Now since having read the heading of this blog, you are thinking: "Oh hey cliché!" Well I'll have you know... it takes a lot more than just getting on the bike and race until your eyes pop out.
Flights, spares, luggage, tools, kit, getting to the airport, packing your bike, remembering ID's and ticket confirmation etc etc etc.. All the admin is enough to make anyone squirm. Yesterday @ exactly 1 o'clock I got the thumbs up to fly to the Pietermaritzburg to take part in the second installment of the SA XCO cup. Thinking back on training, a bit more could be done, but nevertheless, it's about more than the bike. Right. Murder. Fun.
Walking through the boarding gates on Cape Town International, you see tons of emotions running amock around and about your personal 'bubble'. Ranging from 'the first flight' to 'leaving family behind and going on a trip for quite a while'. Traveling alone, all I was concerned was to get to Mugg & Bean for a botomless Moccha Java ! Nothing like a good cup of "boere troos" to get you started with the day. Having to take the cycling alternative (skim milk, no sugar), you do get some strange looks, but my word, it was a good cup of coffee.
Boarding flight JE334 going to Durban, sadly I have to ditch Internet access, keep an eye on 'Walking on Two Wheels' for a live perception of my first ever trip to Durban and first ever race on the world class track @ Cascades, Pietermaritzburg!
Armed with a perfect weather forcast for the coming weekend, a good spirit, topped with M&B "boere troos" and the massive support, you can't help but be #excited can you!?
A HUGE thanks truly has to go out to my uncle, Derek Morgan, for helping me in converting the dream to reality, and my parents for all the support and help!
Watch this space !