fbpx
    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
    • Summer
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        mead brewing in japan

        The Sweet Secrets of Brewing Mead

        Wander into the world of mead brewing and find yourself immersed in a fascinating journey spanning centuries and continents.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
        sea to table yamagata

        Sea to Table in Yamagata

        An unforgettable way to intimately explore the Shonai Region in Yamagata is a culinary experience bringing bounty of the sea straight to your table.
    • Autumn
    • Winter
    • Near Tokyo
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Near Kyoto
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • River and Lake
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Snow and Ice
      • climbing mt. fuji off season

        Mt. Fuji: The Path Less Traveled

        Fuji-san is the most climbed mountain in the world. If you are in good shape, there is a way to avoid the traffic for a more peaceful Mt. Fuji experience during the off-season.
    • Travel
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
    • Food and Drinks
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
    • Races and Events
      • dd4d brewing

        DD4D Brewing

        In nearly e...
        fuji rock japan

        2023 Summer Music Festivals

        Get into the groove this green season while enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends.
        Summer Events Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        2023 Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        Enjoy these fireworks festivals held throughout Japan this summer and autumn.

The Knights in White Lycra

Each year a ragtag group of cyclists take to the open road, heading to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails. Every collective crank of their bicycles helps transform the lives of neglected children through Mirai no Mori, a non-profit organization that creates life-changing outdoor programs for abused and orphaned children in Japan. It’s this commitment to making a difference that keeps these noble riders pushing toward their goal and 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of their first campaign.

the knights in white lycra

Many great adventures are planned in a pub. Most don’t see the light of day but the Knights in White Lycra (KIWL) are the exception. 

“A few friends and I gathered in a pub, thinking what we could do to get rid of our beer bellies,” laughs co-founder Rob Williams. That’s when cycling came to mind. “We bought bikes, and then thought, let’s do something good with these things.” 

“The tsunami devastation (from the Great Tohoku Earthquake in 2011) was still fresh in our minds and we wanted to help the communities up in Tohoku,” he adds. 

In 2013, they put a plan in motion and cycled 330 kilometers to Minamisoma, one of the coastal towns devastated by the disaster and raised ¥2.7 million for those placed in temporary accommodation. 

“I didn’t think I could ride 300 kilometers over three days and that feeling of accomplishment was amazing,” remembers Rob. “We then met the survivors of the tsunami and that really resonated with us.”

the knights in white lycra

Over a decade, the humble group of ten avid cyclists has grown to 45, an international group from all walks of life. 

“We have to cap it as the accommodation and support crew can only handle so much. Every year we have so many applicants—we’re booked out!” Rob marvels. “Cycling in Japan is fantastic—the roads are in great condition, drivers are generally courteous and the scenery is beautiful especially Matsushima Bay and Mt. Bandai.” 

2016 marked KIWL’s first ride for Mirai no Mori, which has ties with Iwate Prefecture thereby aligning with KIWL’s focus on Tohoku. This year for the first time one of the children who was formerly in care joined the annual KIWL ride. 

“She’s 21 now, and volunteers at Mirai no Mori summer camp as it made such an impact on her life,” says Rob. 

the knights in white lycra

KIWL’s major event is their annual 500-kilometer cycle spanning four days in Tohoku, usually in early June. In October, during cycling month, KIWL encourages individuals to ride 500 kilometers individually over the course of a month and track their progress through the Strava app. They also host KIWL Lite, which is half the distance and time from the annual ride. It’s held over a weekend and recommended for amateur riders getting into road cycling. Other events include pub quiz nights, running and walking challenges, golf days and futsal tournaments. This year alone, KIWL raised an impressive ¥14.7 million in just half a year, plus they’ve attracted more sponsors, riders and female riders than they’ve ever had. 

“It’s a great way to celebrate our 10th anniversary,” says Rob. 

Embracing the spirit of adventure and the power of community, the Knights continue to pedal with purpose, knowing that each mile brings joy, growth and endless possibilities to those who need it most.

the knights in white lycra
The Knights in White Lycra Co-Founder Rob Williams

[novo-map id=2 individual=”yes”]

Outdoor Japan logo tree

Related

Leave a reply

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest posts

Categories