Fuyu (Winter) Bike Ride
Join us for the Annual Fuyu Bike Ride, an afternoon of history, reflection, and community movement that honours the resilience of Japanese Canadians in Southern Alberta, past and present.
Event Schedule
2:00 PM – Check-in & WelcomeBunka Centre
2:05-2:15 – The Story of Rev. Jun Kabayama Video (7 mins) Learn the origin of the Fuyu Bike Ride through the story of Rev. Jun Kabayama, recounted by his step-son and resident storyteller Tad Mitsui.
2:15–2:45 PM – History Presentation with City Councillor. Belinda Crowson“Southern Alberta’s Early Cycling History.” Whether as a sport or a form of transportation, bicycles have been a part of southern Alberta for the past 130+ years. The presentation will share stories from a wide range of bicycle users, from public health nurses to telegram boys, and from racers to sightseers. Bunka Centre – Large Room
About Belinda: Belinda Crowson is a local historian, tour guide and author and works to research and share the stories of southern Alberta. She also sits as a member of the Lethbridge City Council.
2:45 – 3:00 PM: Short Film Courtesy of NFB (National Film Board of Canada) (20 min) “Of Japanese Descent” Film Bio: 194521 min Film: Documentary. Co-produced by the NFB and Vancouver Motion Pictures Limited for the Canadian Department of Labour. The film shows Japanese relocation centers in central British Columbia.
3:00–4:00 PM – Group Bike Ride Around Henderson LakeOpen to participants of all ages and abilities, including community members, volunteers, and Lethbridge Police Service officers.
Why We Do This!
In the 1940s, Japanese Canadians were forcibly relocated to Southern Alberta and stripped of nearly all personal property, including vehicles. Bicycles became a primary means of transportation, allowing people to travel long distances for work, groceries, and community support—often in extreme winter conditions.
Some community leaders travelled daily between surrounding towns and Lethbridge, cycling long distances even in temperatures below –20°C, to provide spiritual guidance and maintain community ties.
The Fuyu Bike Ride honours this history by raising awareness of the hardships faced by Japanese Canadians while celebrating their resilience, perseverance, and lasting contributions to the region.
On-site donations will be accepted in support of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, helping sustain its mission to share Japanese Canadian history through garden architecture, cultural programming, and the natural environment of Southern Alberta.
What’s Included
Warm soup (miso or corn)
A warm drink or bottled water
Koko’s Onigiri rice balls (salmon) gluten-free
One courtesy admission ticket to Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden(valid until August 31, 2026)
Food will be available at the Bunka Centre Café after the ride only for registered participants.
BikeLane will also be available onsite for a quick bike inspection prior to the ride.
Evening Lecture with Dr. Ken Ito
6:00–7:00 PM“Westerners Look at the Trees While Easterners Look at the Forest”Bunka Centre – Large Room
Reserve your seat here: https://www.showpass.com/dr-ken-ito-presentation/
This talk explores cultural differences in how people from Eastern and Western cultures perceive the world, with examples from art, city planning, facial perception, and design.
On-site donations will be accepted in support of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, helping share Japanese Canadian history through cultural programming and the natural landscape of Southern Alberta.
Whether you ride, listen, or simply show up, the Annual Fuyu Bike Ride is a meaningful way to learn, reflect, and move together. 🚲
Supported by:
About Bikelane:
BikeLane is a Local Lethbridge company focused on personal transportation and micro mobility, primarily Electric and Analog Bicycles. They offer a wide range of services as well as parts and accessories to go with curated bicycle offerings. They specialize in E-bikes, can service any component on your bike, offer a mobile repair service, and support many corporate clients in southern Alberta. Over the winter, BikeLane offers repair classes in addition to our normal services. Check their website for the next class on Thursdays at 6 pm.
@bikelaneyql for Facebook and Instagram
Website: www.bikelane.ca