It's Sunday morning. The solists go out in about an hour and a half. We're all going to go down to show our support to Larry Optis - our main man and a real good bet for Rookie of the Year.
After a shit night's sleep (some asswipe college kids were doing asswipe college kid things until the wee hours) I woke early and took some time. Coffee then an early morning WalMart run. Bought some things - none of them work. Maybe I'll get to do another early morning WalMart run tomorrow morning.
Big Box Crap Box.
As Sam mentioned we passed our inspection yesterday - that was pretty much the last hurdle before race day. The inspection process is lengthy and our crew - the same crew what got given 'Most Organized' by race staff - was frighteningly on top of things. Everything was laid out beautifully for the inspectors to go over and we passed without a single concern. The Mels, Dave, Dad and Uncle Carl did a kick ass job getting us ready for that and I throw out huge huge thanks to them for it.
Our film crew went shopping and bought beautiful hats. They're good to go.
Glynis kicks it up today getting foodie type things ready for us. She shopped last night and is down testing out the shake process in the RV.
Last night was good. People took the nights for themselves more or less. Sam and Liss went downtown for kibble, Dave and I went to Carlsbad where we found this groovy fish restaurant - no pretense, no bullshit - and each had a kick ass fish and pasta dinner. Dave is an old friend of mine from Montreal. We haven't seen each other in years so it's been nice to have this experience as a way to bring us back together. On the way to food he offered his services anytime Sam and I embark on this kind of journey and that really meant a lot to me. I believe his offer and I also know, more importantly, that regardless the offer will still stand at the other end of the stick. He knows the value of the journey no matter what it delivers.
The SKRAAM team builds.
We glanced through the route book some looking for the topography that suits each of Sam and my riding styles. The first day or two is pretty good and looks like it will match up nicely for us. The big ass hills for Sam and the crazy descents and flats for moi.
The team is really finding it's rhythm and that is such a lovely thing to see. You can feel the anticipation of the last mate joining us late tonight. It's as if no one wants to commit to their place completely until they find out what Lorie brings to the mix. By Tuesday morning everyone will have found their track and they'll lock and load.
My head is finding it's track too. There has been a noticeable shift in my approach to this race and the biggest factor has been my embrace of the fear. This thing is going to deliver what it delivers and any resistance it feels will only cause it to amp up. May as well give it the positive to amp rather than negative. I've switched my goal from mere survival to pure competition. Survival feels reactive, competitive proactive and I'd rather be going after something than choosing how to deal with what it throws at me. The former makes RAAM and me partners and I'm in love with productive partnership of any kind at the moment.
Please keep sending the love and inspiration. We can never have too much. And believe me when I say it's all coming back to you in spades. We miss you and love you all and appreciate the voicemails, the texts, and the emails. Keep em coming.
And check out mytelus.com/skraam
Love,
Christopher