The thaw has come to Hokkaido earlier than expected, and the 2026 cycling season is officially underway. March 2nd marked the first ride of the year, with most roads dry and ready to roll...most, not all.

In this episode, Marty talks early-season riding, winter BBQs, the annual return of Tundra Swans, and the legacy of Dr. William S. Clark - the man behind Hokkaido's famous "Boys, be ambitious."

You can check out the photos from the rides on the Cycling Hokkaido Instagram page......

www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/

Have fun out there, folks!

In this episode the contrast between modern culture and traditional Japan is very obvious. Furries holding a photo meet and greet day in front of one of Hokkaido's most iconic buildings, Akarenga was quite the sight. The collision of modern subculture and real history made for a most interesting day.

So much of Hokkaido's history can be found inside the newly renovated Former Hokkaido Government Building known as Akarenga, from the region's past to where it would like to be in the future. It's definitely worth a visit.

Check out this episode of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast.

Cycling Hokkaido Instagram page....

www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/

In this episode Marty talks about the Hokkaido flag. Most people you'll ever come across have never heard of it and I'm not just talking about travelers, locals seem to know nothing about it. But don't worry folks, I'm here to make sure you know all things Hokkaido and are well informed. So, episode 130 of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast is about the Hokkaido flag and the 2026 Olympic Games. I hope you're having fun out there. Luv ya!

Cycling Hokkaido Instagram page.....

www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/

The 76th Sapporo Snow Festival was excellent. I love that event and this year it did NOT disappoint. The sculptures were stunning, and I ended up learning more than I expected, from the Jomon era to the history behind Aizu Tsuruga Castle. These days the festival feels more like a rock concert than ever, crowded, loud, and full of energy. In this episode of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast, I take you through the highlights, share what surprised me most, and throw in a few anecdotes that might have you shaking your head.

Cycling Hokkaido podcast Instagram page.....

www..instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/

Aizu Tsuruga Castle YouTube video.....

https://youtu.be/HMY60fXzMAQ?si=cPJrjs9nQGUE66kh

Ep.3 Jomon Era Stone Circles in Hokkaido

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3pb1kSSNEH8HFVayf4LqhM?si=pmxaMnt3Q2GRHJ7LYsUs1Q

Ep.32 Kiusu Earthwork Burial Circles

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5GGSrbVGDMdNuKURBOqGm1?si=ThTyqZyyRtWAw_xs1fUxGw

That was one wild ride. Heavy snow slammed Hokkaido and travel turned into chaos - especially at Sapporo Station, where cancellations and delays were everywhere. Somehow I still made it to Asahikawa in time for work...and found a much calmer, delicious side of the city waiting there.

In this episode:

...surviving Sapporo Starion during major snow disruptions

...winter travel realities in Hokkaido

...food, atmosphere, and impressions of Asahikawa

Cycling Hokkaido Instagram page....

www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/

Hokkaido is beautiful but sometimes that beauty bites!

Air Bike Tours Instagram page....

www.instagram.com/airbiketours/

Ep.2 Kamui Kotan.......

https://open.spotify.com/episode/62xkxm1TYezSV1jeaRFtV7?si=WgZLikczQ6GGIhhyi317wg&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A6y20TkPg3B02gyfcZBZ473

One of the wildest weekends, came at the hands of the biggest snowstorm in 21 years here in Hokkaido. Here in Ishikari we had two 50+cm snow days in four days, but the 54cm snow day that rocked Sapporo disrupted everything.

JR was shut down, buses stopped running, schools closed, people were forced to camp overnight in the airport and underground shopping malls.

It's been a wild week here in Sapporo. I suppose the snowiest January in 2 decades will do that.

Wherever you are, I hope you managed to stay safe and warm, and have been able to enjoy your Hokkaido vacation.

You can see all the pictures and videos on the Cycling Hokkaido podcast Instagram page at.....

www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/

In this episode, Marty dives into the Sapporo Snow Festival as it kicks off—then takes a delicious detour into where to find great cheese in Sapporo. He also explores the glory that is Japanese department store basement food floors, from fresh sushi and smoothies to pyramid-shaped watermelons and croissants.

There’s also a quick update on life up here in Hokkaido, and how we’re staying active through the winter months.

If you like what you hear, hit subscribe, leave a comment, and share the episode with your friends.

Want more on the history of the Sapporo Snow Festival? Check out Ep.24 of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0l13YkP9zYhxV43sely?si=pvxK1aldQ8aFlTUbWLNbww&t=212

The Cycling Hokkaido Instagram page.....

www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/

In life we are all still on our way. Some of the rides we do are such perfect metaphors for life. This episode has some things that I hope resonate with you all. This week Hokkaido sure is playing hardball, eh?

Cycling Hokkaido Podcast Instagram page.....

www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast//

So last year, our New Year's holiday in Thailand was pretty much destroyed by mechanical problems, this year the holiday was awesome!

Bangkok and Koh Phangan are amazing places. In Bangkok we saw some beautiful places and ate some excellent food. On Koh Phangan we chilled out during the day and partied like New Year's deserves.

Not only that but there was a lot of life lessons learned along the way.

As always, I hope you enjoy and find value in this episode of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast.

Ep.71 Happy New Year: Koh Samui, Thailand

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3YYnPn39Gx4SqUQwJdOkoq?si=cQJDuYiGTYW6GWWBsOXzlA

Cycling Hokkaido podcast Instagram......

www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/

Happy New Year!!

Up here in Hokkaido New Year's is a bit different than in other places in Japan. The feasting goes on for a few days and starts on December 31st. In much of the rest of Japan, people don't start chowing down until January 1st.

In this episode of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast I give you a little glimpse into how New Year's is celebrated up here —what people eat and what they do. I hope you enjoy Ep.123 Rolling Into 2026.

Cycling Hokkaido podcast Instagram account......

www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/