The goods news is that we’re both still smiling after another 31 km on the bike and 2000 meters of climbing. The bad news… um… well… let me think back on that.

Today was awesome. Jeff was feeling better, and back to hIs old self agaIn. (He’d claim it was the beer he had last nIght… I’m thinking this might be a real life example of the placebo effect.) Jeff rocked all the descents- making hairpin switchbacks and rolling down some major rock & root features. I led the way on the unforgIvIng climbs. The uphill was endless, the downhill was intense… and the views today were AMAZING!

I debated bringing my camera on the ride. As I stuffed my pockets thIs mornIng with food, air cartridges, arm warmers, and little baggies of drink mix… I had to make the crutial decision- camera or bear spray. Although photos would be nice, bear spray won out in an instant. I’m sure there’ll be some really nice photos of us; we’ve seen many photographers on the course. (raveneyephotography.com)
You can also visit the TransRockies website to see some of the pictures; although we may not be in the photo, we’re riding that same stuff! Words can’t describe how beautiful and magestic this land is… or how big and how wild it feels. (Or, how fresh and green the bear scat was that we rode through today. Good call on the bear spray.)

We made up time on the rIde, spacing our gap with 7th place today by only 6 minutes. We were happy with that. We both feel good about our pacing; our legs are tired but recovering well.

A little dusty and a few new bruises, but we’re good. (Even better after our first hour long massage this afternoon. Yipee!!)

The bIkes are loaded on a van (whIch wIll meet us at the remote start tomorrow at noon). Our bIke boxes are loaded on another van (whIck we’ll see on the last day). Tomorrow we take the 7:30 am shuttle north and race towards Canmore (with a couple nights of tenting along the way).

The bad news… yes, I thought of something… I’m not sure we’ll have cell service or internet for the next several days. And.. we have to leave this little town of Fernie at the crack of dawn.

Another day under our Camelbacks… and what a day it was. Right out of the start line we rode along the highway (closed for TransRockies) and onto a dirt road. On the first descent one of the racers ahead of us took a terrible fall; we dIdn’t wItness It, but we dId see hIm lyIng lIfeless In the grass- hIs teammate and several other racers by hIs sIde. (Here’s a photo taken from the TransRockies website of hIs mangled helmet.)

Fortunately he walked away from the crash. (This is why we wear helmets!!!) It was a rough morning. (Ours wasn’t as bad as the above racer, but it was a slow start.) Placement wise, we hung in with the same result as day 1. Not the day we had hoped for… but tomorrow is another ride (and we have 5 more to go). Last night’s recovery was enough to give me well rested legs. Tonight, we set Jeff up with a more “normal” recovery habit… beer. Our orIgInal thinking was that hydrating, without beer, was the way to go. But this guy may ride better after a good brew. (The 30 minute massage and a dip in the river may help too.)

We’ve met some amazing people here- locals and individuals from around the World. One couple from Calgary has offered us their guest room on Friday, which we’ll probably take them up on.

The mountains here are amazing. The riding is phenomenal. The people are friendly. And the bears… well… there are bears.

Today we rode up on an elk. Who knew those creatures were SO darn big!! Fortunately… no bears yet, bur we’re prepared. (Thanks to James & Daisy for their borrowed bear horn and popper.)
Thank you all for following along and sending well wishes. We read your comments and feel the love. We think of you all too- whether we’re in our room or on the trail!!!

Ready to rock… but not too hard.

Day one was ok. Not great, because the competitor in me hates to let other teams pass us by, but we held true to our pacing guidelines. Steady and consistant is our focus. This is a long race, and rememberIng thIs detaIl Is crItIcal. Some people will push too hard and tire out. Others are really just THAT strong and can hold a crazy pace for several days (and those riders are here racing- pushing hard and knowing that they can maintain their stamina). We’ll see. As the race progresses, riders will fatigue. I’m hoping that our pacing structure (from our trainer) will help to keep us in the race as we enter the harder stages (with longer distance and steeper climbs).

Oh my gosh!!!! Now I’m nervous! 2 hours still start time. At 9:33 we’re scheduled to roll across the start line. Eeeee. This is where it’s always good to have your mom to calm your nerves. (She’d say, “oh Meg, don’t be ridiculous. You’ve been training for this. You’ll be fine. Just go out there and have fun.” Jeff thinks his mom would say, “don’t crash and don’t feed the bears.” All good advice. So… wIth that… here we go.

A great pre-race day in Fernie with family. Jeff and I are are excited to be spending some time with my cousin James and his family (Daisy, Calvin, and their dog Sage).

And a little good luck for tomorrow…

Here we go.

This is the best looking group that I’ve ever seen at an airport.
Look at all the bikes!

(Trying hard to be inconspicuous… but this new phone is huge!) There are, at least, 12 pepole here waiting for the Fernie shuttle. Eeeee… this is getting more exciting.

So here we go!!! After some late night packing and an eary morning, we’re off! (One of us might be expressIng outward excitment more freely than the other.)

Bike boxes and bags have been dropped off at the baggage area (fingers crossed that they meet us in Calgary) and we’re eagerly awaiting flight #1. We have a small delay… but no problem. That just means more time for airport fun.

Jeff may choose to work…. but me…

I’m adjusting my fancy new Cannondale factory racing helmet. Yeah!!!