Beautiful Day in Furano!

It was a beautiful spring day today in Furano, Japan. I had such a fun day of training. The hill is kind of flat, but lots of fun. It dumped here the past days, making for soft conditions. Hopefully it will get cold and firm up in the days ahead. I love racing in Japan and always ride fast here. I’m looking forward to two more good days of training ahead before Sunday’s World Cup Finals PGS. I want to finish on top; I know I can.I ventured into Furano yesterday with some friends from the Austrian team to check it out and sample the local cuisine. The super market and local soup restaurant were highlights. I don’t know how they sit on those tatami mats for meals; it wrecks my back and knees. Gotta do more yoga, I guess. I stocked up on chocolate mushrooms and green tea at the market. This is my thirteenth or fourteenth visit to Japan. Communicating isn’t always easy here, but everyone is really freindly and eager to help. Even if they don’t understand a word you’re trying to say, they’re always smiling, unlike in Russia. I had a marathon soak yesterday in the Japanese bath. Can’t wait for this ritual again tonight. Boardercross action begins tomorrow and halfpipe on Saturday. I’ll keep ya posted. Enjoy the photos below.CKMountains surrounding Furano, Japan from Prince Hotel room