ABOUT US

Gareth’s passion for cycling manifested itself with worldwide tours, notably in Latin America and Africa, as well as all over Japan. He also has multiple triathlons and many full marathons under his belt.

Despite loving worldwide travel, all roads have led back to Japan, which he has called home for almost 20 years. He is excited to share his knowledge and love of his adopted country.
His favourite bikes are made by the New Zealand Pryde Family, Neil Pryde and Chapter 2.

The local Tokachidake Hill climb never tires; interestingly its length and elevation are almost identical to Alpe d'Huez in France…C’est bizarre!

Made in Hokkaido is an apt label for Rika. Despite living in Europe,  travelling and cycling extensively in Latin America and Africa, Hokkaido is her 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, our newly-built pension hotel, where she rustles up fantastic breakfasts and keeps the guests satisfied. A trained nurse who can look after anything from a grazed knee to more serious injuries, her medical knowledge is vast.  Most recently, she also has a license to teach Japanese koto.

Living in Japan for more than half of her life, the majority in Asahikawa, gives Gabby a deep knowledge of all things Hokkaido.

She loves the outdoors, camping, onsen, bbqs, and goes by the mantra 'why walk when you can cycle?', but avoids hills wherever possible.

She has mastered the art of dressing herself and others in kimono and enjoys going to Japanese tea ceremony but feels nothing can beat that morning cuppa.An English teacher by trade, she is relishing this opportunity to widen her office skills, and being almost as chatty as Gareth, loving the interaction with guests!

Hailing from Tunisia, a country with Santorini-like beaches, Roman-style ruins, and both warm and snowy weather, Rihem brings a unique global perspective to Air Bike Tours. As the team’s technical wizard, she loves making work smoother, faster, and easier for everyone.

Japan has always been on her bucket list, and working with a Japan-based company brings her one step closer to experiencing cherry blossoms in full bloom.When not optimizing workflows, you’ll likely find her planning her next adventure—maybe to Korea—or embracing her inner night owl. And when she finally makes it to Japan? Mochi is at the top of her must-try list!

Growing up in the Pyrenees, Albert has been passionate about mountain sports—especially cycling—for as long as he can remember. He has worked in England, Ireland, and Germany before eventually finding his way to Japan.

These experiences have shaped his perspective and led him to specialize as an all-season mountain and bicycle guide.  Whether he’s working with guests or on his own time, you’ll usually find him outside exploring new trails or practicing a sport. He’s simply at his best when he’s out there!

Having always loved travelling by bike, that passion eventually led to racing. Before he knew it, he was competing as part of the Japan National Team, traveling around the world for competitions.  After retiring as a racer, Yuichi started running a bike shop, honing his skills as a mechanic while keeping his love for bike trips alive.

Discovering new adventures and experiences through cycling is what makes him happiest, and he is always looking forward to sharing the joy of cycling with more people.  There’s nothing he doesn’t know about bike maintenance and he’ll keep those chains and gears running smoothly for you!

His love for hills dates back to his university days when he bought his first mountain bike and would often cycle to the mountain-top campus.

Born in Canada and being half Dutch, cycling is in his blood, but he’s lived in Japan for more than half of his life, riding his first solo tour here about 30 years ago.

Mark also likes to compete in triathlons, but he hasn't forgotten his cycling roots, and he’s increasingly riding mixed terrain on his gravel bike. His favourite thing is a long ride through the hills of Japan's countryside, ending with a soak in an onsen bath.

Tokyo girl Kazue's inspiration for cycling came as she was running one day; as she already swam, cycling seemed the next step, many of her friends loving triathlon. She enjoys the freedom that comes with cycling and particularly likes how the scenery changes with each season.

Her super power is travelling at warp speed along any downhill section on her current bike, a Khodaa-bloom. Never satisfied, she is always trying out new things...her latest purchase is a Cannondale gravel bike, perfect for the Japanese off-road trails. Although she’s an avid traveller, having visited over 20 countries, she wants to visit Spain and the Netherlands for cycling reasons next. Her favourite Japanese food is sushi.

Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Key currently resides in Furano and is a keen photographer who travels around the world with a camera. He focuses on skiing and snowboarding, and is primarily active in the Daisetsuzan and Tokachidake areas. One of his main projects is the ongoing photo book series "A Journey to Ski the Earth," created in collaboration with skier Takeshi Kodama. The latest issue, No. 10 "South America," is scheduled for release in the fall of 2025.

A self-professed workaholic, Key is a photographer specializing in professional snowboarding and wedding shots. When he has time off, he loves to travel.

Kevin brings over 10 years of experience as a professional bicycle technician, specializing in high-end bikes and custom builds.

A passionate cycle tourer, he recently completed a solo ride around Taiwan on a steel touring bike he built himself.

Combining expert mechanical knowledge with a love for adventure, Kevin is dedicated to helping every Air Bike Tours guest enjoy a safe, smooth, and unforgettable cycling experience.