Merry Christmas to you all!! Happy New Year!! More Pictures Here!!!

It was another great weekend despite the rain. On Saturday we had planned to go for a ride but due to the rain, Ya-Chan and I hit the gym together for the first time this winter season. We took a step class and then worked a bit on weights and the balance ball and cooled down with a nice spin on the spinning bikes. Kouji had to work unfortunately, and us girls head up to Hakuba for James B-day party and the opening of Snow`d Inn Pub. It was a crazy party and way too much fun dancing, drinking and sneaking into an outdoor onsen in the wee hours of the night!!! We have a legitimate excuse..... there is still no snow!!! You see, we are still waiting for the snow, so there is no reason to get up early yet.........heh heh. Sunday was a recovery day and organized the house a bit for our Canadian guest whom will arrive today. Kyle will visit for a while and then head up to Hakuba for the snow. Hopefully the snow gods are listening..... bring on the snow!!!!!! No pictures so I had to make one, my bento lunch today (Japanese lunch box) mmmmm. Later, K.

Here Ya-Chan and I are on our weekly Wednesday road ride. These rides have become a lot more than just a ride. Today's ride was called a therapy ride, sometimes when life gets you down and your feeling like %&'%*$, I have learned that one of the best cures is to jump on the bike and just ride. I did just that today and it changed my whole day around. Having a great partner and girlfriend who rides makes a huge difference as well. We chat a lot during our two hours, and boy, if only our bikes could talk, giggle, giggle. So even if you have some shadows following you around, get out there and ride, it is fun to race that shadow sometimes!!!!!!

Ya- Chan and I on a brisk winter's day out for a ride. I received my new Cannondale Fall/Winter Clothing and had to test it out. The new LE Carbon wear for men and women not only looks good but works well in the cold conditions. When I was climbing it got a little hot but with the double zip on the front of my LE Carbon Jersey, all I had to do was unzip ( which is very easy to do while riding) and I could let the hot air out while pumping up the hill! On the downhills I just zipped up again and it kept me very warm even though I had sweat a lot during the climb up. The new tights were the same. Over all I give the new LE line a full thumbs up!!!

Do you like the Pink, I sure do, matches Sweet Riders perfectly!!!



Ya-Chan on the climb!



What a day for a ride. We had a great ride, then Ya-Chan took me to a new spa with aroma therapy and hot rocks. It sure felt good to smell the berry mint and relax at the spa. After we had a coffee downtown at a very famous Japanese Coffee House and window shopped a bit. A great girls day. Previously, I had attended my friend's New Hotel and Wine Bar " The White Horse" opening in Hakuba on the Friday night. It was fun fun and tasty as well. I fully recommend this place if you want a great stay in Hakuba. Another great weekend !!