Ep.137 Spring Cycling in Hokkaido isn't Easy

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. Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido