The fog was soupish at altitude today. Not much rubber was rounded but much adventure was had. 

Let’s play ‘Spot the Rider’

And again but this time in the twisties. Bonus knowledge gained on this one is that he’s at the junction above Manza Onsen that connects the Manza Highway below with the Shiga-Kusatsu Doro(rt.292) and allows us to traverse Japan’s highest national road from Nagano and Niigata. Photo taken atop the 292.

This one is important for those on the 500 OB Twistymasters route. The detour to the Manza Highway is going to take you through a short section like this. Be ready for slippery fine sand.

A H-ero shot for Neil.

Again for those on the 500 OB Twistymasters route, these speed roller coaster humps lead right into some tight corners, so slow down when you see them…as much as you may want to canyon jump them, best not.

This camoflauged little guy was standing in the middle of the road and was biker friendly, even approached an ogerish Viking on a bright orange bike when we stopped. Didn’t like cars much though as he bolted when the first one came along.

2000+m and snow barred our path…

It was no match for Twistybutts on the scout though. Haha!

This is why we scout. It could’ve been an inclusion next year but it’s just too puncture and ice prone.

And a rare find, hanging gardens of copious long Oldman’s Beard lichen. This stuff only thrives at high altitude in extremely clean air and is a symbiosis of fungus and algae that feeds on air and doesn’t damage its perching branches.

What will day three of Twistybutt scouting bring tomorrow?