Inspired, Rejuvenated and a happy camper

It's been a while since I've posted - but never fear - the adventures are a streamin!

When Thomas and Yumi swung past Sydney over Easter, they were talking about  a cycling adventure from Cape Soya, the Northern most tip of Japan to Cape Sata, the Southern most tip of Japan, and they invited me along for the beginning of their trip. They wanted to give themselves a physical challenge, and whilst at it, raise money for ADVANCE - a not-for-profit in London supporting women and children experiencing Domestic Violence.

So, a few months later, Thomas, Yumi and I embarked on an adventure around Hokkaido in Japan. We left Tokyo to catch a ferry at Oarai which would drop us off at Tomakomai.

From Tomakomai we caught a train to Wakkanai where the real adventure started. We made it to Soya, the northern most point in Japan.

I loved that in Japan, it doesn't matter what you ride, it's that you get out into your world and explore it with both hands open. The owner of this scooter had his bike so ladden with  camp gear and every comfort you'd ever want.

I also loved that the Japanese were more than happy for us to stay in bus shelters, or rest areas / parks along the way. They were more concerned that we were able to have a safe night's sleep, than where we slept. 

Here, a little bus shelter gave us some reprive from rain and cold wind:

The landscape was absolutely gorgeous and Thomas and Yumi were  awesome company. (as always). Yumi was a major star - not having ridden a bicycle that much before this trip, she just powered on - never giving up!

People were so active I was really impressed. We passed a 1,000 km run / biking event; and these crazy kids doing a 100 km marathon.

We went through lake districts, climbed a 13 km ascent to 644 m above sea level and this was our reward:

That night we rewarded ourselves, by chance, with the most incredible camp site. Not only did they had an onsen, but this was the view I woke up to from my tent:

Just short of 1,000 kms we were in Sapporo. Thomas and Yumi had plenty of time to hit the 1,000 km and I had one last opportunity. A trip between Sapporo and Chitose airport where I'd head off to Tokyo. This was our farewell photo:

And I made it. 42 kms before 9am I made it into Chitose Airport. Packed my bike and bags, and came home to Syd-en-ney...

MAJOR thanks to Iwao, and the Ikeda family who hosted us in Tokyo and Sapporo, and my travel companions, Thomas and Yumi.

If you'd like to sponsor Thomas and Yumi as they fundraise for ADVANCE - supporting women and children suffering domestic violence - donate here!