Hello! This is Asumi Ueno.
I have been put in charge of the food section for this Hokkaido RIDEALIVE report blog.
I love baking and, first and foremost, I love to eat.
I’d like to share what I noticed, felt, challenged, and was moved by through food during this trip, with both the participants and everyone who cheered us on from afar.
Come on, let’s warp together to Hokkaido on August 25th and 26th!
GIRLSRIDEALIVE Day 1, 8:00 PM. "A Night in Niseko"
"Cottage Bongo Hiroba"
Located in Niseko Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido, the area is surrounded by tranquil meadows and dent corn fields, with the Niseko volcanic group and Mount Yotei in the distance.
Nestled within the peaceful woods of Niseko is Cottage Bongo Hiroba.
Warm light and laughter spill out from the largest log cabin on the grounds, a cottage built using Douglas fir, a North American pine. There are 19 bicycles parked around the cottage.
Even as we were hit by a typhoon—a rare occurrence in Hokkaido—why was the atmosphere that night so joyful?
Peering inside...
On a large, magnificent single-board wooden table sat a spread of delicious food.
There was Genghis Khan (lamb barbecue) grilled on a special mountain-shaped iron plate with heaps of bean sprouts, enjoyed with plenty of "Bell" dipping sauce.
(Apparently, Hokkaido locals are divided into "Team Bell" and "Team Sorachi" when it comes to their sauce!)
Next to it, a large earthenware pot was filled with the Hokkaido local specialty, Ishikari-nabe (salmon hot pot). It was bubbling away with generous chunks of salmon, vegetables, and tofu made from Mount Yotei’s spring water.
And, of course, glossy rice balls made with rice gifted by a Hokkaido farmer.
While it looked like a quintessential Hokkaido dinner, there was one hidden surprise: Simmered daikon radish—served with "Tsukete Miso Kakete Miso."
We brought along this local Aichi flavor—which every household in the prefecture owns—to share the rich miso taste with everyone in Hokkaido!
And so, the self-introduction time began.
Despite being strangers, everyone was warm and smiling, sharing candid stories and thoughts.
I suspect this gentle, relaxed time flowed because we were all gathered around one table, eating delicious food together.
We had originally planned a BBQ under the stars, but maybe having an indoor meal due to the typhoon was for the best.
Eating good food together has the power to loosen and melt people's hearts. It creates bonds, warmth, and friendship.
That was what I witnessed on the first night of GIRLSRIDEALIVE.
Now, before we get to this wonderful night in Niseko, what kind of culinary journey did these 19 girls take?
RIDEALIVE Day 1: "The Ultimate Energy Cake"
First, we stopped for a morning cup at "SPROUT," a coffee stand right near Kutchan Station.
I visited SPROUT during a pre-scouting trip to Kutchan in July. It’s run by the Toge couple—the husband has such a calm demeanor, and the wife has a wonderful, bright smile.
As we chatted, we discovered connections in various places. When they heard about our project, they said, "Please let us support you!" and prepared drip bags as souvenirs for us.
After refreshing our minds and bodies with delicious coffee, it was finally time to go! The group ride began.
At the 11km mark, where we stopped for a break, everyone was snacking on something. It looked like a small cake, or maybe a bar...?
That was the supplemental food I made for the trip—not an energy bar, but an energy cake!
While I usually bake treats for the shop, I took this RIDEALIVE as an opportunity to try my hand at making snacks for riders.
Here it is!
【Dundee Cake】
I adapted this traditional British cake, packed with dried fruit, into a snack for riders.
My goals for these snacks were:
・No added sugar
・Easy-to-eat texture (not too dry, not too sticky)
・Simply delicious
・Looks like a cake
I spent days in trial and error to get it right. I consulted with one of our ambassadors, Ai-chan from BIOLIFE LAB, who specializes in making energy bars. She taught me about suitable ingredients and their characteristics, and provided plenty of advice as I prototyped, eventually helping me complete the recipe.
Instead of sugar, I used an apple reduction and honey. I packed it with colorful dried fruits and nuts to create a natural sweetness and moist texture. I even used nutrient-rich dates and prunes—which are a major product of Hokkaido. With a hint of coconut milk, vinegar, and cacao nibs to boost concentration during activity, it has a delicious, fragrant, chocolate-chip-like flavor.
I wanted to convey my wish for everyone to ride through with a smile, and I truly believe in the power of "delicious" food when things get tough or tiring. I believe snacks can offer that kind of support.
