Cycling Hokkaido

This week I'm joined by long-time Sapporo resident Matt Cotter for a conversation about Ainu history, culture, language, and life in modern Hokkaido.The Ainu are the indigenous people of northern Japan, and in this episode we cover a wide range of topics, from some of the darker chapters of Ainu-Japanese history to the ongoing challenges facing Ainu communities today. We also talk about Ainu art, food, language, cultural preservation, and the efforts being made to keep Ainu traditions alive for future generations.Matt shares his own experiences learning about Ainu culture, studying the language, and meeting Ainu people throughout his years in Hokkaido. We also discuss why understanding their history is such an important part of understanding Hokkaido itself.This was a great conversation and one that I think will be of interest to anyone who wants to learn more about the people, history, and culture that helped shape this island we call home. Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaidoCycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/

Episode 145 of Cycling Hokkaido features Ryan Hill from Vancouver, BC, who joined me for a ride through the Hokkaido countryside before sitting down to record this episode.We spent the day cycling quiet rural roads through ride paddies during planting season, stopping to check out some mysterious headless Buddha statues, and taking in the views from high above the Sea of Japan coastline. In this conversation, Ryan talks about his long connection with Japan, and of course we talked about Japanese food, and how karate is an important part of his life. A chill conversation about travel, cycling, culture and the unexpected moments that make riding in Hokkaido so memorable. Buy Me a Coffee:www.buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaidoFollow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram page:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/

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/jsqOcuSg5q00Xo6hhThe Cycle 5 to Survive Instagram page:www.instagram.com/cycle5tosurvive/Follow Cycling Hokkaido podcast on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

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. Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Cycling Hokkaido's Ride with GPS:https://ridewithgps.com/trips/383922247?privacy_code=kICwEYNEuvWfHWHqvGMv9BIeZbM33dLqBuy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

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

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_YwecSTMXhJAGjFAvj9ktTgBuy 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=igFollow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

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

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

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. Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Ep.41 Off Base: What are Fukizuka?pod.link/1717043158/episode/OTZkMmI4NWMtZDdhYy00MTM2LTgzZTgtZmQwMjE1NzBhNDA2Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

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

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. Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Spark Cycling:https://share.google/xX2goSuST4IHYvbMKRhythm Japan:https://share.google/azmDcgBc9eIpzqHo4North Bicycle Hokkaido:https://share.google/f6ewxjoPnfjNqKoqdSam's Bikes:www.instagram.com/samsbike/GS Astuto Rider's House and Cafe:https://share.google/btGPUvGQ6tHbncrRFRoad Bike Rentals Japan (Osaka):https://share.google/LdJWuDdTaK6Q1f7UvBuy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

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.Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/YouTube video link:https://youtube.com/shorts/x32__XHH9kQ?si=sriXnYtvSXMDRuzqBuy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

