Although I generally conserve my limited athletic abilities and energy for triathlons rather than single bike or run races, the chance to cycle in the Tour de Tohoku was an opportunity that I could not pass up.

A gorgeous ride through the rolling hills of the jagged coastline of northeastern Japan, the Tour de Tohoku was the brainchild of Yahoo Japan CEO Manabu Miyasaka (who in addition to being a visionary business leader, also happens to be an incredible athlete). The intention was to raise visibility and funds for the Tohoku region, an area heavily ravaged by the 2011 tsunami. And the event proved an astounding success. The ride counted a virtual who’s who list of Japan’s champions: professional cyclists, triathletes, supermodels, and business leaders.

My generous host Kaji-san enrolled me in the long course (160km), and I quickly discovered that I was out of my league on the course’s relentlessly varying topography, being an amateur among these pros. But it was soooo worth it. My physical pain was negligible compared to the resilience of the residents of the region, numerous in their roadside cheerleading and catering at the aid stations.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Yahoo Japan and ACO, for your generous hospitality and the warmth of your wonderful friends. Miyasaka-san, Kaji-san, Sunaga-san, Taro-san, Takashi-san, Son-san, Michibata-san, and many others: thank you!

There’s an image burned into my mind of an elderly woman resident on the side of a particularly grueling climb who stared me in the eye with encouragement and said, “Thank you, we are honored to have to you here.”

“You’re welcome,” I gasped, “but I’m the one that feels honored.”

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