The Knights Ride Noto!
In glorious May weather, 43 cyclists successfully completed a 4-day, 450km ride around the Noto Peninsula, while raising a record-breaking ¥17 million for the benefit of children living in care.
After departing Kanazawa, a particular highlight was the visit to Wajima, a town on the north coast devastated by the earthquake of January 2024. The route took riders through areas of collapsed buildings and the total obliteration of the town’s marketplace.
The official dinner in Wajima was attended by town Mayor Shigeru Sakaguchi, British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) President Richard Lyle, British Ambassador Julia Longbottom, plus other Knights in White Lycra (KIWL) riders and BCCJ members, symbolizing support for Wajima’s recovery and reinforcing the message to the town’s residents that Noto is not alone.
The following day, the riders and crew visited the local community center, where they played games with local children who enjoyed a feast of international snacks from the nine countries represented in the peloton. Some snacks went down better than others, but the kids enjoyed their time mixing with international people and experiencing new tastes. For a personal perspective on the motivation behind these rides, Phil Robertson’s story in “Why I Ride with the Knights in White Lycra” offers a heartfelt look at how the journey impacts both the riders and the children they support.
Before leaving Wajima, the team visited the local market and supported the economy by buying various gifts and products in support of the town’s recovery.
All in all, 2025 was one of the best and most memorable KIWL rides, with favorable weather, no serious accidents and the opportunity not only to raise funds for Mirai no Mori and their quest to support kids in care, but also to show support for Noto’s recovery.
What’s Next on the KIWL Calendar?
The organization is delighted to announce the premiere of KIWL’s 2025 video, to be shown on September 4 from 6:30pm at Footnik in Osaki, Tokyo. The ride in Noto was documented by KIWL’s official photographer Gordon Davis, with videography provided by the Wild Tame team led by Joseph Tame. Everyone is welcome to attend—riders, crew, sponsors and anyone who has an interest in KIWL and its future fundraising endeavours.
In October, KIWL will hold its annual KIWL 500-5000 virtual cycling challenge. Simply cycle 500km or more and / or climb more than 5,000 meters of elevation to be eligible for inclusion in the prize draw for wonderful hotel experiences, kindly donated by the IHG Hotel Group. You can ride solo or in groups, anywhere and at any time to suit. Just record your activities on Strava as proof! Strava is a popular fitness tracking app and social platform designed for cyclists, runners and other athletes.
In November, KIWL will offer a similar virtual challenge to runners who manage to run at least 50km.
Lastly, congratulations to KIWL founder Rob Williams, who was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to fundraising in Japan, in the King’s Birthday Honours List in June.
He said, “As a British person, I am exceptionally excited and honoured to be receiving such a prestigious award. I regard the medal as a collective recognition of all the efforts of those who have taken part in KIWL and have embodied the ‘get fit & give back’ philosophy which has raised ¥183 million for disaster relief and kids in care in Japan. On behalf of so many great people, I am delighted to accept this award.”
For a broader look at KIWL’s evolution from disaster relief to long-term child welfare support, Making a Difference—The Knights in White Lycra outlines the group’s growing impact through corporate partnerships and community engagement.
