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.

Feeling Blue

Chilly

It's chilly now in Japan. The days still generate some warmth, but when the sun goes down its time to pull out the kerosene heater and stay warm. Mornings are the worst. I have to get out of bed, turn on the heaters and then go hide in bed until its warm enough to exist in my appartment. The tricky thing about the kerosene heater is that you have to open the window every 90 minutes or so or you start to breath in the fumes and that can cause problems for your lungs.

I got home at 4am on sunday morning. Not a wise decision so stay out so long since I had commited to riding with my friends in Shiuoka. We shuttled up the hill and I got to see a new ride location in Japan. It was nice, fast and loamy. We had to stop once in a while to move around fallen trees sorta like the Mt Fuji trip.

If you haven't been paying attention, I went to Kyoto last week. Here are the pics from that trip.

English teaching has been going well. Having pictures to show your students is a really good way to practice your english conversation. Sensei and I have been trying to advertise a bit more. No takers yet but at least efforts are being made. Hopefully we get a few nibbles by January.

Anyways, hope all is good in Vancouver. Take care all.

God is in the Rain

I'm starting to feel bad about not making enough blog posts for my readers. I hope you guys don't mind.

Saturday was a holiday here. I had the whole day off. In the evening I was invited out to a small party for Sensei. We were celebrating his accomplishment in Tokyo last month. It was held at Yakko of course. I left my camera at home. I just didn't feel like bothering people for pictures. As thank you/ congrats gift I bought him a copy of V for Vendetta, one of my favorites. The Party was for Black Belt adults only, but it seems I get cut some slack for being a quest. We had a really good time, but you know what they say. "What goes on in Fujieda, stays in Fujieda."

Sunday there was another trip to Fujimi Panorama, but I took a pass on that one. I'm going to plan my trip to Kyoto which should be coming up soon and I decided to budget.

The weather is noticably cooler here however still nice. It's kinda grey and wet here today So I have decided to stay in, write, prepare class and relax.

My left leg has been bothering me for the past few days. Bad timing since I was hoping to grade before Sensei is off to Canada. But instead of training on friday I took my camera to the Dojo. Here are some pics from training.