Though I made them with that thought in mind, everyone’s smiles and words became my own energy! It was a moment where I felt the true potential of ride snacks!
After another 11 kilometers, we reached the next break spot. This was a tofu shop known for tofu made from Mount Yotei's "famous water." They offered an all-you-can-taste buffet of dozens of types of tofu, side dishes, and "okara" (soy pulp) treats. An interesting pit stop where you could refuel with more than just water! We actually sourced the tofu and fried tofu for that day's Ishikari-nabe here!
After that, we pedaled as hard as we could to make it before last order at our goal for the day: lunch at "PRATIVO," located within the Niseko Milk Factory.
We enjoyed a buffet-style meal featuring main dishes and deli items made with fresh Hokkaido vegetables.
From the Milk Factory to Bongo Hiroba is just a stone's throw away by bike. It was after this journey that we all welcomed that first night.
GIRLS RIDEALIVE Day 2: "BIOLIFE LAB, Ai Nakajima"
The aroma of coffee drifted gently from the cottage kitchen. This morning’s coffee was carefully hand-dripped by Nami-san and Miyuki-san using SPROUT's coffee beans.
Ah, such a great scent.
Today was the highlight of the RIDEALIVE route: the Niseko Panorama Line!
Before a big challenge like this, you know what they say: "An army marches on its stomach." Breakfast for the girls was prepared by our ambassador, Ai Nakajima of BIOLIFE LAB.
She is one of the women I respect most. Based here in Hokkaido, Ai-san is an outdoor food consultant who teaches "eating" with a motto of "a life and diet close to nature." Her work involves creating action food, snacks, energy bars, and treats that are kind to the body for when we play outdoors.
I first met Ai-san at the Ridin’ Birds event presented by SimWorks in Izu last year. At the time, she wasn't riding yet and supported us as a volunteer staff member.
Ai-san's lifestyle, her approach to food, the future, work, and her personal sensibilities are all so charming and relatable that I instantly became one of her biggest fans.
I had been hoping we could work together someday, so I was incredibly happy to have her as an ambassador, and that we could make snacks and handle breakfast together.
Furthermore, Ai-san, who built a new bike this summer, participated as a rider this time. Talking about all sorts of sweets with her across the vast land of Hokkaido was a dream-like experience.
Here is the breakfast this powerful, charming woman prepared for us!
【BIOLIFE LAB’s BREAKFAST PLATE for RIDEALIVE】
・Niseko Vegetable Salad with Gooseberry Jam Dressing
・Cape Gooseberries
・Kale Chips with Olive Oil and Spices
・Spelt Flour Plain Scones
・Soy Yogurt
・BROWN GRANOLA — Good morning & Cacao —
Aya-chan and I couldn't stop eating—before we knew it, we had eaten three scones each...
For the girls about to face a challenge, that first breakfast of the day felt truly special.
Ai-san’s heart and the warmth of her handiwork, along with the natural flavors of the Niseko ingredients, were kind to our bodies but seeped in deep, surely creating the energy we needed.
Ai-san regularly makes vegan treats that are kind to the planet as well as the body. Naturally, that morning's breakfast was vegan, too.
Ai-san says:
"I used to think, 'No way, vegan food isn't tasty.' Now, I want people to know that even vegan food can be this delicious! If food that is kind to your body and the earth is also delicious, then non-vegans can enjoy it, and vegans are happy too, right?"
At 6:00 AM, the 19 girls set off on their 20-kilometer challenge to the Niseko Panorama Line!
What kind of road did it turn out to be...? Well, there were plenty of dramas and funny incidents, but since our ride captain, Aya-chan, has written about that (the scene of the action) in detail in the ride report, please check that out!
And finally!
All 19 finished the ride!!
We reached the top near Shinsen-numa Marsh. It was filled with smiles and tears, cheers and hugs.
After finishing such a ride, you need to replenish that spent energy, right? The snacks for Day 2 were Ai-san's energy bars! She gave everyone BIOLIFE LAB's signature URU BAR and VEGETUS BAR!
Made with kind-to-the-body, nutrient-dense ingredients, they’re designed to be easy to eat even with a dry mouth after activity.
The packaging is cute, too. It’s designed so you can peel back the foil just like a banana—compact and low-waste!
And above all, they are delicious！！！！
A snack after a hard effort is truly special.
GIRLSRIDEALIVE Final Day, 7:00 PM.
