Inasayama

So...when life gives me lemons, I make... a bike trip? Certain key members of my Goto Island posse got sick, the forecast predicted RAIN ALL WEEKEND, so I saved my ferry & island bungalow money and I climbed Inasayama (Mt. Inasa, overlooking Nagasaki City)instead. I figured I'd chance being out on my bike for as long as the weather held. So far the only rain we've had today lasted about 20 minutes. Apparently, it's not really going to actually RAIN during rainy season this year.

yes, folks, size DOES matter

After chasing the fireflies in the 'backcountry' on my bike a couple of weeks ago, I found my back tire soft.  Pumped it up - fabulous again. It was a tease.  After a whole day at school, the tire was so flat, that when tried to just walk it home, the tire was literally rolling off the wheel.  Dame, yo ("bad"). Went to two gas stations and the guys were reeally helpful, but my little French valves were like nothing this little town (or any around here) has ever seen.   I finally found new tubes in Fukuoka last week, but in the mean time, I needed wheels.  I'd been wanting a folding bike because they're much easier to take on the train & bus, so this was a good excuse to get one.  I did a bit of research and settled on this little Panasonic (yes!  in fact it DOES come with a radio :)  ), and traded multiple gears and shocks for a light load.  It's definitely not for long stretches uphill, but it's not bad.  And I just love the fact it practically fits in my pocket when I'm done!  

Well, I wish I could say I've been enjoying Kyoto all this time, but truth be told, I've just been caught up in the beginning of the new school year, and I just don't want to look at a computer at home!  Sorry!  

Just wanted to put up this quick post so that you're not worried - and to show you that, as usual, Sam's been up to no good.

Here's a shot of the river "walk" in Kyoto and some of the lovely cherry blossoms.  That's the bike I rented to get around (SO much fun - but I was exhausted after riding for 3 days!), and I used this river walk as the main North/South boulevard, so as to avoid the traffic.  Though it was physically taxing, riding my bike was great since I was able to skirt the in-town madness, and just go along the cherry blossom filled edges of town.