like living in Switzerland

I love the few days leading up to a race. No training you do will make you go faster or make you go stronger. On the contrary, any hard training is likely to slow you down. It's time to rest up and get your equipment ready.

Today I dug out my hill climb wheels. Washed the bike. Cleaned the cassette and chain.

Then I took the bike for a quick spin to check the wheels and gears run okay.

A short ride to the pass between Shindou and Kujiranami. A gentle ride up to check the gears. The 25 is rubbing the spokes a little. Need to check that.

It's 25 degrees and I've got the legs out for the first time this year. Feel like a real cyclist at last!

Reach the top. Check the watch. 8 minutes! 8 minutes from my door to the top of this little pass!

When my dad visits Kashiwazaki he always says “It's like you live in Switzerland around here!”

I can't go home now! A 16 minute ride!?

Drop down to Kujiranamai. Nice head wind but downhill all the way.

Next up, the small pass over to Tanne. Tanne village is indeed like a picture on a box of Swiss chocolates. The pass is barriered off to cars but clear of snow. Swiss paradise!

How good it feels to be on the bike taking it easy. Check the watch. 20 minutes!

Time for a quick climb up to the two Tanne lakes. The road is steep up here. But no pushing today. Spin, spin, spin.

Right, the bike seems fine. U-turn and back home in less than an hour. Barely a sweat on.

An early night tonight and I should be ready to go on Sunday.

Today's training: Tanne return

(28 km, 450 m climbing)