May 2023 - Ryuhei Nukaga

Fast Facts About Ryuhei:

From Tokyo, Japan
Riding around the world
Currently in Pakistan

You are “Riding The Globe”. Tell us about that.

That is my title of this journey and represents my dream.

Why did you decide to do it?

Just because the life is once. I wanted to see the world directly with my eyes and touch with the culture and people via riding my bike.

When did you start?

It has been almost 11 months since I left Japan.

Where are you currently (May 2023)?

The north of Pakistan.

What is your route?

I shipped my bike from Japan to Dubai, UAE. Then Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, and now Pakistan. After Pakistan, I will head to China via Khunjerab Pass. And will get through China then go to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and if I will be able to get inside of Russia, go up around the Caspian Sea and visit Caucasus countries, Turkey and Europe. After Euro, Africa and after Africa, finally South and North America. Actually, I don't decide the exact route.

Have you ever been to the U.S.?

Yes, I have when I was a little boy with my family. And I love to visit U.S. in this journey.

When and where do you plan on arriving in the Western Hemisphere? (somewhere in South America? Canada? USA?)

As I mentioned, I want to visit South America, U.S., and Canada as well. But I don't know when I can reach to there and also don't know if my money will last.

How did you pack/what did you take with you?

Camping equipment, electric devices, clothes, spare parts, and tools. I mostly use Touratech's carrier system and Giant Loop's luggage.

Any interesting stories to share from your Riding the Globe?

There were a lot of interesting stories actually. One of them is a crash in Rub' al khali desert, Saudi Arabia. When I was riding there, it was almost 50℃ and I was hazy...I could not notice a big burst tire on the road and suddenly I turned the handle. Then crashed into the desert.

Fortunately, my injury was only some scratches but the bike was half-filled in the soft sand. Also, fortunately, a rolly came and the driver stopped to come to me and helped me.

We recovered the bike to the paved road and did some emergency fixes. The engine was fine so I rode to Doha, Qatar with a distorted handle In Doha, I left my bike at the Yamaha factory.

Do you commute to work by motorcycle?

Yes, When I was working in Japan, I commuted to work by motorcycle. It is much faster and comfortable than the metro. You know, Japanese Metro's crowding is awful.

Why do you like motorcycling?

Because it is almost like wings for me. Whenever I want, a motorcycle will take me to the place wherever I want. Motorcycles can be our true partners of the journey I think. Cars are sometimes too much big and bicycles are sometimes too weak to get through the tough roads.

How did you first learn about Aerostich?

I was searching for the best jacket for my travel and finally reached your HP [Home Page].

Favorite Aerostich gear?

Darien Jacket and Triple Digit Glove Covers.