#followcamfriday smashing and banging with Lars Romig for your viewing pleasure.

A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of riding Geronimo on South Mountain with Lars. This is regarded as the best DH track in the area, and for good reason. This beautiful piece of trail is an absolute fist-fight, top to bottom. Absence of flow makes Nate a happy boy. The sound of wheels hitting rocks makes me smile. Big mood. 

Here in Arizona, life feels eerily normal right now. Restaurants and bars and gyms are closed, but most businesses and public parks and recreation remain open.  The trailheads are reasonably crowded, as they always are at this time of year, but it almost feels normal. I would estimate that all of this will change, very soon. If people can't respect social distancing protocol, all of this will be closed. It's coming. Mark my words. 

We all need our daily dose of vitamin D, conveniently provided by the sun. Thank you sun. These dogs are just soaking it up. Since our time in Phoenix, we have been avoiding crowded outdoor/ popular areas. It is a tough balance. Everyone wants to be outside, many are out of work, with plenty of free time. We just need to keep away from each other right now. I witnessed a wedding party congregating at one of the most popular trailheads in Sedona yesterday. How sad. Their marriage is more important than public health. I don't think I can recall anything more selfish. 

On a brighter note, there are plenty of places to get away from the crowds. Lars and myself have been exploring new lines and finding new trails to ride. The social distancing initiative has actually eased trail user tension. Hikers now dive in the bushes and hide from us, instead of playing the awkward, yield, no you go, no you go, game. Fear of infection is easing the tension. I hope people can remember how to act after the fear has subsided and the virus has passed. It's pretty easy, just don't be a dick, and everything works out. Virus or no virus. 

So yeah, I will keep trying to post a weekly video and blog for now. I have a bit of content that I was saving for a rainy day, or an injury, or a virus I suppose. People always think that everything they see on the internet is in real time, but I am fortunate to have some content in the bag. I can't wait to field the comments about us risking injury right now. To be very clear, it is never a good time to get injured and the goal is quite the opposite, despite how things may look to you on a computer screen. Judging our "risk" or danger level from watching a video is reasonably short-sighted. Risk is relative, and you can't really tell what is happening in my video anyway. We are honestly just riding along, well within our comfort level. JRA

Those city vibes though... So many people, so close to the trails. I would say that this place is the last place you should go to avoid people. We lucked out a few weeks back and did Geronimo as an out and back before the road opened. The road through the park is closed till 10 on Sunday's. Can you say road biking heaven? 

Be safe out there friends. Keep the spirits up and get out for some fresh air, away from people, when appropriate. Until next week. 

#followcamfriday doing my best to remain at a safe distance from the general public in Sedona. My bicycle is the right tool for the job. 

We are living in a time that will be remembered as one of the darkest and most chaotic in history. Each new day brings more bad news and negativity. I stopped looking at Facebook. Not that I have ever been a fan of the idiocy that is passed around on that platform, but come on... Fuck Facebook. It is pure brain-rot right now. The absolute last thing anyone should be staring at currently. Facebook should be suspended immediately. We would all be better off. 

If you are fortunate enough to live in an area that is not on lockdown, and your local trails remain open, I strongly recommend that you ride as much as possible. Your body needs the vitamin D and the exercise. In moderation, both will help the immune system. No, of course I am not a doctor, but I do know one thing, riding feels good. Riding lifts the spirits. Riding improves the mood. We can all use a dose of "feel good" right now. 

I felt a bit selfish posting an episode of Follow Cam Friday this week. Aren't I lucky to not be on lock down... Aren't I lucky to be able to work and ride, and basically function as normal... If you are not, I definitely feel for you, and wish you well. I do however feel like the world needs entertainment right now. Something to break the cycle of negativity. Something else to focus on, even if for only a few minutes. As long as I am allowed, I will keep trying to make episodes for the people. I feel a certain responsibility to bring the stoke, to lift the levels. 

As of tonight, all of the bars and restaurants, gyms and public places are closed in Sedona. This week has felt like a magical fairytale, as if Arizona was a safe haven, largely unaffected, largely normal. It was starting to feel a bit strange. This is a tourist destination after all, and many people from all over the world pass through here. It was just a matter of time. The first case was confirmed in town today. Here we go. 

I am not entirely sure what I am trying to say here, but it somehow helps to type out some thoughts and feelings as I sit in my van, parked as close to Whole Foods as possible, stealing their internet and hand-wipes at the front door. As it turns out, when you are traveling in a van without a toilet, you don't actually need toilet paper. Social isolation is my normal, things don't feel that different. But they are. 

I usually keep this blog pretty light. No politics, religion, or sensitive topics, just stoke and bikes, but this situation is making me very uneasy. I feel very fortunate that my current job and lifestyle basically insures that I am in the best shape possible and have been training, and being "healthy" for my entire adult life. So, at least there is that. That is my choice. This sounds terrible to say but, if you have been neglecting your health and wellness  for your entire life, things will probably be getting very real for you in the near future. I am most sad for the older folks that have lived the healthiest life possible, only to be in a higher risk category, due to age, and will likely be infected by people with a better chance for survival.  I feel less remorse for the smokers and morbidly obese, that are finding themselves in that same high risk category. This sounds bad, but you get what you signed up for unfortunately. I certainly don't expect any sympathy from you if I die in an avalanche while skiing in the backcountry, of break my back while taking excessive risk on my bike.  Many would consider my life "reckless" but I feel the reward of health will always outweigh the associated risk. Those are my choices. I accept them.  And you are free to make yours. People die in the Isle of Man TT every year. People keep racing. The risk vs reward equation is different for everyone. As harsh as that all probably  sounds, this is the unfortunate reality of the situation the world is currently facing. The elderly and those with weakened immune conditions are at a distinct disadvantage. So very sad. I wish nothing but the best for my fellow man, and feel terrible for the older folks in the world that have to deal with this mess. 

Sorry to be so dark, it is soothing somehow to type these thoughts out. We can't hide from this, but at least we can have a positive outlook. Positivity will not cure a virus, but it will greatly improve the current vibe and mood of life. Everyone is on edge right now. We can all really benefit from banding together, joining teams, and putting our petty differences aside. Look out for your fellow man. Make a positive impact on someone's life. Try your best to be a good person and give people the benefit of the doubt right now. No one is thinking clearly. Let's all try and show compassion and work together. This is our only hope. The world works in strange ways to teach people lessons of how we should always have always been living in the first place. 

Tomorrow I will be riding with Lars and Alex in Sedona. I will try to be extra nice to everyone on the trail, at the grocery store, and driving around town.  Social distancing is important, but let's all try to be better people in the process. I hope I can remember all of these important lessons I am learning once life eventually returns to normal. Hopefully sooner, rather than later. Thank you bicycle, you have saved me. Without bikes, I would be in the high-risk category, for sure. I was obese and actually smoked darts before I started riding bikes for a living. Thank you bike, thank you.
Positive thoughts and health to all of mankind! Keep the levels up. 

#followcamfriday risking life and limb in times of uncertainty with Lars Romig.

This is pretty bad timing with the whole toilet paper shortage situation... I can honestly say that I was very puckered to ride this line in its entirety. I filmed Lars riding this steep piece of rock last year, but didn't ride the entire line until this week. I faced my fears and committed fully. Great success. 

We are definitely living in some interesting times right now.  I am certainly not suggesting that you go out and get reckless, but there are certainly worse ways to go... The risk is high on this one, so if you do attempt to ride this, make sure you approach it with the skill and respect that it deserves.  This isn't some bullshit that looks hard on video. It actually will send you to the hospital if you mess up. Straight to the hospital. 

Kyle bought a Ranchero last week. My bike just barely fits longways in the back. This may be the ultimate shuttle rig. When you pull up at the trailhead in a Ranchero, there is no question that things are about to get real. Pete is in support of this vehicle purchase. He just wants to go for a cruise. 

Sandstone has amazing grip. If it is black or covered in moss, not so much. Reading the terrain on the fly and visually inspecting things is very important. Fortunately Lars wore his moss colored kit to outsmart the lichen. 

Into the abyss. This one takes full commitment. Once you drop in, there is no stopping or turning back. This is basically a controlled freefall into a hole. If you go slightly too fast, you will huck to flat and proceed directly to the hospital. Seriously. 

Just getting to the start of this line takes some skills. Luckily, I am better at riding than climbing. Just don't drop your rig. The red rock is no friend of carbon space-ship bikes. 

The original thought on this ride was to try and link together all of Cathedral. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sedona and was far too crowded to ride in its entirety.  Every single hiker we encountered was amazed and very friendly, but this just wasn't the time to try and clean the entire Cathedral descent. This will be a sunrise mission for another day. Yes, this is open to bikes. No, you shouldn't try and ride it with people around. 

