Rolling Thunder?

As we approach the single most anticipated cycling event on this side of the world...wait, no not really; hey it is Nationals after all, ya know, Oregon Style. Well that in and of itself makes it the most anticipated event on this side of the world, well at least for those fortunate enough to make the trek to the coolest little town in all of the Pac North West, Bend!

You have heard the saying "all roads lead to Rome". Well that was before the creation of CycloCross. In this circumstance, "all roads lead to Bend!". Arguably the West Coast mecca of CycloCross, Bend is nestled in the comforting circle of a few dormant volcanos. High above the foggy coastal towns of Portland, Eugene and others, Bend sits at around 6000 feet, keeping it very sunny and warm in the spring-summer and cool and snowy during the winter. In fact the forecast for next weekends 2009 edition of CycloCross Nationals will be for snow flurries! For those of us that have been training and racing in the snow the last few weeks we will feel right at home.

So as the days tick down to Nationals there is a lot of prep work for this Colorado bike rep as I get'er done. First thing to do is get the demo-race bikes ready to roll, check! 

Next the vehicle, check!

And finally all the other misc crap that one needs to take to a race of this caliber. Here is the inventory for those wondering.

1. 8 Focus Bikes - Izalco Team, Raven Pro, Mares Team, Mares Pro, Mares 54,56,58

2. Feedback Sports display stand and elite workstand

3. 2 tables - 4ft and 6ft

4. Banners, Flags

5. 3 10x10 tents

6. Tote boxes with catalogs, stickers, giveaways and of course, COWBELL!! We need more!

7. Chairs

8. 10 bags of wheels. Because each bike has one and they need to go somewhere.

9. Mechanics suitcase - Pedros wrench box

10. Misc parts box for everything 

11. Nomad pressure washer

12. Well I think that is enough

I hope that the 1100 mile trek to Bend will be all that it is planning to be and then some. For those coming, can't wait to see ya. For those you cannot make it...well you are gonna miss one hell of a show!

OUT