A man from South Korea is cycling across North America, starting from British Columbia and heading towards Montreal, with the support of Canadians he meets along the way.
Seongmin Ji, wearing all black with a navy blue toque, may seem like an ordinary cyclist on the Sea to Sky Highway from Whistler to Vancouver, but his bike stands out. Using bungee cords, he has attached license plates from various places like Alaska, Utah, Guatemala, and B.C. to his bicycle, each with a story behind it.
Having already cycled the west coast of South America, Central America, and North America at the age of 28, Ji is now aiming to cover over 5,000 kilometers to reach Montreal in a two-month span. He mentions that this journey is not just for fun but also to explore his own limits and inspire others.
Starting from Ushuaia, Argentina, Ji cycled to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, then hitchhiked to Kitwanga, B.C., and continued his journey down to Squamish before heading towards Washington. Despite minimal training, Ji embarked on this cycling adventure, relying on his determination.
During his time in Canada, Ji has been grateful for the kindness of strangers who have welcomed him into their homes. Utilizing the Warm Showers platform, which connects touring cyclists with locals, Ji has found shelter, showers, and laundry facilities offered by generous Canadians.
In Smithers, B.C., Rory Luxmoore hosted Ji and his family for two nights, impressed by Ji’s maturity and passion at such a young age. Luxmoore commended Ji’s humble and peaceful demeanor despite his remarkable accomplishments.
Ji also had the opportunity to join a local cycling group in Smithers, becoming part of the community during his travels. Inspired by the warm reception in B.C., Ji expressed his admiration for the love of bicycles, particularly mountain bikes, in the region.
Throughout his journey, Ji has relied on podcasts and peanut-butter sandwiches for sustenance, fueling his determination for almost a year. Whenever faced with challenges, Ji draws strength from the memories of those who have supported him and finds inspiration from Canadian icon Terry Fox.
Reflecting on his experiences, Ji aims to give back by running across South Korea for cancer charity upon his return. His journey serves as a testament to the generosity and support he has received from strangers turned friends along the way.