In Ep.133 I talked about the top 5 rides in Hokkaido, but not everyone has the time or ability to travel across the island to ride them. So this week I'm bringing it closer to home with the Top 5 rides you can do starting right from Sapporo. From classic local climbs to scenic countryside roads and epic coastal adventures, these are rides every cyclist living in or visiting Sapporo should experience. In this episode I count down:#5 Mt.Teine#4 Tobetsu Farmland & Kobayashi Sake Brewery#3 Jozankei with Nakayama Pass or Asari Pass#2 Lake Shikotsu#1 ShakotanI also reference several previous Cycling Hokkaido podcast episodes that cover many of those routes in more detail and here are those links below. Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/#4 Tobetsu Farmland & Kobayashi Sake BreweryEp.10 The Ride to Kobayashi Sake Brewery pod.link/1717043158/episode/MDA3MDkwYWYtMWJjMy00NWNhLWI4ZTEtYTZhNzgxZDA5OGUxEp.34 Japanese Festivals in Hokkaido pod.link/1717043158/episode/MGM5YTAzN2QtZjc0ZS00MTk4LWJkYmEtOTBlZmNkZjAyMTdj#3 Jozankei with Nakayama Pass or Asari PassEp.15 A Pilgrimage to Asari pod.link/1717043158/episode/M2Q1NDRiOTYtZjUxZi00YjBhLTk1MWUtN2I3MTY1NzczOGU4Ep.9 Riding Up and Down Nakayama Toge pod.link/1717043158/episode/NzJlMTNlNjItMmQxNy00ZTY5LTlhYjQtMzgwMDdlZDlkNmNl#2 Lake ShikotsuEp.93 Hiking Mt.Eniwadakepod.link/1717043158/episode/YjA4OWYxYzMtNjFlMy00NDE1LWI3YTItZGY1NzYyZDUxMDIyEp.60 The Mysterious Lake Okotanpe pod.link/1717043158/episode/ZjNkOTAxYmEtNmQ3Yy00MDg2LWI0ZWMtMjllNjA4ZWYwN2Qx#1 Shakotan Ep.3 Jomon Era Stone Circles in Hokkaido pod.link/1717043158/episode/ZTQyYzdhZDktMzQxNC00OWJjLWE5ZDYtZmYyNjAxNWIzMmE1Ep.5 Otaru by Bike pod.link/1717043158/episode/MTU5NWFkZjctNmMxNC00ZjY2LTg1YWItNDRmM2VhNDQ0OGNiEp.12 Cycling Yoichi, a Town in Decline pod.link/1717043158/episode/OGNkMTgwMzAtNzI1Yi00NmM3LWJhNGYtZTIxYzA1MDgzNDBlEp.38 The Hiyoriyama Lighthouse pod.link/1717043158/episode/NzBhYzg1NGQtMDRjZi00NDVhLThiNTMtNmRjMmQ1ZTIwNTU5Ep.48 Ebisu Rock & Daikoku Rock pod.link/1717043158/episode/OWQyY2I4ZDAtYzRkMS00ZDQ0LTg1MGUtYzMzODIyZDdiOTQyEp.91 The Great Buddha of Otaru pod.link/1717043158/episode/ZmFjMWRjNTAtZTg3ZS00ZTc5LTkwY2MtNTNkNGM1YjgyZDIwEp.97 A Super Ride to Shakotan pod.link/1717043158/episode/OWI3MjdmM2UtYjQ2My00ODgwLWE0M2MtYjA0MjBlNjZkMWVlEp.49 Cycling to Shakotan Kamui Misaki pod.link/1717043158/episode/NDZhZTI4NjYtMWVlOS00N2UyLWE2YmMtZTg3YTg0ZTVkNWFiBuy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

If you're planning cycling trip to Hokkaido, these are five routes you shouldn't miss.In this episode of Cycling Hokkaido, I count down my top five favourite rides on the island - from wild coastal roads to rolling farmland and one of the best mountain passes in Japan.This episode is also a bit of a passport to the podcast. I've previously done full episodes on each of these rides, so if one catches your interest you can find links below to dive deeper into the route, scenery, and ride experience. Top 5 Rides in Hokkaido5. Northwest Coastline & Wakkanai4. Around Mt.Yotei3. The road to Cape Erimo2. The hills of Furano & Biei1. Climbing Mikuni Pass If you've ridden in Hokkaido before, I'd love to hear your top rides too. Links:Northwest Coastline & WakkanaiEp.54 pod.link/1717043158/episode/OTQ5NmQxMTItZjJlZi00ZGQyLWJjOTktODY0MDdjZDM5NmM4Ep.43pod.link/1717043158/episode/MThmOTBmNGYtOGMxZi00YTA5LThmNmItMmFkN2I5MTg3NDFmMt.Yotei ridesEp.108pod.link/1717043158/episode/OGYwYWE4NmItYjFmMy00MjNiLThjNmUtMzEwY2Y5NWI2YWFmThe Road to Cape ErimoEp.51pod.link/1717043158/episode/OTM5NWQ4NDctMDBmMi00YjlmLWI3NTctMTg2MjUzODY4MzI1Furano & Biei ridesEp.37pod.link/1717043158/episode/MjQ3NzU3MTUtNzM0OC00ZjA2LWI1MDAtNjI2OGU1ZGI3MDk1Ep.99pod.link/1717043158/episode/NmQ5MTNmOWItOTQyNy00ODhkLTkyZGItMDE3NDJiYThhOTk3Climbing the Mikuni PassEp.110pod.link/1717043158/episode/MDgzMGM1ZDYtODNiYi00ODBlLWIxOTItNThjZGJkMGE0NzMyEp.111pod.link/1717043158/episode/YTU5NGYyZGQtMWU1Ny00MWJiLWE3OWEtNGUzZGQwYzgyODE3Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

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."Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Have fun out there, folks! Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffe.com/cyclinghokkaido

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

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

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. Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www..instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Aizu Tsuruga Castle YouTube video:https://youtu.be/HMY60fXzMAQ?si=cPJrjs9nQGUE66khEp.3 Jomon Era Stone Circles in Hokkaidohttps://open.spotify.com/episode/3pb1kSSNEH8HFVayf4LqhM?si=pmxaMnt3Q2GRHJ7LYsUs1QEp.32 Kiusu Earthwork Burial Circleshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5GGSrbVGDMdNuKURBOqGm1?si=ThTyqZyyRtWAw_xs1fUxGwBuy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

