Welcome back to the Cycling Hokkaido podcast. Today I'm joined by PL and Kristen from Cycle 5 to Survive, a project that's taken them across continents on long-distance cycling adventures with a bigger purpose behind every ride: raising support and awareness for multiple causes over a five-year journey spanning 5 continents.

We're going to dig into what it actually takes to plan and execute rides on that scale, the logistics, the physical and mental challenges, and the moments that stick with you when you're out there for days, weeks, and months at a time.

And of course, we'll also talk about the human side of it all, what keeps you going when things get tough, what you learn about people and places along the way, and how cycling becomes more than just a ride.

Right now they're gearing up for their next chapter in Africa, so we'll hear what's ahead and how this next leg fits into the bigger journey. Let's go!

The Cycle 5 to Survive website:

Homepage - Cycle 5 To Survive https://share.google/jsqOcuSg5q00Xo6hh

The Cycle 5 to Survive Instagram page:

www.instagram.com/cycle5tosurvive/

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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.

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https://ridewithgps.com/trips/383922247?privacy_code=kICwEYNEuvWfHWHqvGMv9BIeZbM33dLq

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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/

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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 here:

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

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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.

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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.

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Emmanuel Kempeneers Instagram page:

www.instagram.com/emmanuel_kempeneers/

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Riding in Hokkaido isn't always about perfect conditions. In this episode, I head out into strong winds and end up learning something unexpected: a great ride doesn't have to be long to be meaningful.

That experience leads into a bigger idea, what actually makes Hokkaido different from the rest of Japan. With people and influences from all over the country, Hokkaido has developed a culture that feels unique, even within Japan itself.

If you've ever had a ride that didn't go to plan, or wondered what makes cycling here so different, this one's for you.

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Ep.41 Off Base: What are Fukizuka?

pod.link/1717043158/episode/OTZkMmI4NWMtZDdhYy00MTM2LTgzZTgtZmQwMjE1NzBhNDA2

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In this episode of Cycling Hokkaido, I kick things off with a quick story from a recent family trip to Tokyo including a visit to the famous Tsukiji Outer Marker and some of the incredible food you can find there.

From there, we get into the reality of spring cycling in Hokkaido and why it's a lot tougher than many riders expect.

Spring might seem like the perfect time to get back on the bike, but here in Hokkaido, the conditions can be challenging. I talk about what it actually feels like to ride this time of year, including cold temperatures, frozen feet and the kind of gear you'll need to stay comfortable.

Of course, we also get into one of the biggest factors: wind. Spring in Hokkaido often means strong, relentless winds that can turn an easy ride into a serious effort.

But it's not all bad news.

I share some of the best places to ride in spring if you want to avoid the worst of the wind, including areas like Daisetsuzan National Park, as well as Lake Toya, Lake Shikotsu and Lake Akan. I also talk about why central Hokkaido, places like Biei, Furano, and Asahikawa can be better options early in the season.

We also touch on the less glamorous side of spring riding, like the garbage that gets revealed as the snow melts, and how road conditions can be rough after winter.

But there's beauty too, melting snow creates stunning waterfalls and dramatic landscapes that you only get at this time of year.

If you're thinking about cycling in Hokkaido in spring, this episode will help you understand what to expect and how to make the most of it.

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Planning to cycle in Hokkaido or elsewhere in Japan but not sure what kind of bike to rent, or where to start?

In this episode, I break down the different rental options available across Hokkaido, from casual rides to high-end road and touring set-ups. I also share specific rental services and experiences like Spark Cycling, North Hokkaido Bicycle, Rhythm, Sam's Bikes in Sapporo and Specialized at Escon Field, as well as options beyond Hokkaido such as GS Astuto Rider's House in Gunma and Road Bike Rentals Japan in Osaka.

Whether you're looking for an easy ride around town, a scenic countryside cruise, or a multi-day cycling adventure, choosing the right bike and the right rental provider can make or break your experience.

I talk about where to rent, what to expect in terms of pricing and availability, and how different regions in Hokkaido, and Japan more broadly, offer completely different cycling experiences.

If you're visiting Japan and thinking about riding, or you're already here and want to explore more by bike, this episode will help you figure out the best option for your trip.

Subscribe to Cycling Hokkaido for more tips, routes, and stories from riding in northern Japan.

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Spark Cycling:

https://share.google/xX2goSuST4IHYvbMK

Rhythm Japan:

https://share.google/azmDcgBc9eIpzqHo4

North Bicycle Hokkaido:

https://share.google/f6ewxjoPnfjNqKoqd

Sam's Bikes:

www.instagram.com/samsbike/

GS Astuto Rider's House and Cafe:

https://share.google/btGPUvGQ6tHbncrRF

Road Bike Rentals Japan (Osaka):

https://share.google/LdJWuDdTaK6Q1f7Uv

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Snowshoeing up Onuma-yama in the waning of a Hokkaido winter, I joined a group of 14 experienced snowshoers and quickly found myself pushing to keep up on a climb that was as humbling as it was unforgettable.

Through the 7km hike with about 600m of snowshoe hiking I made some new friends and had an excellent day out in nature. Pretty hard to beat that, eh!?

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

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YouTube video link:

https://youtube.com/shorts/x32__XHH9kQ?si=sriXnYtvSXMDRuzq

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