Support

Support Vehicle

All our cycle tours have a full-time support vehicle. We use a variety of vehicles, from Toyota hi-ace vans as bike support to larger 22-seat coaster buses to transport riders. Which vehicle we will use is dependent on group numbers and location. For example, in Shikoku, we use only mini-vans as our groups are smaller, and the narrow roads make navigating with a trailer or larger vehicle a whole adventure in itself!

Our support vehicle has one very important role. That is, to support you on your ride. Within the constraint of each day's ride and the spread of cyclists, the vehicle will ensure that all luggage has been delivered to that night’s accommodation prior to the arrival of the first rider. This allows you to settle in at your pace and enjoy the delights of that night's inn. The vehicle sweeps the route regularly, keeping an eye on you and ensuring backup in the event of a breakdown or to provide snacks. The vehicle can also be used if you want a break on any of the big climbs, and each day during the ride briefing, specific climbs will be highlighted as vehicle-optional climbs.

Daily Briefing

Our tour leader will give you a  detailed breifing on each days ride. This is usually in the evening before dinner but sometimes this briefing will take place in the morning. You will receive detailed routing information for each day's riding, including GPS route data for those bringing their own GPS units.

Bike Mechanic 

Our guided tours are all accompanied by a skilled bicycle mechanic. They will help assemble your prize possession on arrival, repackage at the end of the ride and keep it going in between. This includes adjustments to gears, brakes and other issues you may encounter, as well as helping you with any flat tyres. Although on that point, the roads are mostly free of broken glass as the Japanese tend not to throw stuff out the windows of their cars, so flat tyres, although they do happen, are a rareity. 

Although our tour leaders can fix most bike problems, some modern electrical gearing systems are difficult to field service. Some other bike repairs may also require specialty equipment, which we may not carry. 

Transfers

For our guided tours on Honshu and Shikoku Islands, a shuttle or train with an accompanying guide is included from the airport hotel to the start of our ride. Train travel back to the gateway airport at the end of your tour, and transfers between consecutive tours on Honshu and Shikoku Islands are included.

On our guided Hokkaido ride, we meet you on arrival at the airport in eastern Hokkaido.

Please note that small groups and small private groups may have the option to use public transport organised, arranged and escorted by one of our bilingual leaders if it meets their requirements and budget.