Cycling Hokkaido

Ep.143 Group Rides, Hidden History and Hokkaido Roads

In this episode, I follow up on a listener question about group rides in Hokkaido and share some of the information I found while digging into the local cycling scene. If you've been thinking about joining group rides here in Japan, there are more options out there than you might expect. I also take a look at the history of Ranshima Beach and how the area developed over the years, before taking a ride out to the beautiful Eniwa Waterfalls. To wrap things up, I talk about cycling over the Asari Pass, one of those climbs that reminds you why riding in Hokkaido is so rewarding. If you're enjoying the podcast, please subscribe to the show, leave a kind review, or share the who with other people interested in seeing Hokkaido. Cycling Hokkaido podcast Instagram page..... www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/ Cycling Hokkaido's Ride with GPS...... https://ridewithgps.com/trips/383922247?privacy_code=kICwEYNEuvWfHWHqvGMv9BIeZbM33dLq Buy Me a Coffee..... buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

Ep.142 From Cape Sata to Cape Soya with John Swain

I first came across John Swain in one of the Facebook cycling groups when he was planning to ride from Cape Sata to Cape Soya, cycling the full length of Japan from south to north. As it turned out, our schedules lined up, and we were able to sit down for a conversation. One the ended up being far more interesting and wide-ranging than I expected. John's connection to Japan goes back decades, from discovering Japanese culture through theater, to living here as an English teacher, to now having family rooted in this country. This ride isn't just a physical challenge for him, it's part of a much longer personal story. In this episode, we go beyond route planning and gear talk. We get into John's perspective on Japanese culture, what it actually feels like to cycle here compared to the U.S., and how his relationship with Japan has evolved over time. Whether you're into cycling, curious about Japan, or just enjoy a good story, there's something here for you. My hope is that you come away with a deeper understanding of both Japan and what it's really like to experience it by bike. You can find John at..... Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shibaiman Instagram www.instagram.com/shibaiman/ And of course, the Cycling Hokkaido podcast Instagram page.. www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/ Buy Me a Coffee.... buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

Ep.141 From England to Everywhere: Daisy & Charlie's World Ride

What does it really take to leave home and cycle across the world? In this episode of Cycling Hokkaido, I sit down with Daisy & Charlie, two cyclists who set off from England with a simple idea and turned it into a life-changing global adventure. We talk about the realities of long-distance touring: the highs, the breakdowns, the unexpected kindness of strangers, and the moments that make you question everything. From challenges on the road to the lessons learned across continents, their journey is about far more than just kilometers ridden. This is a conversation about freedom, resilience, and what happens you commit to the unknown. If you've ever dreamed about taking off on your own big ride, or just wondered what it's like to cycle the world, this one's for you. Daisy & Charlie's World Ride Instagram account..... www.instagram.com/dcworldride/ Donate to Future Hope at .......... https://givestar.io/gs/daisy-charlie-world-ride--riding-for-future-hope?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcARidLpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAac73bUZQEu5rZiKDIXZcX1y63PI_C77Ow9KShGXNmLzi3wYA9314Th3jOf-rA_aem_YwecSTMXhJAGjFAvj9ktTg Buy Daisy & Charlie a virtual coffee..... https://buymeacoffee.com/dcworldride?fbclid=PAb21jcARidlhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAafis-w2vk2xfQNGmbPAOhESjMscHjIj0WmJBy7LClMnbWwaEz5VUq9n71ZF_w_aem_cikpSFn6s3vvHd3RSz4Z_w&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ig Cycling Hokkaido Instagram podcast account..... www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/ Buy Me a Coffee..... buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

Ep.140 An Unexpected Lesson & an Ancient Tree

In this episode of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast I give you my review of the 2026 cherry blossom cycling season and get into a whole lot more. I never knew the history of Tsukigata and I'm stoked I rode out to the Tsukigata Maruyama Viewpoint. That one place has completely changed how I look at Tsukigata. Seeing a tree that's 1300 years old has gotta be evergreen, eh? Seeing something that old and alive and thriving is inspiring. As always, I hope you enjoy and find value in this episode of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast. Cycling Hokkaido podcast Instagram page..... www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/ Buy Me a Coffee.... buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

Ep.139 Petals, Pedals & the Unexpected - Cherry Blossom Cycling in Hokkaido

Cherry blossom season is finally getting underway in Hokkaido, one of the most anticipated times of the cycling year. In this episode, I talk about what it's actually like to ride during cherry blossom season, where it's worth heading, where you might want to think twice, and what to be careful of out there as the crowds start to build. It's not a route guide, but more a real world look at how to make the most of this short, unpredictable window. Along the way, I also share a fortunate roadside meetup with other cyclists - one of those small moments that can make bad weather a bit more bearable. If you're planning to get on the bike during cherry blossom season, this should give you a clearer idea of what to expect and how to enjoy it without getting caught up in the chaos. Cycling Hokkaido Instagram page...... www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/ Emmanuel Kempeneers Instagram page..... www.instagram.com/emmanuel_kempeneers/ Buy Me a Coffee.... buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido