I could sure use some good karma...

[Running Mommy]

I'm just sayin.....

(insert pic of Denise doing the hula)....

Yeah, I believe you can! Now you believe it.

Ya never know, all of the other fast girls could flat or something...

[Trekhawk]

Trying to get the bikes and the bodies to Nationals in Tahoe has just about pushed us over the limit. I had a sinking feeling in my gut when I decided to go, that it might prove to be too much at the start of the new school year to get both of us and our rides out there.

We were doing ok, until it came to breaking down the mt bikes and shipping them out. The cost has just about beaten the enthusiasm right out of me. They will not fit in a standard bike case, especially not the DH's bike, he rides a niner.

So by the time we get them boxed and the wheels boxed and insured and out there...it is going to cost some serious money. Not to mention having to rebuild them once there.

I know I should be thrilled about going, but right now I am so completely overwhelmed just about getting there, it hardly seems worth it.

There have been tears...

Oy.....( I really could use a Mom pep talk about now)

Oh no Im so disappointed. I live about an hour from Tahoe and would love to have come and seen you race but I have the MS150 ride that weekend. Gee why does everything happen on the same weekend.
GOOD LUCK and I look forward to hearing all about your race.

[Wahine]

So I composed this very thoughtful post yesterday and when I hit post obviously something happened because it's not on here!!!

And now I don't have much time.

Key points - Ask for help, financial or in the form of labour, from your LBS and friends. You'd be amazed at what your LBS might do for you if you tell them you're going to nationals. They might do some work for you to pack up the bikes or give you some boxes to "borrow", that sort of thing. Think of what ever you can and don't be afraid to ask.

Second - look into who is doing the bike maintainance for the race, they'll likely have a discounted deal (or maybe even free) to rebuild. At least that's what happens at IM.

This is the tough part. The hay is in the barn and now you have to deal with all these little details that could make or break your race day. It'll make you squirrelly. So make a list (I think someone already suggested that), check it twice or a thousand times (whatever works). Stop and just breathe periodically. I make myself clear my mind and take 5 deep breaths.

Yipppppppppppeeeeeeee, you're going to Tahoe. Wish I could be there.

[rocknrollgirl]

Hi Guys,
Thanks again for all of the support. I called what serves as our "LBS" today to see if I could get a box for Chris's bike today. Our lbs is a teeny, tiny shop that builds beach cruisers.

They did however tell me that when they get their pick ups from UPS, that the delivery guy does not measure their boxes, it is a flat rate. I am assuming it is cheaper than the 2OO each way they want for DH's bike.

That being said, when I go to pick up the box today, I am going to tell them I am going to Nationals, and see if they will ship them for us. We will pay, but can we have the pick-up and drop off there. If we can get their UPS rate, it may help.

Once I get this detail taken care of, it will be a huge load off.

I think everything just converged at once and is wearing me down.

I will have three days before the race once we arrive, so I can chill a bit and enjoy the experience.

[HeatherErin]

I have no words of wisdon. But, I can offer positive thoughts, good karma, and big congratulations on getting to nationals!

[rocknrollgirl]

I just got the schedule for Nationals weekend...let's get these babies shipped and get on with the fun.....

Three days of expo, clinics, meet and greet with the pros..BBQ, parties...

Oh and I have to do this wee little race in there too.....