Warmest start to pre-ride scouting ever! Left home at 5:30am wearing summer gloves and vents open as it was a sultry 18°c already. It was so comfortable.

Warm but dull morning. Sun was trying really hard to break out but it never did.

Spring means bugs. By the coast there were plenty. In the mountains, there were few but Shosenkyo had some and especially big beetle types.

Saturday, that little area down there will be Twistybutt central and abuzz with bikes. 😎

Why we scout! This corner has rain washout right across it. Are you riding through here? Check your route.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ww4ZZrNXLUKQvtr99?g_st=ac

Fuji was hiding.

For those on the 500 course, Paul’s Kitchen on rt.299 in Chino is a well placed lunch spot and has great burgers and other great lunch meals.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWasupNa6PcKA5yg6?g_st=ac

Big relief! The Shiga- Kusatsu Doro, rt.292, is open from Manza Onsen all the way into Niigata.