Race Prep (Day Zero)

I finally got some good sleep. Maybe 8 hours. It had been while and I needed it. Today we registered, prepped our bikes and gear, and went to the racers meeting. I practically worked most of the morning - it was a bit stressful trying to wrap things up at work knowing I had to prepare for a major race. At race meeting and reg site I got a chance to catch up with some friends including fusion sport mate Geoff Luttrell, Dr. Bob Forster (Forster PT/Phase IV), Tom Hayes (Jim Long's Cape Epic '07 teammate), and Barry who gave me a lift. Jo's husband Tim points out to me that's Barry Wicks. Ok, so I'm not good at recognizing pros in street clothes but I do feel a bit of a jackass especially since I've seen him at the local cross races and I should know who he is. Oh well.

So race starts tomorrow at 9am. Lots of fun singletrack. I'm excited.



AJ and Tim picking up schwag



Me, Tim, Jo, James, and Nick under the start banner



Race Meeting at Shawnigan Lake School



Jo posing with "Randy" (inside joke)

Arriving in Victoria

It was an interesting trip up to BC. Flying into Victoria without any pre-arranged transportation to the race town. Luckily I met this cool guy Barry from Santa Cruz who's also doing the race whose buddy picked us up and was nice enough to drop me off at the ferry to Mill Bay. Once on the ferry I met another cyclist who had a car across the way and offered to give me a lift to Rosebank Cottages where I would meet Jo and her Aussie crew. There we would stay for the first two nights. It actually wasn't too far from the ferry but not close enough to walk. My bike box and bag were massively heavy. With no cabs to be found I was pretty lucky. I have no idea how I would have got there outside of taking a massively expensive cab ride.