Paddock Prep... Bike Build... Track Walk...

Last week was all bout endless doctors appointments; finding out the full diagnosis. THE PLAN...

This week has been very different. All of my racer friends know the exact feeling I have had for the past week, they just don't realize it yet. It reminds me most of the feeling of preparation, uncertainty, and nervous anticipation that we feel when preparing for the beginning of the races that matter most to us.

Traveling to the races gives you plenty of miles to think. Where should we park? Who is already there? What will this years track be like? How hard will it be? We have likely heard some details. Race format, track length, difficulty level, and what competitors will also be there. Acquiring these details gives you some level mental peace, while also conjuring further questions and uncertainty.

Once you have left the highway, and begin scraping branches on narrow back roads, you know you have made it to the race. This usually causes mixed emotions. Relief - "I have arrived", and nervous anticipation - "This is actually happening".

Time to prepare. We rush to unload bikes, gear, tools, tents, and prepare the paddock. Everyone copes with their mixed emotions about the race by focusing on the things they CAN control. Bikes are prepped. Tires are changed. Bolts are checked. Goggles Prepped. Hydration pack loaded. Each small task easing our minds temporarily.

At some point the word will spread and the track walk coalition will form. We ask around and find out where the hardest sections of the race are located. After looking at each of these difficult sections and choosing our lines for the following day, we find temporary relief in having a plan. However, deep down inside we know the plan will need to be fluid. There WILL be unanticipated obstacles: stuck riders, rocks moving, and the general fog of war that occurs in the heat of the race. But we return to the paddock, taking solace in the hope that our individual plans will work come race time.

More final bike checks happen, dinner is cooked, plans are discussed, beers are drank, and we continue to search for relief in the small things that we control.

This weeks events:

I prepped the paddock, trying to take care of all of the things I am worried I will not be able to physically or mentally accomplish once treatment begins.

I walked the track, asking other people who have seen the track what the hardest sections are and choosing what I hope to be the good lines.

I prepped the bike by undergoing what seems to be successful chest port installation, and buzzing my hair.

I enjoyed some beers with my best friends, albeit less than usual, to celebrate my 41st birthday.

Each small task easing my mind temporarily....

Tuesday, we race.