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 AsahikawaFollow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram: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%3A6y20TkPg3B02gyfcZBZ473Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

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

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=212Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

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

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, Thailandhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/3YYnPn39Gx4SqUQwJdOkoq?si=cQJDuYiGTYW6GWWBsOXzlAFollow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

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

2025 was a great year, eh! New places were explored, new limits were tested, and I got to meet a whole lot of excellent new people. This year also gave me a much greater appreciation for Ainu culture and history and Hokkaido's history in general. All of that adds so much more meaning to the rides. Through all the rain and over all the hills, it's all of you that keeps me going. Thank you! And folks, I look forward to meeting a whole lot more of you in 2026! Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

Small Podcast, Real Listeners! Folks, thank you all so much for tuning in to the show in 2025. I can't believe the numbers the Cycling Hokkaido podcast's Wrapped 2025 put up. Woo!! We are definitely heading in the right direction. In this episode I'm going to talk about what those numbers actually mean, how the show has grown and why it feels bigger than I ever expected. Thank you all so much for coming along for the ride. And a HUGE thank you to all of you who came on the show over the past year, you are all a part of what boosted the numbers. With any luck, we'll be able to keep that momentum going in 2026. This episode is a thank you to all of you that have tuned in and enjoyed the show. I hope more of you get in touch and we can enjoy going for a spin in Hokkaido. Happy Holidays, Marty!!Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

So much happened this week! Life in Japan can be absolutely wild. One minute you might be going along, happy as a clam, the next you're worried if your ceiling is gonna collapse in on you. That's unfortunately a part of life in a country that's prone to earthquakes. But then you have all the great stuff that comes along with living in Sapporo, and one of those things is the annual Sapporo White Illumination in Sapporo. Odori is always a cool place to hang out but this time of year is always beautiful. And how cool was it that we got to hang out with Leslie Kee!?!? That was a most excellent conversation! The world is full of beautiful people! As always, I hope you enjoy this episode of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast. Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

Cycling is obviously coming to an end, is the storm of December 3rd it!? We shall see. I'm seriously hoping for a few more riding days but it looks like this could be it. Having said that, cycling isn't the be all and end all of life here in Hokkaido. There is a ton of great food to be eaten and ton of great people for that food to be shared with! We had some of the best yakitori ever the other night and it had been a long process getting to it. Hahaha!! As always, I hope you enjoy and find value in this episode of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast. Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

I can't believe I never knew crows were such stone cold killers! That was a brutal scene we came across in Asari the other day, but at least it was a learning experience. The season is most definitely winding down but we should be able to get a couple more rides in. And according to the study I talk about in this episode, cycling as often as possible could have some very important benefits beyond losing belly fat. As always, I hope you enjoy and find value in this episode. Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Here's a link to episode 15 so you don't have to hunt for it:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YdMBXV8oDxkrALe3DzFS7?si=GhBsCR67QOebIKZ5JRFpBw&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A6y20TkPg3B02gyfcZBZ473Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

Winter is upon us! Ishikari got slammed pretty hard, actually really hard for November 18th. I know we have to shovel a lot of snow up here in Ishikari but on November 18th!?!? It seems we're in for a long winter but so be it, let's go! And it looks like many, many of you know about this already, but did you know that chocolate milk might be the best recovery drink out there? I didn't. I've only just learned this. Anyhoo, I hope you enjoy and find value in this episode of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast. Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/ Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

In this episode Marty talks about an injury that took a while to manifest but it's here. You can still ride with biker's elbow but you gotta be careful to not make the injury worse. Like all injured body parts, you have to rest. Also in this episode Marty gets into the topic of why are Japanese bears are so aggressive. Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

Ain't no doubt about it, up here in Hokkaido, fall is my favourite time of year. The temperature is very comfortable, the food is delicious and the colours on the trees are gorgeous. Every year there are a few places I like to get out to see the autumn colours and this year I got to hit them all. Makomanai Park, Jozankei and the Kobayashi Sake Brewery in Kuriyama are the best. Over the past couple of weeks Sapporo's fall colours have been blazing and I hope you've been able to get out and see them. I think you might still have a bit of time to get out there if you haven't yet. As always, I hope you enjoy and find value in this episode of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast. Have fun out there, folks. Here are some links to what I talk about in the show.Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Cycling Hokkaido Ride with GPS:htttps://ridewithgps.com/trips/348267117https://ridewithgps.com/trips/347185527Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

