The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Secrets of Hokkaido

September 1st to September 14th

Ride Coordinator: Albert Balingit
Report by: Bo Florendo

It’s been nineteen days days since I returned, and the trip is still fresh in my mind.  Though “fresh” is a relative term since my brain has filtered through the normalization process that comes after being away from home for three weeks.  Albert Balingit, who was the Ride Coordinator, along with his “much better half” Jacquie Duerr, organized and lead this trek around Hokkaido, asked me to write a “tripper report” about our adventure. The detailed itinerary and description is available on the BAC website as well as the Cycle Japan website.  

This was my second Bicycle Adventure Club ride.  The first taking place last September on the Pacific Coast Ramble from Seattle to San Francisco.  And, like the Ramble, Albert and Jacquie were our ride leaders. Unlike the Ramble, we hired a tour vendor, Cycle Japan, to organize and support the tour.  Let me first say that Cycle Japan, headed by Ken Kawamura, and assisted by Daisuke and Kevin, fulfilled our every need. If any cyclist is contemplating a bicycle trip to Japan, Cycle Japan will help make your journey pleasant and educational.  Cycle Japan provided rental bicycles, road and hybrid; created the route; reserved the rooms and meals; and transported our luggage to each place of lodging. The most remarkable quality of the Cycle Japan team was their ability to anticipate and adjust on the fly.  During our trip Typhon Jebi, a category 3 Typhoon, damaged the southern part of Japan. In addition an earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale struck the southern part of Hokkaido. Although the region of Hokkaido where we were located was not adversely affected by the typhoon, the weather conditions were of great concern.  On the other hand, the earthquake caused the entire island of Hokkaido to be without electricity for a number of days. Ken and his crew were able to secure lodging with electricity in Abashiri, at Hotel Hokuten no oka, which I highly recommend, so we were only minimally inconvenienced.

Albert and Jacquie, also deserve praise and gratitude.  Their careful and detailed planning and organizational skills, allowed us to ride, eat, and drink without care or worry.  You cannot ask for better ride leaders. I know that their leadership was a factor in my decision to join the tour over a year ago.  And I suspect that many of my cycling buddies signed up because they’ve had great experiences on previous rides led by Albert and Jacquie.  Our group was composed of some of the most friendly and easy-going cyclists I have ever encountered; from a variety of professions and occupations.  Six of us were from Kona, Hawai’i, several from California, three Chicago, and a Canadian from British Columbia. It was a pleasure meeting, socializing with, and riding with everyone.  

As I mentioned earlier, Cycle Japan created the tour itinerary.  The trip is described Cycle Japan’s website as the Best of Hokkaido. The region that we cycled through was the Northern part of the Island of Hokkaido. We began our journey in Abashiri, the largest city on the north east coast of Hokkaido.  After circling Lake Kussharo, and riding over the Bihoro Pass, we stopped on Lake Kussharo. From there we rode in a southeasterly route through Nakashibetsu, Rausu, over the Shiretoko Pass to Utoro, and back to Abashiri. From there we rode to the Northwest along the coast, until we arrived in Wakkanai.  From Wakkanai we ferried to Rishiri Island and circled the island. Northern Hokkaido is filled with natural beauty and is blessed with abundant resources. We rode through long stretches of farm land, hectares of dairy farms, flowing rivers and streams, and a coastline teeming with kombu, salmon, and crab.  The brilliant colors of the countryside are embedded in my memory. I would be remiss if I failed to compliment the farmers, dairymen, fishermen, and chefs on the delicious and satisfying sea food, vegetables, meats and sake that quenched our appetites. Thus raising the age old question: Do we ride to eat, or eat to ride?

Cycle Japan provided a guide who cycled with us.  Another team member drove a van that carried our luggage and supplies.  A third member drove a van that could transport cyclists who were ill and unable to ride, as well as refreshments for rest stops along the daily route.  The routes were available to download on a rider’s individual electronic device. In addition each cyclist was provided a Garmin with a map of the day’s ride.  Lastly, chalk markings were placed on the road by a team member in advance. At each evening’s social hour, Ken, Daisuke, and Kevin taught us Japanese words and phrases, and answered our questions about the history and culture of Hokkaido.

I was able to bring my ukulele on the trip. And I was inspired to write lyrics to the tune of Credence Clearwater Revival’s tune Lodi, to commemorate a beautiful and fulfilling BAC ride.

Hokkaido

Just about a year ago,
I signed up for a ride,
Hoping to make new friends,
Riding in the countryside.
Hopped on Hawaiian Air,
Landed in Tokyo.
Soon I'll be riding in Hokkaido.

Met the guys from Cycle Japan,
Kevin, Daisuke, and Ken.
The nicest guys you'll ever find,
Smart, and humble and kind.
Typhoons and earthquakes no big deal,
Somehow they pulled us through,
Happy, riding in Hokkaido.

Now that we're in Wakkanai,
Our adventure at an end,
The memories will never fade,
The awesome beauty of Nippon.
We owe a debt of gratitude,
To  Albert, Jacquie and Ken.
Can’t wait, to get back to Hokkaido.