The land of the rising sun!

We've just got back after a 10 day trip to Japan. What an amazing country! So much to see, everyone is so happy and friendly, also the cleanest place we've ever been! (Mrs benchdonkee was invited to speak at a scientific conference, so we decided to make a holiday of it.)

An added bonus was that while the better half was busy with work, I got chance to visit a few custom bike shops. First up we both went to Krafty to meet the lovely Hide. Although his English is limited and our Japanese non existent, we had a great time and learnt a lot about him and his bikes. Even though he's such a friendly chap, I'm sure this was easier because when he was showing me pics of him and his bikes in local bike mags, I could show him the Armstrong in Sideburn #33, which he stocks. He regularly competes in VMX races, dirt track and sand too. At the moment he's campaigning a Honda Elsinore but still races his 650 Triumph and also showed me pics of him racing his old Harley 45.

He's such a friendly and welcoming fella, if you ever get the chance to visit Tokyo

look him up, you'll be made very welcome!