I guess it's really happening

I have avoided talking about this publicly, for the most part, because I've been in denial for a while that I'm actually going and that this trip was going to come off. But I guess it's official; I leave for Europe on Monday. I'll be racing in Belgium, Holland, and the Czech Republic, and combining the trip with some meetings as well.

Here are the details:

October 11-12, Gloucester, MA
October 13, Fly from Boston to Brussels, stay with Sten Raeymakers in Lille, Belgium
October 16, Kermiscross Ardooie, BEL
October 18, AIOC-Cross Meeting, Brasschaat, BEL
October 19, World Cup, Kalmthout, BEL
October 21, Nacht van Woerden, NED
October 22, Drive to CZE, stay with Nik Smutny
October 26, World Cup, Tabor, CZE
October 27, UCI Cyclo-Cross Commission Meeting, Tabor, CZE
October 28, Velka Cena Skupiny, Podborany, CZE
October 29, Fly from Prague to Boston
October 30, Drive to Northampton
November 1-2, Cycle-Smart International, Northampton, MA

Holy shit, I'm going to need a week off after this.

I'm pretty scared about the races, I have to admit. It's been a while since I've done a World Cup. The last time I did a big race in Europe was in 2000. I know I'm stronger now than I was then, and better prepared, but I just don't want to embarrass myself or feel like I'm not in the bell curve enough to belong in the races. Not getting lapped is going to be a serious challenge. As usual, the travel and time zone adjustment will likely be harder than the races. And really, what I want to do most while I'm there is beer tourism.

Last night was Janice's birthday, and we had a $400 free tab at Novare Res. Gouden Carolus Cuvee, Cantillon Saint Lamvinus, Unibroue Quelque Chose 2002. We went for the spendy and rare stuff we can't always afford but always want to try. I nearly had to carry Janice home. Vegan cupcakes were waiting.

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