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Where Is My Team?

Doug Doyle / 04.10.2005

I’ve just driven up from Victoria and am now in Cumberland on a Friday evening, September 30, 2005. It was a quick trip from Victoria and unusual for me to not have to worry about catching a ferry or airplane to travel to a race; Cumberland is three hours by car and an easy drive north up the island highway. The weather was worrisome though, as it went from cloudy, overcast and drab to sunshine then to dark menacing clouds looming over the western hills and finally, rain. I was mentally checking off my gear list and hoping I brought warm race gear if the weather turned for the worst on Saturday. I don’t mind racing in adverse weather as I train whether it rains or snows or is stifling hot.

Bryan Tasaka, Race Director, is giving a safety briefing to the volunteers and professionals who will be stationed on course tomorrow: he’s reviewing safety procedures, checkpoint locations and any last minute changes to ensure this final Mind Over Mountain Race will cap off the MOMAR season as the best race yet. Racers are already arriving to register at the Riding Fool Hostel even though it’s 5:40PM and registration doesn’t open until 6:30PM.

As Bryan gives the briefing, I set up my laptop and begin my usual pre-race writing meditation in preparation for interviews and photos. I am onsite to cover the race for Sleepmonsters.ca as well as compete with my friend and team mate Chris Koch of Team Spirit Canada. We have entered the race as Team Luposlipophobia and will be racing with Aimee Dunn and Rene Michaely.

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