About Cycle Japan
Cycle Japan has been running tours across Japan since 1985. Founded by the inimitable John Morrell it has pioneered cycle tourism in the country with a series of groundbreaking tour itineraries across the country.
Tour operations are now run by Ride and Seek Bike Tours in conjunction with Gareth and Rika from Air Furano. John continues his involvement with Cycle Japan as an advisor and ambassador.
John Morrell - Founder
Unmatched experience guiding & cycling in Japan since 1985. As well as being an experienced cycle tour leader and bicycle mechanic, he has worked as a cycle tour leader trainer, and he knows a few good places to head after a day in the saddle! John’s career has combined a unique mix of tertiary education and outdoor guiding and instruction with an in-depth knowledge and perspective of Japan’s out-of-the-way places.
Gareth, John & Dylan in Furano, Hokkaido september 2023
“Bicycling on Shikoku was exhilarating. The combination of spectacular riding, out of the ordinary accommodations, wonderfully authentic, delicious and healthy food, and fascinating fellow riders was beyond compare. It was the team, however, that made the trip epic. I experienced Japan in a way that I never would on my own.”
Rika & Gareth at the Air Furano Lodge, Hokkaido
“I expected the tour to be mostly a bike trip, but ended up experiencing so much more. I got all the riding I had wished for, but that ended up being only a quarter of the trip. So what made up the remaining 75%? The food experience was another 25%, learning and experiencing Japanese culture another 25% and the last 25% was being with a truly exceptional crew – both staff and guests. A wonderful Epic that I couldn’t fault in any way, and would recommend 100%.”
Meet the Team
Dylan Reynolds (Ride & Seek)
Dylan has been designing and running bike tours since 1997, and this experience provided the bedrock behind the creation of Ride & Seek and his work with Cycle Japan. Family bike tours were the original inspiration, though, with the 1988 Land End to John O'Groats trip his first 'Epic'.
Ben Weigl (Ride & Seek GM)
Ben was born in Japan and spent his first few years there. His work on the Samurai Collection has combined his passion for Japan with a tour design skill set honed around the globe. A traveller to the core, he calls Adelaide home but is rarely there these days. Ben is the tour specialist for the Samurai Collection and, as such has rediscovered his roots in Japan.
Yuko Kai - Guide
Yuko was born and raised in the countryside of Hiroshima, and would cycle the 20km round trip to school every day. Yuko now lives in Provence, France with Mont Ventoux as one of her local climbs. Passionate about food, she is a professional chef and runs her own Japanese restaurant in Saint-Didier. Guiding with us on our Japanese Tours is the perfect excuse to get on the bike, return to her roots, and enjoy fantastic food on the way!
Ikki Yoshida - Guide
Ikki started his cycling career on the gravel roads around his childhood home. He is now an indispensable part of the Cycle Japan team. A keen foodie, he can be found scouting out restaurants, and finding interesting new things to add to the picnics. His favourite gastronomix experience on tour is the seared Bonito (in the same family as Tuna and Mackerel) near the most southern point of Shikoku Island.
“What a Great Experience: riding the countryside, coastline, mountains, bridges, cities and villages with a group of people who became friends during this epic tour. The food and accommodation will never be forgotten, nor will the “can do” attitude of Ben, Remi and Ikki. If you get the chance to ride this one – DO IT!”
Gareth Evans (Air Furano)
Gareth is the co-owner of the Air Furano Lodge with his wife, Rika, in the region of Hokkaido. His passion for cycling has manifested itself in a series of long-distance bike tours around the world. All roads have led back to Japan, though, which he has called home for the better part of 20 years.
Rika Evans (Air Furano)
Made in Hokkaido is an apt label for Rika’s. Despite living in Europe, travelling and cycling extensively in Latin America and Africa, Hokkaido is Rika’s true home. If she’s not on two wheels, you’ll likely find Rika up a mountain trail or putting her creative skills to good use. However, undoubtedly, her greatest creation to date is AIR Furano.
Kaori Matsumoto - Guide
Kaori was born in Chiba, Japan. In her twenties she moved to New Zealand’s Wairarapa region and Wellington to enjoy a different lifestyle. On her return, Kaori settled in Hokkaido. A lover of nature, who never says no to a new challenge. Her thirst for life is infectious! When not working or on a bike, Kaori loves enjoying a glass of wine, cheese and chocolate! Having worked for John since 2018 Kaori is a key member of the team as the business moves into a new phase. Kaori’s motivation is meeting happy and excited cyclists!
Rémi Joly - Guide
Originally from France, Rémi is now happily settled in Hokkaido. He has extensive cycling and guiding experience, but is not too proud to admit he much prefers the downhill to the climbs, his favourite being an amazing downhill on the Shikoku Tour - “A 20km descent with barely a pedal stroke. I like that!”.