The 13th Rider

The morning started off as they often do these days. I woke up snug in my bed. Then I shifted a little bit and realised that every part of the bed that wasn't presently in contact with my body was cold. I got out of bed just long enough to turn on the electric heater in my room and the kerosene heater in the next room. Then I went back and hid under my covers. I looked up at the clock, I had 30 minutes more sleepy time before I had to hustle.

I got out of bed a few minutes early so I wouldn't have to listen to that obnoxious alarm clock. I went and got dressed, cooked myself some eggs and ate. Then I wheeled my bike outside, took off the front wheel and stuffed my bike into the car. Today the rally point was in Shimada, our trip would take us to the hills of Kawane. Kaoru did his usual fine job of taking care of me, meeting me at a parking lot I was already familiar with and then leading me to the parking lot at the Shimada hospital. I usually pride myself on being a fairly independent person, but I have to admit, I would not be getting out on these trips if not for the kindness of my riding friends.

I was the last to pull into the parking lot. Todays ride had drawn the largest crowd I had seen so far here. My late addition would make 13 people who would travel to Kawane. The drive took about 75 mins with some addition climbing time up the hill. Kaoru would sit out the first run, parked at the bottom, so we could make our way back up the hill again.
We started off. The ground was the traditional Japanese loose and loamy stuff I'm not really used to in Canada. Loose and loamy is very ridable indeed, but not comfortable for me at the high speeeds my friends like to travel at.
We made 3 trips up the hill in all. Each trip down taking about 25 mins. I stopped to take a few pics here and there. Just a random sample of some of the better stills.

I did my best to keep up, but like I said, there is a lot of slip and slide on loose loamy shit. My comp 16's might as well have been bald for all the traction I was getting. Instead of wiping out I just took my time and rode my brake pads down. I think I'll have to see if Kaz has any Juicy pads in stock.

Never go mountain biking without your crockpot, I always say.

Actually no, I've never said that before. It's really amazing what these people can do basic camping equipment. During our 3rd ride down the mountain, Kanewa and Tiesh stayed behind to prepare a tasty Japanese feast which they let me share. I can't name the dishes I was eating, but just trust me, these dudes can cook.

There was a nice vantage point from the area where we took our picnic. I rode over to have a look. Below you can see the Oigawa river and hills in the distance.

This is Kanewa. A lot of the best rides I have been on here have been thanks to his fine planning. He got the Mt Fuji trip going, Fujimi Panorama, Shizuoka last weekend and Kawane today. Kanewa and his crew had never met me before a few months ago but they always treat me as one of their own. One thing that Canada has in common with Japan is the riders. In both countries I only ever meet kind and supportive people on the hills. What a sport.

Cold in the morning, it had warmed up nicely by lunch time. We headed home after we ate. I miss the north shore sometimes, but great people can make up for some of that I reckon.

Take care Vancouver.