2009 MotoGP Rd2

This years MotoGP weekend was a little rough. We spent most of Saturday in the cold rain and didnt see any action at all as the Qualifying was cancelled due to water on the track. We arrived on Sunday morning with a forecast of no rain but were greeted by a heavy downpour as the morning warmups started. Fortunately it cleared off and the track dried up for the days racing. Lorenzo took the win in some exciting racing with Rossi and Pedrosa in tow. Our man Hayden was unfortunately torpedoed off the track in th first lap by the local hero Takahashi which was a complete bummer. Anyhow heres a few pics and a vid of the start. Added 4/28 some photos from our friend Yuji Ishihara, who was sitting in turn 5 and caught "Torpedo Takahashi" giving Nicky the "bump".

Golf at Bato GC

Tuesday Heather and I joined some friends and a group of 14 others in a monthly gathering for a round of golf at Bato GC in Nothern Tochigi prefecture. The weatherman had called for rain all day but we were lucky and played in cloudy, but rain free conditions. Afterwords we joined the group for the a little post play tabe/nomi hodai action at a local izakaya and then on to Graphics for some darts.

All Japan Motocross Series

Today we took a trip to the Saitama motor sports park for round three of the "All Japan Motocross" series. Weather was great, there were a lot of riders and a lot of fans. As Ive been away from off-road and motocross for a few years, one of the first things that struck me was the total absence of 2-strokes. It was strictly a thumper fest. I for one will miss the smells of all the various 2-stroke oils, but it was quite enjoyable just the same.......
More photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8953511@N05/sets/72157616942934537/

花見 Hanami 2009

I guess at this point we dont need to explain Hanami. By far our favorite Japan season/party. Sadly, it will probably our last, but it was a good one, with excellent weather, friends, drinking, and so on......
More of the days photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8953511@N05/sets/72157616552914543/