SSP hosts Hakone Turnpike event for riders with disabilities

The Side Stand Project (SSP) held the 5th annual ‘Yaruze!! Hakone Turnpike 2026’ on October 17 at the Anest Iwata Turnpike Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture. The event brought together 56 participants, including 13 para-motorcyclists, 35 riders, 4 deaf riders (defiders), and 4 guest riders.

A notable feature of this year's event was the participation of the Odawara Police Station motorcycle unit and the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Both groups rode alongside the para-motorcyclists and deaf riders, symbolizing the event's goal of fostering a society where people of all backgrounds can participate in challenges together.

Supported by approximately 180 volunteers, the event took place under clear skies with views of Mount Fuji. SSP aims to use the experience gained from these gatherings to expand opportunities for diverse groups of people to engage in motorcycling and shared challenges.