Yo folks! This episode is a little bit different. I had 3 guests. Texas Doug, who was my guest on Ep.69 of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast and his lovely wife Hazuki, who was my guest on Ep.77, became the first 2nd timers on the Cycling Hokkaido podcast. Awesome! But what was really cool is that their friend Bryce, Bryce Benton, was back in Japan for a second time this year. His first time in Japan was back in the summer of 2025 and we're lucky to have him back in October. Talking and hanging out with Texans is a most excellent experience! Texans are VERY cool people. As always, I hope you enjoy and find value in this episode of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast. Texas Bryce Benton's Instagram page:www.instagram.com/bryce__benton/Texas Doug Cox:www.instagram.com/dglscx3/Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

The ride to Yakumo is turning into an annual thing. Yay! This year I decided to take on the hills and ride through the middle of Hokkaido. I rode from Ishikari to Jozankei, over the Nakayama Pass, down to Kimobetsu, through to Makkari, over to Niseko, a jaunt to Rankoshi then down to Yakumo. A most excellent ride with a HELLUVA lotta climbing. The scenery was great but even better than that was the people I met along the way. Ya gotta love meeting awesome people doing awesome things out there, eh!? That was definitely the last ride of that size for the year and I'm stoked I got it done. I hope you like this episode of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast and are having fun out there. Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Cycling Hokkaido podcast Ride with GPS:https://ridewithgps.com/trips/332453638Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

The other week I set off on another Drive'n'Ride but this time the cycling kind of played second fiddle to the learning. I wanted to learn more about the Ainu, Hokkaido's indigenous people. So I started in Biratori's Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum and I learned a lot more than I was expecting. I learned some of the story of the great man, Shigeru Kayano, and what a story that is. I then spent the night at the Roadside Station in Mukawa before setting off on my bike to see the historical site of the Battle of Shakushain. This was a very important battle in the history of Hokkaido. I'm super happy I finally got a chance to visit those sites. As always, I hope you enjoy and find value in this episode. Have fun out there!Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Cycling Hokkaido's Ride with GPS:https://ridewithgps.com/trips/332453638 Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

My time on the Mikuni Pass in Daisetsuzan National Park was so much fun and the way I did it deserved 2 episodes of the show. Episode 2 is about me cycling up to the Mikuni Pass from the Kamishihoro side of the mountain. This was also a most excellent ride but was very different from riding up from the Kamikawa side. This side of the mountain was covered in old, priveval forest. There is a lot of Hokkaido history on the side of the mountain in the form of the defunct JR Shihoro train line, which provides some excellent photo opportunities. On this side of the Mikuni Pass is the iconic Matsumi Bridge. I am well stoked I got a chance to ride that. It's awesome! I'm lucky I had the time to spend 2 days riding the Mikuni Pass in Daisetsuzan National Park. I hope you enjoy and find value in these episodes of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast. Have fun out there, folks! Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Here is my Ride with GPS address:https://ridewithgps.com/users/8995030Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

At 1,139m the Mikuni Pass is the highest national road in Hokkaido and last weekend I finally got a chance to ride it. I spent 2 days riding the pass and it was excellent. On the first day, which is what this episode is about, I rode up to the pass along route 273 from Kamikawa. The whole experience was much better than I was expecting. The mountains, rivers, and cliffs were spectacular. The Sounkyo gorge was gorgeous and had a couple of things I didn't know where there. Lots of the things I was looking at I just don't think you can really appreciate if you go through there in a car. The bike is where it's at! I hope you enjoy pt.1 of my adventures in Daisetsuzan National Park riding up to the Mikuni Pass. Next week, I'll be talking about my ride back up to the pass from Kamishihoro. As always, I hope you enjoy and find value in this episode. Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

This is a really fun episode. There are sound effects. Hahaha!! I just kind of ring a bell a couple of times. But what I did find really interesting was how ineffective bear bells might be. I'm not sure where I fall on that scale but it is a legit discussion. I'm also interested to hear if you're a morning person or a leave me alone until noon person. Hahaha! As always, you can see the pics of the rides in this episode on the Cycling Hokkaido podcast page at......www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee....buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

