In answer to Sean's comment, I do have to take a bus to the top of crazy big mountain. But the smaller ranges are on local bus routes. Bikes are OK on tourist buses, but no such luck on local buses. I _could_ just stick my thumb out if the going got too tough...

Another concern is the state of the road. Would there be a sidewalk for me to ride on？ Probaaly not. Obon is approaching, when pretty much everyone returns to their home towns. Busy roads going uphill= no fun.