Carlsbad, Calif. – So Thursday was my arrival for the start of the Race Across America amid the chaos and mayhem of getting picked up at the airport in San Diego.
It seemed there were 25 or 30 of us who arrived all at once. I got to our hotel in Carlsbad (near the start in Oceanside, Calif.) and found it already to be a busy base camp. The mechanics took care of us and got our Orbea bikes together. Plus, they got them up to code on the race regulations, which require reflective tape and lights on the bikes. Once that was done, it was time to get cranking.
We went out on a late afternoon ride and actually cruised down to the starting point pier. It was a great chance to get a little sunshine and some fresh air.
Thursday night was also busy with our crew meeting. There were 40 or 50 people in the pool area for Team Type 1 and Team Type 2 just getting everything squared away with logistics, going over the rules and talking about the exchanges. It was a busy day and I am starting to realize just what a huge event this is now that I’m here.
As I was sitting around the pool last night, I realized I just have to be here to ride my bike. On Team Type 1 alone, there are 20-some people who are going to help me do it. It’s kind of a humbling thing to think that all these people are here to help me. There are a lot of crew members and athletes who are giving up their time in support of this mission to motivate and inspire people who are affected by diabetes. I’m just one person who is trying to make a difference.
Today (Friday) we are going to do a little bit more of a ride to open up the legs and even do a few hard efforts. Then it’s off to the official RAAM meeting. They’ll be doing inspections of our Orbea bicycles, our helmets and even our shoes – to make sure everything is good to go. About the only thing they won’t be checking on are my Nike sunglasses. But they’re ready to go.
Hopefully we’ll have time to relax a little bit and get some sleep before the big day tomorrow. My next report will come from the road.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Jeff Bannink, Team Type 1, RAAM
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