Self-Guided Support Staff (Part-Time)

What to Expect

You’ll support guests from around the world throughout their self-guided cycling tours, both in person and remotely. This role involves driving bikes, luggage, and occasionally guests between locations; preparing tour materials; performing basic bike maintenance; and being on call in the areas guests are riding to respond to questions or emergencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up guests for self-guided tours at various locations (mainly Gunma, Tochigi and Nagano), including:
  • Fitting bikes and ensuring rider comfort
  • Explaining basic bike mechanics and troubleshooting
  • Introducing basic Japanese cultural norms and orienting guests at accommodations (e.g. ryokan)
• Be on call to assist guests with emergency pickups or bike maintenance issues
• Transport luggage between hotels and accommodations
• Respond to guest questions and support requests via WhatsApp

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bike mechanics: Comfortable with basic bike fitting and maintenance, including changing tires/tubes, adjusting brakes and shifting, swapping stems or pedals, and adjusting saddles and seat height
• Driving in Japan: Holds a valid Japanese driver’s license and is comfortable driving 1–3 hours at a time (occasionally totaling 4–6 hours on long days)
• Language skills:
  • Excellent English communication skills (all guests are English-speaking)
  • Basic Japanese ability (able to assist with hotel check-ins and provide basic interpretation at hotels or restaurants)
• Physical fitness: Able to lift 20–30 kg of luggage and load/unload a ~15 kg e-bike onto a car roof (requires lifting overhead)
• Independent work: Comfortable working alone, traveling between locations, and being on call for several days at a time

Personal Qualities That Suit This Role

• Flexible: Able to adapt quickly to changing plans, guest needs, and on-the-ground logistics.
• Reliable: Dependable and self-directed; your team can trust you to follow through without reminders.
• Calm problem solver: Remains level-headed in high-pressure situations and is comfortable making independent decisions when clear answers aren’t always available.
• Comfortable working alone: Confident operating independently for long stretches, managing your time, and being the primary point of contact for guests when needed.
• Responsive and communicative: Quick to respond to guest messages and team updates, and clear in your communication when issues arise.

Season & Availability

We operate two main cycling tour seasons each year—spring and fall—with a several-month off-season in between. Our self-guided tour schedule is variable, but ideally support staff are able to set up multiple tours per week and remain on call for 5–6 consecutive days in one to two remote locations.

• Spring season: Early March to mid-June (typically 30+ self-guided tours)
• Fall season: September to early December (typically 40+ self-guided tours)

Training & Support

What to Expect

We prioritize hands-on learning, supported by clear systems and an experienced team.

• Pre-tour training: New staff receive 1–2 days of preparation and training at our warehouse, covering role expectations and our systems for pre- and post-tour logistics, with time for questions.
• Trial Period 2 Set Ups: After initial training at our warehouse, we’ll have you join 2 set ups with an experienced SG staff so you can learn through hands-on experience. We’ll have you lead a small part of the set up so you can quickly know if the work feels like a good fit.
• Independent Training Period 3-10 Set Ups: After your trial, we’ll have you do set ups on your own with an experienced staff on call nearby in case of trouble. 
• Ongoing support: If you’re ever unsure – ask! Our backend logistics team will provide clear guidance on what needs to be done and when, ensuring you feel supported and confident while working in the field.

Compensation (Prep / Non–Guest-Facing Roles)

Prep and non–guest-facing roles are compensated at a fixed daily rate that reflects the importance of solid behind-the-scenes support. These roles are paid per tour day, with a higher rate applied once you’ve completed your first tour.

The table below outlines the daily pay for prep and non–guest-facing roles based on the number of tours completed.

If our support staff use their own cars for Rindo work, any gas & toll-road fees will be reimbursed.  

For every 16 days worked in a single season, support staff members are eligible for a ¥15,000 bonus as an added reward for their time, commitment, and support.

Tour Accommodations: Rindo covers the cost of all accommodations during tours, including prep and drive days. If a guide requests a room change for personal reasons, any additional accommodation costs will be the guide’s responsibility.

Guide Meal Compensation: Guides receive a food allowance of ¥1,000 per day for breakfast and ¥1,000 per day for lunch, and ¥2,000 per day for dinner. This applies to all prep, drive, and tour days.