The Prophet

Finally on my way home today (Tuesday, Feb. 09)!

Possible Glitch: The wife sez the Weather Wizards are calling for 10 inches of snow in northern Illinois!! We'll see what happens.

It's going to be a loooooong day, and I still need to pack up, so I better get busy.

I have a few pics, which I'll post in a few days after I get home.

I was able to drum up more business, so I need to return to Japan on February 21st, scheduled return March 20th. Looks like I missed half the winter back home!

Anyways - gotta go, best wishes to all. More detail later.

Ride Safe!

Bob-san

__________________

• A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu
• Wisdom is what's left after we've run out of personal opinions.
• Saying what we think gives us a wider conversational range than saying what we know. ~ Cullen Hightower

The Prophet

Well,

I'm home safe n' sound, despite the dreary predictions of 10-12 inches of snow (we got maybe 4 inches). No drama's at all in landing, etc. Took a Limo home, so I didn't have to drive. It's also actually cheaper in the long run, as daily parking at O'Hare is roughly $25 bucks a day, the Limo cost me $114 including tip, plus I'm not leaving the car in a lot for three weeks unprotected from the elements. Inside parking is $34/day!.

Took ANA Airlines on the way to Tokyo, who are absolutely excellent, best Flight Attendants anywhere. United Airlines on the way back (they're partners in Star Alliance) who were... average.

It is still snowing now, so maybe we got about three more inches overnight, total 7.

Got woken up this morning (which is why I'm up so early!) at 4:04 am with a 4.3 scale earthquake. No damage found yet, but the whole house was shaking for what seemed about 25-30 seconds, and the dogs went totally nuts. Not as rare as I thought in Illinois, although most are way down south. This one was centered in Sycamore, which is just north/north east of me.

At any rate... tired, worn out, I'm gonna rest up today and do absolutely nothin'. Good plan.

Ride Safe!

Bob

__________________

• A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu
• Wisdom is what's left after we've run out of personal opinions.
• Saying what we think gives us a wider conversational range than saying what we know. ~ Cullen Hightower

Jamie

Welcome back

The Prophet

Off To Japan Part II.

I'll be headed back to Japan this coming Sunday morning, but here are some motorcycle related pics from this last trip.

For the most part, I'd guess it's 60% Scooters, mostly Honda, 35% Honda Super Cubs and other step-through's, 4% tiny Thumpers of various makes, and maybe 1% bigger than 650 CC's (I didn't see any other than the Chopper pictured.

The weather was about 50 to 60 degrees F, so good ridin' weather.

The Chopper was a Yamaha.

They still use electric Streetcars right down the middle of Main Street in Matsuyama. The cool "old time" train is used everyday. We rode on both to/from the main Train Station and various Touristy places.

As you can see from the pics, all the bikes (and push-bikes) are maintained in immaculate condition, and are utilitarian with baskets, luggae racks, etc.

These are transportation vehicles, not "fun" hobby bikes.

Beautiful country, nice people, endlessly deep culture, old (to a USA citizen) buildings and Temples. Great food once you get used to it. Sushi, Tempura, Korean Barbeque, Noodle Houses, etc.

I'm headed back on the 20th of February, Returning home on March 20th, so an exact month. It'll be great.

Ride Safe!

Bob

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__________________

• A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu
• Wisdom is what's left after we've run out of personal opinions.
• Saying what we think gives us a wider conversational range than saying what we know. ~ Cullen Hightower

Speedtrip

Guess you can find a BMW almost anywhere...

__________________
-Shaun-

The Prophet

Indeed... and why not, they're great, fantastic bikes.

It is actually somewhat disappointing in Japan.. bike-wise - as you would THINK it would be full of great Japanese Super-Bikes. Alas, no.

Bikewebworld published a 2009 Global Sales report, that was posted here a few weeks ago. If you scroll down to "Domestic Japan", you'll note that very few of the "Big" cc bikes (say 1000 cc and over) are sold domestically. Most get exported to the good ol' USA, where bigger is still percieved as better.

What I've seen in Japan are students and entry level style workers using scoots and step-through's as cheap, practical transportation, as well as delivery vehicles. That, and a whole lotta push-bikes. All that be known, these folks are Tough, with a capital "T". Pouring rain.. or shine, these same students and young folks are on the bikes in droves, rain gear attired, etc. There were some terrential downpours last month, but it didn't seem to stop any of the riders. Cool.

Ride safe!

Bob

__________________

• A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu
• Wisdom is what's left after we've run out of personal opinions.
• Saying what we think gives us a wider conversational range than saying what we know. ~ Cullen Hightower

The Prophet

Well, I made it. I'm in Tokyo right now, answering emails, etc. Staying overnight, then flying southward tomorow am.

At least I got one "ride" in while I was home last week, albeit a very chilly, snowy one! Worth it though. To me, there is no better stress reliever, nor better way to realign your inner-self, than to ride for a few hours. I always feel refreshed, awake, and rejuvenated after a lengthy ride.

Weird Idea #5,987,366:

Why not have "non-violent" crime type prison inmates ride motorcycles for therapy? Obviously on a closed course , but think about it. I'll keep workin' on this...

Ride Safe!

Bob

__________________

• A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu
• Wisdom is what's left after we've run out of personal opinions.
• Saying what we think gives us a wider conversational range than saying what we know. ~ Cullen Hightower