So yeah, the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival was fun. I led some group rides, met a ton of awesome people and drank a frosty beverage or two. Oh, and I overcame some demons and rode a line that scared me. I call the weekend a success. 

What could possible make "new bike day" better? New trail day of course. #followcamfriday with Alex Petitdemange on Sedona's newest bit of tech trail. Ground Control. 

After spending way to much time skiing over the last 2 months, the desert was desperately calling my name. What better way to break in my freshly built Yeti SB130LR. Rocks were just begging to be smashed. 

Sedona just recently completed a couple of new trail sections for the masses. Ground Control links Airie into Outer Limits, offering a more technical option in the predominantly XC westside trail experience. 

Not bad. 

The amount of trail work that has occurred in the last few years is staggering. The local Forest Service has been working closely with the local riding community to produce some of the best sections of trail anywhere. This sort of cooperation is an example of things being managed and built correctly. How very refreshing. Good work Sedona. Keep it up. 

Frenchie Alex Petitdemange works at Absolute Bikes in Oak Creek. When he isn't fixing your broken bike, Alex is smooth and pinned. He has been know to strap a baguette to his frame for the longer rides in the area. A connoisseur of wine and cheese. He is faster than you in his car as well, but that is another story entirely. 

I am in town for the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival. You may see me riding shirtless, with jeans, and a flask of tequila. The trails will probably be too crowded to properly ride this weekend, so I may just get drunk and ride around and heckle people. If you see me out there, please give my a hard time. You bay get a sop from my flask in return. 

Keep it locked right here for more red-rock smashing. Spring has sprung. I can hardly contain myself.  This new bike feels amazing so far. The coil is smoothing out the Sedona chunk nicely. Very nicely. 

#followcamfriday shuttle laps with the loose as Kiwi squad in Fernie, BC

One Kiwi is pretty loose. 2 Kiwi's is a party. 3 Kiwi's is pure danger. Compounding stupidity is a glorious thing. There is basically nothing better than banging shuttle laps with your friends.  There will be laughter. People will fall down. Trails will be shredded. Chaos. 

This was filmed in July, after racing the TransBC event. 6 days of pedaling our brains out was evidently enough to tucker us out a hair. But we were not about to stop riding... We were okay with using a bit of mechanical assistance. Since we couldn't find any E-Bikes, "Gypsy" the van would have to do. 

First run, 100 meters down the trail. Mitch Curry is a god damned legend. Fully pinned into the bushes. His bike may have been a little broken, but that is another topic for another day. NBD, just pin it bro. Mitch lived to ride another day. Somehow. 

No one in this photo is actually touching the ground. If you are bouncing, you are doing it right. Cam McHardy is another great New Zealander, never one to leave his wheels on the dirt for more than a few seconds at a time. There isn't much better in life than riding in a train, hacking holes and spraying loam at the guy behind you. So good. 

Yes, Tom Bradshaw is wearing a cape. In case you were unaware, the cape is faster in every situation. Fucking legend, that Tom Bradshaw. You can clearly see that Tom is taking the slower, but more fun outside line, so as to smash this turn properly. Be like Tom. 

Foot out, flat out. Every road crossing is an opportunity to slide off the face of the earth. Mitch is barely holding things together here. Good man. If your tires are getting traction, you need to ride faster. Loose is fast. Mitch is loose. 

Chris Kovarik or Tom Bradshaw? I'll never tell. If you are sitting down with a foot out and your bike is desperately searching for traction, you are a champion. This is pretty much a roll of the dice. 50\50. Tom stayed upright and I went into the bushes. Perfectly played. This photo makes me so happy. 

As I type these words, I am sitting in my office ( Whole Foods), stealing all of the internets. Don't worry, I won't get out of here for less than $100, so I guess they get the last laugh. Pretty happy I found this day on my hard drive. I had almost forgotten how amazing it was. The Trans BC was relatively tiring and I basically blocked this day out. Good thing I save everything on drives, so when I am less tired, I can comb thru the memories. Fuck Yeah Fernie. 

#followcamfriday giving you a taste of the green room in the dead of winter. Just trying to keep the levels elevated for the people. 

So much desert riding lately. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love smashing into rocks and hucking off of cliffs, but every once in a while, I need to be reminded of the forest. Mostly, I have been spending time in the white room lately, so this change of color is a good reminder of why I love bicycles so much. 

