from Naha early; the ferry from Tomari takes 2 hours 50 minutes to 4 hours.
- Rental e-bike places are capped at ten per course, so reserve one with your entry.
FAQ
Quick answers about Sugar Ride Kumejimaよくある質問
When is Sugar Ride Kumejima?
Sugar Ride Kumejima's 13th edition was scheduled for 25–26 April 2026, with the rides on Sunday 26 April. The organizers had not announced 2027 dates by October 2026.
How long are the Sugar Ride Kumejima courses?
Sugar Ride Kumejima offers a 90 km Athlete Course for riders from junior high school up and a 45 km round-the-island course for riders from primary school up. In 2026 entry cost ¥14,000 and ¥13,000, or ¥23,000 and ¥22,000 with a rental e-bike.
Is Sugar Ride Kumejima a race?
No. Sugar Ride Kumejima doesn't time riders, and its rules ask everyone to obey signals, ride single file and stay behind the lead vehicle.