I Fly Nonstop » sports

Photo Diary: Cycling Races

Allison Park — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:19:57 +0000

Last Sunday’s Portland Century inspired this week’s photo diary. Portland, Amsterdam and Tokyo are well known as biking cities, so when you are visiting, make sure to rent a bike and tour the neighborhoods. For you more hard core cyclists, consider tackling Reach the Beach (Portland to Pacific City, Oregon) or the Tokyo Century. If you prefer to take in your cycling from the sidelines, watch for grand tours, such as the Giro d’Italia, which started in Amsterdam this past May.

Photo credits: Tokyo Century, Goldtop; Reach the Beach, Gabriel Amadeus; Rick Flens at Giro d’Italia, Robert Lotgering

Photo Diary: Soccer Cities

Allison Park — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:30:35 +0000

The world’s most popular sport gained even more popularity this past month, and cities across the world are laying claim to the title “Soccer City”. Amsterdam spared no pride during the World Cup finals and decorated the city completely in orange and soccer paraphernalia. Portland is in full preparation to welcome MLS in 2011, and Tokyo’s soccer scene is always intense with action. On your next trip to these destinations, make sure to review the game schedules and join the Soccer City fun/p>

SAIL Amsterdam

Allison Park — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:19:07 +0000

The 8th edition of SAIL will take place from 19 to 23 August 2010. For five days long, the Amsterdam IJ harbour will serve as the backdrop for a festive programme full of music, culture and nautical riches. Preparations are in full swing and the event promises once again to be an unparalled nautical spectacle which includes:

an impressive fleet of Tall Ships from all around the world Tall Ships from all around the world
a unique collection of Dutch sailing heritage
a variety of modern ships
various impressive naval ships and replicas
an extensive, accompanying programme on the wharfs
activities, performances and expositions for young and old
a unique atmosphere with thousands of boats on the water
a daily closing ceremony with a breath-taking fireworks show

Sumo Grand Tournament

Allison Park — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:57:23 +0000

As one of the Japan’s greatest sports, sumo wrestling is an event not to be missed. Experience this cultural favorite during it’s next tournament July 11. (Tickets go on sale May 20).

Nonstops Relax Nike Golf Developer

Rock Ishii — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:04:46 +0000

As Nike Golf’s ball research and development director, I fly 100,000-plus miles per year. Over the last 10 years I have maintained an average of six international trips a year, visiting manufacturing partners in Asia and golfers on the various golf courses in the world. One would assume that the opportunity to visit the greatest golf courses would coincide with actually playing an occasional round. However, this is not the case. I’m quite confident that I have the record for visiting the most world’s top 100 greatest golf courses without even playing.

The convenience of having a nonstop flight between PDX and Narita gives me the chance to spend more time with my family on the day of departure. If I were to fly through San Francisco or Seattle, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy breakfast at home. I also have to worry about fog in San Francisco or lost luggage in Seattle. The direct flight saves crucial time allowing me to run at the gym, or play nine holes before I get to the airport.

I am sharing my basic “protocol” at the airport and in the air as it may give you some hints for your next travel:

- After security check, go to the “Made In Oregon” wine cart to pick a few Oregon wines. Their selection is good, and the price is reasonable!

- Don’t forget to fuel up yourself, too. I love beer, but I wouldn’t take it before a long flight. Wine or Bloody Mary – “High Octane” products work better!

- Just try to relax as much as possible in the air. Take shoes off, iPod, etc. I do open unread e-mails, too, but I ignore it if it’s a complicated one.

- Take sleeping aid as soon as first meal starts.

- At the end of the first meal, put in ear plugs (as deep as possible!), with BOSE and eye mask on.

- Get 6 to 7 hours sleep and wake about an hour before the landing. Brush your teeth; change if necessary.

- I always miss the second meal which is totally fine. I would prefer to get out to Ginza/Roppongi for great food right after I check into the hotel!

Another great thing about PDX is the size. You can’t expect everything to run smoothly through all the counters and gates if it’s a larger airport. I believe the speed of luggage coming out when you arrive has been improved, too. The distance you walk after coming through Customs is way shorter than any other airport.

Fly nonstops from PDX if you’re a person who doesn’t want to waste your quality time!

Rock Ishii
Product Development Director, Golf Balls
NIKE GOLF

Photos Courtesy of Nike and Rock Ishii

Toshiya Archery Competition

Allison Park — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:59:22 +0000

The Toshiya National Archery Competition brings over 2,000 archers together to compete at Kyoto’s Sanjusangendo Temple. The 2010 competition is scheduled for January 17 in Kyoto. For more information on this event, click here.

All-Japan Squash Championship

Allison Park — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:53:02 +0000

[ November 20, 2009 to November 23, 2009. ] The All-Japan Squash Championship will take place at the Sunset Breeze Hotel, Hota, Chiba Prefecture. For reservations, call Tel: 0470-553707.

Tokyo Marathon 2010

Allison Park — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:08:15 +0000

The annual Tokyo Marathon is set! Cheer on the runners qualified to complete the 26.2 mile journey Sunday, February 28th and experience the power and endurance of the human spirit.