Introducing: Lisa Okawa
- Lisa Okawa
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
Where are you from: Tokyo, Japan
Where do you live: London
Are you part of a club/team: Brixton Cycles Club
Tell us about yourself
I started cycling at 21 after a friend convinced me to ride 650km from Leeds to Paris. Within a few months, I’d bought a vintage 1970s Peugeot with downtube shifters, learnt to ride, and completed the challenge. After spending many years mostly commuting, I rediscovered my passion for cycling in 2020 and began exploring different disciplines. Now, you’ll catch me doing laps at Regent’s Park or hill reps near Crystal Palace, tackling gravel routes, track cycling, multi-day bikepacking, audax (long-distance) rides and even a taster in BMX.
What do you love about cycling?
For me, cycling is about adventure, connection and resilience. Exploring less-travelled routes around the UK, cruising upon cosy cafes or pubs, and feeling that sense of freedom on multi-day trips with friends. Group rides have shown me how compassionate and generous people can be, and the bonds you form on the road are quite unique. Cycling has also helped build my resilience; we’ve all had that ride where nothing goes right, but we keep going and come out stronger for it.
What barriers have you faced in cycling?
The biggest barrier has been the cost, as cycling can be expensive. When I first started, I took part in many sportives and cycling tours, but that was not sustainable for me in the long run. Over time, I found more affordable approaches, such as planning my own trips with friends, checking out sample sales or kit swaps, and using second hand platforms like Vinted. You only really need a few reliable staples, rather than chasing every new release.
Why were you interested in contributing?
I work in sport and have seen first-hand how important representation is. The more people there are who look or share your background, the more welcome you feel in a community. I hope my story encourages more women to get involved and feel comfortable on the road. London’s cycling scene is huge, but it’s also filled with wonderful, supportive people, so there are plenty of opportunities to make genuine and lasting connections.
Your fondest memory on the bike
I have so many, but one that stands out is cycling in the Alps with friends and watching a stage of the Tour de France. I remember being awestruck by the scenery, sharing plenty of laughs, and feeling incredibly grateful for the entire experience. Realising I was actually fit enough to climb mountains “for fun” felt like a massive achievement. It reminded me that, with a bit of determination and consistency, you can push yourself to places you did not think you could reach.
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