I do believe this Summer has been one of the hottest that we've had in the last 10 years at least. We had a cool, wet start but the thermostat has certainly been turned up.

I've also been trying to ride as much as possible. I seem to be getting better with the heat, but it is still quite hard to keep up with the amount of sweat that you lose.

I've also been struck down with a little illness, which has lead to the dehydration, and that is not a joke.

I'm on the mend, but it's taking a long while.

Here in Japan, if you purchase a bicycle, you need to have it registered. This process puts a small sticker on the bottom of your frame and they police use this number to check to see if your bike is stolen.

This is all great, however, I seem to keep getting pulled over and checked almost every time I'm out riding my folding bike. I have never been stopped riding my road bike.

I guess I should be happy that the money that I paid registration is being used, but I'm not quite sure how effective it is.

Early in the morning, it's still quite nice and cool.
This morning I went for a long ride leaving home around 5am.
It was so much cooler then than at 8am. The temperature rose so quickly it was quite surprising.

Please take care, but if you get a chance, earlier is better than later.

The sun is finally out, we've had bad weather for way too long.

So, out on my bike I go. Fantastic.

Yesterday, while I was out riding with my children, I bought some water from a vending machine. Little did I know that it was Awa branded. I'm not sure what the reason for having this in Tokushima is though. They should be sending this water all over Japan to advertise the Awa-Dance festival.

At least, that's what I'd do.