Although the snow season is far from over with the resort open for another two and a half weeks. Spring has taken hold and green season sports are slowly resuming. Rafting and cycling has begun and even golf driving ranges are now opening . I have started commuting around the village on my Mountain bike and yesterday checked out the snow level at the bottom of Alpen.
Still lots of snow in Hirafu, 17 April 2012
With the continued mild temperatures and dry roads today was a great chance to get out there and test my legs. Setting off from Hirafu village at 11:00 it took me nearly three hours to cover 41kms, not the fastest time but to be fair I was by myself day dreaming and taking photos the whole time – the pace is always quicker riding in a group for me.
The red rocket with Mt Annupuri in the back ground on the outskirts of Hirafu, 18 April 2012
Grabbing some water at Kanro-sui, 18 April 2012
The long climb from Konbu back to Niseko, 18 April 2012
Niseko town, 18 April 2012
Niseko Daienji Temple, 18 April 2012
Classic old Niseko sign on route 5 heading back to Niseko, 18 April 2012
It was really nice to get out there and enjoy the local scenery by pedal powder. After the ride I was feeling quite pleased with myself when for some reason I recalled a vivid memory from back in December – I was sitting in traffic in Kutchan on Route 5 when this guy rode past me on an old bike while it was dumping and about -5. Respect.
Kutchan cyclist in deep snow, 19 December 2012
