A man from South Korea is currently cycling across North America, starting from British Columbia and heading towards Montreal, with the support of generous Canadians. Seongmin Ji, donned in black attire and a navy blue touque, may seem like an ordinary cyclist navigating the Sea to Sky Highway from Whistler to Vancouver. However, his bicycle is uniquely adorned with license plates from various locations such as Alaska, Utah, Guatemala, and B.C., secured using bungee cords.
At 28 years old, Ji has already completed cycling routes along the entire west coast of South America, Central America, and North America. His current goal is to cover over 5,000 kilometers in two months, aiming to reach Montreal.
Ji embarked on his journey from Ushuaia, Argentina, and pedaled all the way to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. From there, he hitchhiked to Kitwanga, B.C., north of Terrace, and subsequently cycled down to Squamish, planning his next route towards Washington.
Upon arriving in Canada, Ji has been relying on the hospitality of strangers who have welcomed him into their homes. He utilizes “Warm Showers,” an online platform connecting touring cyclists with local hosts, to find accommodation along his route. Reflecting on his experiences, Ji expressed his admiration for the kindness of British Columbians, highlighting their friendliness, engaging conversations, and the beauty of nature and water resources.
During his stay in Smithers, B.C., Ji was hosted by Rory Luxmoore and his family, forming a lasting impression on Luxmoore. Luxmoore commended Ji for his maturity, passion, humility, and peaceful demeanor, despite his remarkable achievements.
Ji, inspired by the warm reception he received, joined a group of local cyclists in Smithers for a ride, integrating himself into the community. Fueling his journey with podcasts and peanut butter sandwiches daily for almost a year, Ji draws strength from the support he has received and the legacy of Canadian hero Terry Fox.
Looking forward, Ji envisions running across South Korea for a cancer charity upon his return, aiming to pay it forward and inspire others as he continues his cycling adventure across North America.