Pedal Power and Lei Love: Cheering on the Pedal Addicts in Hawai‘i

Me (in purple sleeves) with the Pedal Addicts at a Rock 'n Roll Marathon as cycling leads for the runners.

This coming week I’m heading back to Hawai‘i, not for a beach vacation (though the beaches will be there waiting), but to stand at the sidelines with my cheer squad, cowbells, and leis from The Sweet Leis Co.

The occasion? The Hawai‘i Bicycling League’s 100-mile ride. A century ride.

This year’s ride takes place on September 28, 2025, hosted by the Hawai‘i Bicycling League (HBL). Known as the Honolulu Century Ride, it’s a non-competitive cycling event that starts at Kapiʻolani Park in Honolulu and stretches all the way to Kā‘a‘awa and back, showcasing some of the island’s most beautiful coastline.

While the full 100-mile century route is the headline, riders can also opt for shorter distances from 25, 50, or 75 miles, with turnarounds along the way. More than a ride, the Honolulu Century is also HBL’s biggest fundraiser, supporting their advocacy and education programs for safe, accessible biking across Hawai‘i.

For participants, it’s a chance to experience O‘ahu by bike, enjoy community support, live entertainment, and plenty of on-course encouragement from volunteers and HPD. For us in the cheer squad, it’s the chance to witness something unforgettable at the finish line.

Leading the pack for Pedal Addicts are my husband, Mauri Delostrinos, along with Ricky Micael, Mike Mangaoang, Roland Velasco, Nestor Cantorna, Rolly Revistir, and Dario Alda.

And they won’t be riding alone. About 30 Filipino riders from across the Bay Area will be on the course this year, representing not only Pedal Addicts but also our extended cycling family — Barangay of Northern California, San Francisco Siklista, Pajakero Braders Cycling Group, Banayad Cycling, MMWZ, and POKUS. Together, these groups form KARIDE, a united community of cyclists bonded by sweat, grit, and a shared love of the ride.

Last year was the very first time the Pedal Addicts joined this ride. Back then, there were only four riders repping the team: Ricky at the helm, Mauri, Rolly, and Nestor. They pushed through the course and crossed the finish line with me cheering them on.

Last Year's (2024) Honolulu Century Ride: (Left to Right) Edward Cheng (holding the sign), Mauri, Nestor, Ricky, Rolly

And here’s my confession: I wasn’t ready with handmade leis that time. Before heading to the finish, I dashed into an ABC Store in Waikīkī and grabbed the most Hawai‘i souvenir-style lei I could find, the kind with mini liquor bottles dangling from it. 😂 The guys wore them proudly (of course), but I promised myself that next year, I’d be ready.

Pedal Addicts with a few riders from the Barangay team: (Left to Right) Badette Vivo, Noel Budomo, Erdie SanDiego, Mauri Delostrinos, Jiggs Pineda, Dennis Casido, Nestor Cantorna, Rolly Revistir, and Ricky Micael.

So this year? I’m showing up with handmade leis from The Sweet Leis Co. Each one is made with love, intention, and plenty of cheer waiting at the finish line. No liquor bottles this time. Only a piece of aloha to celebrate the miles and the moment.

While they’re on the road, I’ll be with the wives and partners, holding down the cheer section. If you’ve never been part of the sidelines at an endurance ride, let me tell you, it’s its own endurance sport. Snacks, signs, sunscreen, and keeping spirits high for hours. We laugh, we yell, we run back and forth trying to catch our riders at different points, and we save some energy for the finish line.

The Pedal Addicts with another cycling team in last year's century ride in Honolulu

And this year, the finish line is going to feel a little different. As soon as the riders cross, they’ll be met with a handmade lei from The Sweet Leis Co. a reminder that every mile matters and every finish deserves to be celebrated.

For the riders, the victory is the ride. For me, the victory is seeing their faces when those leis go over their shoulders. It’s a small gesture, but one stitched with aloha, pride, and Sweet Leis Co. spirit. Because endurance takes many forms. For them, it’s 100 miles of asphalt. For me, it’s hours with ribbon, tying love into every detail. And together, it’s community — showing up, cheering loud, and wrapping it all in gratitude at the finish line.