Every year, I want to make my way to Mt.Yotei to say hello. I don't know what it is, but there is something so healing about seeing that mountain. It is such a beautiful area of Hokkaido and I'm always stoked any time I get a chance to see it. Not only was Mt.Yotei gorgeous but my campsite in Fugoppe was amazing. This episode is the story of my 2-day ride to see Ezo Fuji. I left kind of on Sunday afternoon and spent the night on the beach in Fugoppe, which was amazing, left early in the morning and rode all kinds of hills! With that route, I knew the climbing I was in for and was mentally well prepared, so no problem! So, from a camp at a beautiful spot on the beach, to one of the most iconic images of Hokkaido, I hope you enjoy this episode. Have fun out there, folks!! Here's the Ride with GPS link....https://ridewithgps.com/trips/332453638Here's the Cycling Hokkaido Instagram page.....www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.instagram/Buy Me a Coffee....buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

First off, sorry folks, I made a little mistake in this. Hojicha is not a wheat tea. It's a kind of green tea. My bad. Right, let's get down to business.........I'm super lucky I got the chance to sit down and have a conversation with Kyrre Havik. Kyrre is on a 3 month tour of Japan and has been riding around Hokkaido checking out all kinds of cool stuff. He's been up in Wakkanai, ridden down the eastern coast of Hokkaido, seen the Taushubetsu River Bridge, ridden the Mikuni Pass, been to Mukawa, ridden from the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Japan up in Ishikari and has been camping and enjoying the onsens. He'd been riding a LOT of gravel roads until he came across 2 bear cubs. Yikes!!! He tells his stories of life on the road by bike up here in Hokkaido. Here is a link to his Plog (Photo log).......https://kyrremann.no/plog/This was a really fun conversation and again, I'm stoked I got the chance to sit down and have a chat with Kyrre. As always, I hope you like this episode and are having fun out there!Cycling Hokkaido Instagram page......www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee....buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

I'm stoked I got to do this ride again. From Sea to Shining Sea is my ride where I start out the day with my feet in the Sea of Japan here in Ishikari and I ride down to Atsuma and have my feet in the Pacific Ocean. I just think there's something really cool about have my feet in both those bodies of water in the one day. Plus it's a 'super ride' for me which is always a fun thing to do. Along the way I had some gorgeous scenery as I rode through the horse ranches in Abira. A horse ranch always makes for beautiful scenery when you're on your bike, eh!? As always folks, I hope you like this episode. Follow Cycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/My RideWithGPS account is at:https://ridewithgps.com/users/8995030Here are the Star Wars videos from Escon Field:https://youtu.be/zFMjAH9NPAA?feature=sharedhttps://youtu.be/tyW2O6suYJ4?feature=sharedBuy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

For this episode I was super lucky to sit down in Otaru and have a chat with Vera & Carsten of The Cyclists of Oz Instagram page. They are on a most excellent 6 month cycling tour of Japan on a kind of an unconventional route from Cape Soya to Cape Sata. I love following people's adventures like this and our conversation just 3 weeks into their tour was a lot of fun. We discussed things like Hokkaido campsites, convenience store food, onsens, tunnels, bikepacking and all kinds of things that make the cycling experience what it is. As always, I hope you find value in this episode. The Cyclists of Oz Instagram page is at .........www.instagram.com/the_cyclists_of_oz/The Cycling Hokkaido Instagram page is at......www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee....buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

This episode celebrates a full 2 years of the Cycling Hokkaido podcast. Thank you all VERY much for coming along on this journey. In this episode you'll find a real hodge podge of topics from what new countries are listening to the show to how to properly cook Hokkaido brown bear meat. There are also some really cool people out there doing some really cool things. As always, I hope you find value in this episode and are having fun out there! The Cycling Hokkaido podcast Instagram page is at.....www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee....buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

This week has been great! There were trips to Noboribetsu to see family and Jigokudani, Hell Valley, and the boys are home. Doing a little sightseeing in the place you are actually from is always a good idea, eh!? Then there was also Otaru this week and a surprise in seeing the Japanese training boat the Kaiwo Maru. One of my favourite rides, that I make sure to do every year, the Gokibiru bike'n'hike got done as well. Being out in nature is the best. Cycling aside, one of my favourite things to do during summer vacation is to get a summer movie in with my boys. F1 on ScreenX did NOT disappoint....that was AWESOME!! We've still got a bit of time left in summer holidays. Have fun out there, folks. Summer on!!Cycling Hokkaido Instagram page......www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/And I stopped in at Debbie's cycling rest house on the Ororonline as well and enjoyed some delicious snacks and air conditioning. You can find Debbie at.....www.instagram.com/ororoncliffhouse/Buy Me a Coffee....buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