Would you just look at it.... This section of forest on Maroon Mountain in Terrace, BC is basically my happy place. Loam, green, mist. All of the ingredients to create the perfect recipe for mountain biking in its purest form. Right now this is buried meters deep in snow. Snow that will eventually melt and produce more green. And so the cycle goes. Free refills. 

You always carry a saw when you ride, right?? I was fortunate to get the locals tour of the Maroon Mountain Trail from Theo and Tyler. Tyler is the president of TORCA ( terrace off road cycling association). These two gentlemen have poured many hours of time and many droplets of sweat into the local trail system. In addition to being amazing hosts, these dudes work their asses off to make sure that mountain biking has a future. Much respect. 
Please consider donating to TORCA HERE. Anyone who owns a $5000 mountain bike can surely spare a few bucks to insure that our sport has a future. 

Terrace is world renowned as a Steelhead and Pacific Salmon fishing destination. Basically the Moab of the fishing world, so I'm told. I grew up fishing but have not thrown a line in the water for more than 20 years. Perhaps it is time to rediscover a less dangerous sport. A sport that I can feed myself with. There is a joke in there somewhere.... What is the difference between a professional mountain biker and a pepperoni pizza? A pepperoni pizza can feed a family of four. Zing. But I digress. 

Now here is something that I am familiar with. Snow in the alpine in late June is perfectly normal. My feet were far too dry anyway. Pro tip for traveling and living out of a van- bring extra shoes. Your feet will still smell, but at least they will be dry. You are welcome. 

I've said this before and I will say it again. Trails that you CAN climb, are usually not worth descending. This one was basically 1000m of pushing and granny-gearing to reach the alpine. I wouldn't have it any other way. The sustained pitch on this one was unreal. If you do ride this one, make sure your brakes are working properly. 

It is also worth noting that the lower trailhead for this one has the absolute worst mosquitos that I have ever encountered. Thick. Just go right ahead and spread that high-chemical bug spray DEET crap all over yourself. You are going to need it. Seriously. The mosquitos were blocking the sun. It was fucked. Fortunately, the skeeters make you move as fast as possible on the hike-a-bike sections. Very motivating indeed. 

Good dog. I don't know you, but please stay close to me to attract some off those mosquitos away from my skin. You are wet and smelly, but I like you. Good boy. Pete would be so jealous. 
​The green room is good for the soul. Go there whenever possible. 
Big thanks again to Tyler and Theo for the hospitality. 

#followcamfriday presents the Southern Utah Collection. For discriminating tastes. Don't be fooled by imitations.

Wait.... You made a "best of" video? I did. After spending a bunch of time in Southern Utah over the last few months, the place has really left an impression on me. What can I say, this place is unique. Devoid of crowds that exist in iconic places like Moab and the Front Range of Colorado, this area has tons of riding and very few people. Perfect.

And if I am being honest, I really prefer this style of riding and the terrain down here. I won't be trying to qualify for Rampage next year, but this area is very inspiring and has helped me get my head around some of the lines that I had only previously seen on my computer screen. After spectating my first Rampage event this year and feeling the energy and vibe, I have really become attracted to this type of riding. 

Whether on skis or on bikes, exposure has always been appealing to me. Not for the camera, but for myself. There are very few environments that make me focus 100 percent on the task at hand. All of the mundane "problems" and struggles in life disappear in this environment. There is only focus. As it turns out, I need that in my life. Some time without my phone and computer and the constant pull of work and obligation. Sometimes I just need to go and scare myself and be completely immersed in the moment. 

No, you can't climb these trails. Not even on an Ebike. You carry our bike to the top and ride it back down. If I am being honest, any worthy descent, isn't actually climbable. As it should be. Everything in Colorado and Moab is built sustainably and thus is ridden in every direction possible. Aside from creating user conflict, this just ruins the fun-factor on any of the classic descents, having to yield to some asshole who is on a Strava mission to KOM a climb that is supposed to be a descent. Of course I always stop for people climbing, but some things are meant to be descended. Longhorn is a great example. As it turns out, if you actually cannot climb the trail physically, that situation fixes itself nicely and also lets one ride at full-speed, without endangering any spandex bandits. If this makes you mad, I used to hold a pro XC card, so I get it. You are into fitness. There is so much more than that to "mountain biking".

There is nothing quite like the ridge-lines and soil here. It just feels amazing under your tires. It looks as though you would have absolutely not traction, but quite the opposite is actually true. The dirt is perfect for building and riding. With just a bit of moisture, anything is possible. The dirt is also reasonable friendly for falling down. Not that I recommend that you do that...

So yeah, Southern Utah is a diamond in the rough. So much good riding in a 1 hour radius. I barely scratched the surface. Camping is easy, people are friendly and the possibilities are endless. The food is awful, but that is another rant for another time. Just bring some snacks and you will have energy to carry your bike all day and huck off of things. 

When you bring a knife to a gunfight. #followcamfriday riding trail bikes with James Weingarten on King Kong. 

It is worth noting that this is James' first run down the infamous " Kong". If you look closely, you will notice that I am leading and James is trusting me to NOT kill him. This is a proper role reversal. Usually I am the one, blindly trusting someone to show me how NOT to die. How refreshing. 

This trail is an absolute work of art. It was originally constructed by Josh Bender. Interestingly enough, Josh was my neighbor for a year and we got to know each other quite well. I had the unfortunate luck of breaking my ankle that summer and Josh came over and made me laugh every day, while I was pilled-up, laying on the couch. He even left me his Trailer Park Boys collection to watch. Those dvd's are still somewhere in my house... Bender is a fucking legend. Respect. 

Some people like to trash-talk Bender. Saying he is a hucker, cant ride, whatever. Those people can fuck right off. Just because you are on the Pinkbike forums, doesn't give you a right to be a complete douche. If you can't say something to someone's face, it probably doesn't need to by typed on your keyboard either. This current trend of keyboard douchebaggery is getting on my nerves.  If it wasn't for Josh, mountain biking would not be even close to what it has become today. The man was a pioneer and paved the way for this style of riding. Trails advanced, bikes advanced, the general skill level was elevated. Again, Josh is a god-damn legend. Respect. Thank you. 

It wouldn't be FollowCamFriday without James manualing off into the sunset. Front wheels are stupid. No point in mulleting your bike if you don't use your front wheel anyway. Let that sink in. 

The only part of my kit I had right was the pants. For this trip, I didn't have a full face helmet, or my new DH bike. Blowing it. But that wasn't going to stop us from having way too much fun on this Hurricane classic. Fair warning if you want to ride Kong, it is better on a DH bike, there are mandatory 10ft plus hucks to tight landings, this is not a flow trail. If you cannot accept all of that, please just stay away. You will get cliffed out and have to hike back to the top. Fair warning. 

If I am being honest, I don't ever need to  ride a flow-trail again. If there are not rocks, trying to stop my wheels from rolling, I don't need to ride that trail. I am not trying to sound elitist or arrogant, but I just don't give a shit about riding smooth trails. I have a "gravel" bike for that. *Jump trails being the one exception. I still love you, Dirt Merchant. But seriously, what happened to all of the rocks? Bikes just keep improving and trails keep getting easier. Long live jank. Break my wheels. I dare you. 
End rant. 

So yeah. Go ride this one. Or don't. It's definitely not everyone's cup of tea. Which is perfectly fine. The beauty of King Kong is that it actually can't get easier. No one can sanitize, make go arounds, or chicken lines. It's just some sweet cliff hucks, linked together by some exposed ridge lines. So simple, so beautiful. Nothing more. Thanks Bender, you fucking legend. 

#followcamfriday back from ski vacation, straight into the thick of it. Flying Monkey with James Weingarten.  Monkeys don't fly, they swing. 

I went skiing for a bit. Sorry, not sorry. Thanks for understanding, I feel much better now. I am actually wanting to touch my bike again.... My plan worked. Discipline is important. All of the gym selfies and indoor trainer photos posted by "pro" mountain bikers didn't crack me either. Outside is my area. 

I rode for the first time in a month this week. If I am being honest, I am more than okay with taking a little break from the bike, in fact, I really needed it. This last month represents the longest time off of a bicycle in the last 6ish years. Guess I was due. 

I did my best to eat everything in sight and put on some weight, while sitting on the couch for the last month. Unfortunately, ski touring every day has had the opposite effect that I was looking for. Now I am skinny. And cold. And I need more down coats. Pete is pictured above for reference. He is licking his lips, begging for bacon. Dear Pete, you can't have my bacon, I need it. I'm cold. 

What were we talking about again? Right. Bikes. So I rode with James the other day. James is my summer friend, so I have been missing his presence for the last month. I was relieved to learn that James is still a ninja, nothing has changed. I felt like a complete passenger, but James was dialed. It is remarkable how strange my bike felt after sitting in the garage for a month. She must have been mad at me, jealous of my skis, sitting just feet away and getting all of the attention.  I even lubed her twice before riding her, but she was still mad. 

This sort of thing should be mandatory at the start of every trail worth riding. If you can't ride the first feature, just turn back. This one may not be for you. Squirrel catchers are a beautiful thing. Not everything should be easy. I am looking in your general direction, "flow trail". Not everything needs to stroke people's egos and reward mediocrity. It's okay to suck at times. It builds character. There are plenty of things that I am scared of. Everyone should be challenged. Mountain biking is supposed to be hard. End rant. 

If you didn't jump the qualifier fence, surely you can't stomach this exposure... One mistake and you are falling a very long way off of a very big cliff. That three-foot tall fence jump doesn't seem so bad now, does it? Poachers are warned. This beast doesn't get easier. Quite the opposite actually. 

So I guess that everything is going to be okay in the world. I like bikes again, and am feeling fresher physically and mentally than ever. James crawled out of this rock to manual this entire trail. Pete the dog is fit as fuck #faf ,from xc skiing every day. All is right in the world. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Yay bikes. 

First inaugural #followcamfriday winter edition. Disclaimer- there is no MTB in this video. If you hate snow, keep scrolling. 

Sometimes I go skiing. If I am being honest, I love skiing just as much a riding bikes and could have happily gone in that direction as a career choice. Thankfully I didn't, and ski for fun, without sponsor obligation or much of an agenda. Riding bikes pays the bills. Skiing keeps me sane.  

Japan has been on my bucket list for a very long time. The skiing, the food, the culture. There is nothing not to like about Japan. I had the best ramen and sushi of my life on this trip, by far. No question. I had better sushi off of a conveyor belt than I had ever tasted previously in my life. For $28. True story. 

​

I have been so busy riding bikes and shooting videos , and answering questions about bikes, that I almost forgot how much I love to ski. Correction- need to ski, to be happy. Skiing is in my blood. My mind and body need a reset from the constant bike situation that I have created around myself. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the situation I have created, each and every day, but at times, I need another focus in life. When it is time to ride bikes again, I will be fresh and stoked, not burnt  and tired. Balance is key to most things in life. Skiing gives me balance. 

So yeah, Joey Schusler, Thomas Woodson, Blake Gordon (who took this photo above) and myself, skied our brains out for 9 days, drank sake, and ate fish. We submitted 3 volcanoes and skied balls-deep pow, the rest of the time. We all work in the outdoor film industry, take photos for a living, and travel the world doing so. This was a solid squad and the goal was to basically NOT work. We all work hard, year round. This trip was for skiing. Yes, photos were taken and obviously I made a video, but there was no agenda. Just ski.  

When traveling the world with these cats, it is never a bad idea to bring a head lamp. The tour will always be longer, we will always run out of food and water, and get lost more than once. Some people are looking for a relaxing vacation to chill out and get some rest. These are not those people. That said, we did spend our fair share in the onsen after skiing every day. Would be rude not to. It is important to keep those hygiene levels in check while ski touring for 7 hours a day. 

 Mount Yotei is the classic Hokkaido volcano ski line. The skiable crater at the top offers 360 degree pow lines. We were fortunate to get a clear day to make the 6K climb to the summit. After banging laps in the crater for a couple of hours, we decided to circumnavigate the rim, before descending into the sunset in the valley below. That day will go down as one of the most memorable ski days of my life. Very fortunate. 8 hours later, we were at 7 Eleven, panic eating fried chicken and ice cream. 

I would never be caught dead at a 7 Eleven in my country. Not a chance. The 7 Eleven's in Japan however, are top-notch. We started and ended every day here. Snacks, Sake, and the best damn fried chicken a man could ask for. Seriously. I was apprehensive at first, but am now missing this place at home. This was where second breakfast, and first dinner went down each day. 

The gas in this photo is reasonably poisonous. It burned my lungs for a bit, but I think it somehow gave me superpowers. Science says different, but who listens to "science" these days anyway? The gasses that escape from the earth smell like eggs, just like the gasses that escape from me. Coincidence? I think not. 

I haven't ridden my bike in almost a month and I am very okay with that. It's not like I am just sitting on the couch, eating cheeseburgers, I am just taking a little break. When I walk into my garage and look at my bikes, I am almost getting the urge to ride one. Almost... There is still some skiing to do in Colorado. The longer I can abstain from cycling, the better my return will feel. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.