Spring is almost sprung (2 months left!)

I really believe that spring is coming soon here in the northern territory. I really have to believe otherwise it may not happen. The temperatures are hovering around 0ºC, sometimes even raising the bar to 10ºC! But the snow and ice are still clinging to the frozen ground on the trails and in the trees. So, alas, my training is still consisting of pavement rides for now. I can't wait for the day to come when I will be ripping up the trails (in an environmentally friendly, way of course) getting dirt and bugs in my teeth, reminding myself of what mountain biking is again. Its hard reading the blogs of others who are already wearing short sleeves and shorts, riding the back wood single tracks and loving every minute of it (sigh).

One thing I am thankful for is the amount of time I have been able to be on the bike for the past 6 months. Being a bike courier definitely has its advantages when it comes to training and getting extremely comfortable on the old steel steed. I am also happy that it allows me to focus on off the bike training and preparing for the race in the evenings. It seems to be a full time job just to constantly read over the maps and logistics, research and prepare gear, figure out expenses and make mental preparations to be away from my life and girlfriend for a month.

The second thing I am thankful for is the support of some great people and sponsors who have come on board and helped me out. Oakley has stepped up with some great eye wear and apparel (thanks Giancarlo). Golite has offered up rain gear and some great discounts on their ultra-lite products (thanks Tiffanie). Montreal local In-Sport has dealt me a great Osprey Pack (merci Benoit). I can't forget the kind help from Henry Shires at Tarptent ultralight shelters. I would also really like to thank the skilled Jeff Boatman from Carousel Design Works for all of his indispensible advice and help with the pack department. Cheers to everyone for making my trip that much more successful!

The plane ticket to Calgary, Alberta has been booked, and I am jumping at the bit to get the race started. I am ready to "eat, sleep, ride, the Great Divide"!