This is a beautiful place that is well worth a visit. By bicycle it's super easy to get to from Sapporo, it's just straight up rte.275, sure it's about 100km up rte.275 but it's a great ride and a great destination if you're looking to do a big ride from Sapporo. Of course, you can always drive it if you're with the family. I'm always very impressed how beautiful the place is but I was even more impressed with it when I dug into it's history a little bit more. And Texas Doug and I had another hike up Mt.Moiwa. This summer is shaping up to be one of the greats! I hope you're having fun out there and I hope you like this episode. Cycling Hokkaido Podcast Instagram page.....www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee....buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

Oh man, oh man...my Scottish family are the best! They are wild, adventurous and unhinged. This episode of the podcast features my cousin Deborah, who is an absolute wonderful person...somebody I wish I could spend more time with. Honestly, my Scottish cousins being in Japan this year has made me a VERY happy person. Jim, you are an absolute legend of a man!! Thank you for the laughs!! Scotland, thank you for coming to Japan this year! We ate the Hokkaido food, saw Furano, Biei, Lake Toya, Sapporo and all of it....an amazing trip. Thank you! As always, I hope you all enjoy this episode of the podcast. Have fun out there. Scotland rules!! Cycling Hokkaido Podcast Instagram page.......www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee....buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

I can't believe I've made it to episode 100. 100 straight weeks of doing the Cycling Hokkaido podcast has been a lot of fun. In this episode I talk about the show hitting 80th in the rankings for sports podcasts in all Japan, a new milestone, new places that have tuned in to the show, a new account on 'Ride with GPS', the Sapporo Odori Park Beer Gardens and give thanks to all who have been a part of or tuned in to the show. Thank you all very much for being a part of 100 episodes!! There will be more!! Have fun out there. Cycling Hokkaido podcast Instagram page is at......www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee....buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

Furano has so much to offer for cycling, hiking and sightseeing. It's no wonder it's one of the most popular tourist spots in Hokkaido. I am super stoked I got to see it by bike with Bradley Paul Bennet. Brad is a professional/licensed guide who is based in both Furano and Tokyo. He is also the founder/owner/operator of the guiding company Freewheeling.jp. We'd been trying to get together for a ride for about a year and finally the stars aligned and we had an epic ride all over Furano, Biei, Nakafurano and more. On our ride we saw Farm Tomita, Hinode Park, cycled the Roller Coaster Road and Panorama Road, ate some great food at Chiyoda Farm and Kaneko Coffee Farm......what can I say it was a most excellent day. There was a lot of climbing, beautiful weather and gorgeous scenery. Brad knows his way around Furano!! Folks, if your thinking of visiting the area for cycling, hiking or winter sports get in touch with Freewheeling.jp you will not be disappointed. I hope you all enjoy this conversation I had with Brad shortly after our ride around Furano. And folks, this is episode 99......the Gretzky episode! IYKYK You can find Freewheeling.jp at......https://freewheeling.jp/Freewheeling.jp's Instagram page is at......www.instagram.com/freewheeling.jp/Cycling Hokkaido Podcast Instagram page is at.....www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Buy Me a Coffee....buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

I can't believe it has taken me all this time before I hiked up Mt.Moiwa. It's a beautiful place with a much richer history than I could have imagined. Who knew it was a 'Natural Monument of Extraordinary Academic Value'?? If you've spent any time at all in Sapporo you have seen Mt.Moiwa, but did you take a minute to delve into it's history? Well, just in case you didn't, have a listen to this episode. As always, I hope you like it. Have fun out there, folks!Cycling Hokkaido Podcast Instagram page.....www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Cycling Hokkaido YouTube Mt.Moiwa video.....https://youtt.be/Ce710GkEo5s?feature=sharedBuy Me a Coffee....buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido

A Super Ride to my friends and I is a ride over 200km in a day. A Super Ride to Shakotan is always a great day. That was the first time the Englishman or I had ever done a Super Ride with another person, usually they're lone wolf type adventures, sure it took longer but it was an awesome day! From Sapporo, Teine to Otaru to Yoichi to Furubira to Shakotan and all the amazing sights along the way that is an amazing ride to do. Coastal scenes to forest greens, that is an awesome ride. Plus I had to get some new tires and went about a new way of getting them. As always, I hope you enjoy this episode. Have fun out there, folks! Cycling Hokkaido Instagram page....www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/Cycling Hokkaido YouTube page.....https://www.youtube.com/@martinlangford53Buy Me a Coffee....buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaido