the last village and the filth

I've burnt my legs and god knows what my nose will be like tomorrow. after a sunday of torrential rain and thunder that at one point literally shook the house, today had a high of 27 and it began to feel like it - climbing into the mountains. the sun was beating down on my knees and my fluids were finished well before half way. I've not been climbing much in the winter so it was by no means a comfortable afternoon but beautiful none-the-less. I am more than aware that the fuji hill climb is only a month away. jesus.

I headed up to Chihayaakasaka which has become a well worn marker for my travels, just as it has been for hundreds of years for locals, to get to over to Nara. Chihaya is also famous for being the only village left in Osaka Fu - it looks like it's has surpassed its quota for remaining a village but romanticism must have gotten the better of the city planners one friday afternoon. everywhere seems to be a bloody city these days anyway - no doubt there is some political or financial gain for osaka but I'll play dumb and go along with it.

I also passed the filth who were sitting at an intersection on my way back into town, and via their mega phone, occaisonally frightening high school kids riding two to a bike. I could see that they were laughing behind the privacy of their windows though. it was a lovely day and the spirit of golden week seemed to have remained. fortunately I saw them just before making a bolt for the quiet junction but the cycling club had been talking about it last week - the fact that many traffic laws are being enforced from june. especially jumping lights - it's a big problem in a city where so many are colour blind. don't say I didn't warn you!