"What Awaited Us at the After-Party"
After speeding back down the Niseko Panorama Line and riding 20 kilometers along the coast from Yoichi Station, the girls arrived at their final destination: Otaru.
Famous as a tourist destination, even those of us from Honshu have heard the name "Otaru, Hokkaido" many times.
But why Otaru? Because that was the place where we absolutely had to have our final toast.
This PRESS CAFE apparently started as a garage café dealing in classic cars in a residential neighborhood called Tsukisamu in Sapporo. Wait, Tsukisamu...?
Yes, our ambassadors, Sam's Bike, a bicycle shop in Sapporo, are also in Tsukisamu. They are neighbors who have shared a long and wonderful relationship.
That's why we just had to hold our final party here! We asked the owner of PRESS CAFE, Inaba-san, to host our after-party, and he kindly accepted.
Having finished the final ride, the girls were famished and thirsty. As they stepped into the café, their eyes lit up, which made us so happy. Wait, there are already so many people inside...!
Those people were locals from Sapporo and Otaru who had been watching over and cheering on our RIDEALIVE the whole time! Since we had limited participation to women, many men who couldn't participate, and women who couldn't make it to the ride, rushed over saying, "Even if it's just for the after-party, I had to come!"
How incredibly heart-warming. People who learned about our challenge, cheered for us, and watched over us. Coming to see us at the end—I was just moved to tears by the kindness of the people of Hokkaido.
"Everyone! Thank you so, so much for the last two days!
CHEERRRRRRRRRRRS！！！！！！！！"
The moment our drinks were raised high and smiles erupted. A wave of various emotions and memories washed over me. It felt like a dream—unbelievable that we were here toasting together in this moment. But everyone’s smiles made me realize it was all real.
And here is the food lined up on the long table:
【PRESS CAFE’S AFTERPARTY MENU】
・Fresh Vegetable Salad and Original Potato Salad
・Garlic Toast with Master’s Homemade Pumpkin Dip
・North Indian Style Soup Curry
・4 Kinds of Spaghetti, Including the Very Popular "Carbolo"
As we gathered around the owner’s cooking, everyone was chatting happily over drinks, and a wonderful, inclusive atmosphere had formed.
"Okay, everyone, ATTENTION PLEASE!
Circles team, gather ‘round!!"
With a shout from Nami-san of Sam's Bike.
Pushed forward, I was handed a plate and told, "Here, today’s dessert!!"
"Thank you, Circls"
(The slight misspelling is part of the charm!)
A surprise message from Nami-san, the Hokkaido team, and PRESS CAFE. Applause and smiles from everyone around us.
That’s not fair, Nami-san. You were right there with us preparing it all, too...! Nami-san said to us, "Thank you so much." My eyes filled with tears, and I wiped them away frantically. As for Miyuki-san next to me, the tears were running down her cheeks non-stop.
I’m so glad we held the after-party in this place with its ties to Sam's Bike. Otherwise, we wouldn't have had so many people—men and women alike—gathering, smiles erupting, tears falling, and a moment where everyone could feel such warmth. That atmosphere wouldn't have been created.
It was a truly, truly wonderful after-party, one that radiated the kindness and character of Nami-san and the owner.
"Food"
Though GIRLSRIDEALIVE in Hokkaido has come to a close, those two days made me feel, once again, just how strong the power and potential of food is.
If the food is good, riding becomes many times more fun. It doesn't matter if there's a typhoon or if the road is steep. At any time, what you find there and what you aim for is everything!
Cooking is memory.
Meals shared together melt away tension and bring people closer.
Food packed with the maker’s care seeps gently into our bodies and makes those moments even more fun and happy.
The final meal, which concluded our two days of challenges, transcended gender, background, and environment, gathering so many people, creating connections, and filling the space with smiles.
Truly, "delicious" is the best!
TODAY’S RIDER
ASUMI【EARLYBIRDS BREAKFAST】
-BIKE SPECS-
| Frame | AllCity | space horse | |
| HeadSet | ChrisKing | Pewter | |
| Bar Tape | Serfas | WOVEN BAR TAPE | |
| Tire | SimWorks | Volumy | |
| Bottle | SimWorks | Primitive Adventure | |
| Front Bag | Outer Shell Adventure | Drawcord Handlebar Bag |
-WEAR SPECS-
| Pants | Yamatomichi | 5-Pocket Shorts |
| Cap | Yamatomichi | Stretch Mesh Cap |
TEXT by Asumi Ueno ／ PHOTO by Eri Tanaka