We have finally arrived! We had a late start but made it here in good time. I’d say in no small part to my “lead” foot. Four hours with a break for supper – not bad for Ottawa to Toronto. Anyway, all settled into the hotel. Nice digs. Big room. Stellar buffet breakfast in the morning. Not bad for a racing weekend. Oh and the Sbucks is down around the corner….

Just hanging out right now. The racing starts late tomorrow for us. So no rush to get over to the course. I’m up at 3 p.m. and Marc is racing the late night race at 5 p.m. Should be a good one. From talking to a couple people it sounds like a similar course to last year. Lots of big hill action.

I’m looking forward to this weekend of racing. It will be my last weekend of racing here at home before taking off for Belgium. Everything is booked and taken care of for Belgium. Have the plane ticket. Have the car leased (a sweet Renault Kangoo). Have the housing sorted. Have the race calendar sorted. I’ve got the legs. I’ve got the brains. I’ve got the heart. It is going to be a good one. A solid 98 days will be had.

I have a feeling the next two weeks are going to be a bit nutty. I’ve got a few more days of work left. I’ve got two big weeks of training to get in. Lots of people to catch up. Some dinners already scheduled. Lunch plans in the works. Not to mention the last few things to do before I take off. (Figure out how to cram all my gear into my bike boxes). Sort out wheels. You know – the standard stuff. Really it is like going away for a weekend – only longer.

I’m working on some new writing ideas… Meandering down a few different avenues. Risk is a big thing. But I think it is time to start taking some risk. I know I can do it. But sometimes the big step is hard to take. So basically, to put myself out there – I’m here. A writer. An athlete. A zest for life. Now I just need to determine how to put the three things together in a viable situation.

Okay, time for bed. It is late. Big day tomorrow. Extra bonus is having my little bro out to cheer us on and then heading out for some tasty Indian food afterwards. (Check back tomorrow – lateish – for a report on all things Toronto Cyclo-Cross Day 1.)