Packing day was on Saturday. Basically, we all showed up to a central location and packed all the gear needed for the rally (except for the stuff for the first day of riding). I forgot to take my camera (I didn't want to pack it after all). Packing day was pretty exciting I got two snappy new jerseys, one for day one and six, the other for day two. As I left with Laurie I had the nagging feeling that I'd forgotten something. I never did discover what I'd forgotten.
Departure day dawned very early. We were told to be at Allan Gardens by 7am so being the nerd that I am, I showed up very nearly at 7 with parents in tow. The early arrival was so unnecessary, the main benefit was that we got an awesome parking spot. Ah well, better than being late I guess. The opening speeches were hard to hear and the group photo was a bit of a cat herding situation... At last we were off, with police escort and road safety blocking intersections.
The whole day was fairly urban until well after lunch. I felt pretty good throughout the day, I think the adrenaline of departure pushed me along. By the time I got to the first day's campsite I was really ready to be finished and frankly got a bit misty at the welcome we received. The people who generously donate the use of their land for our first camp site (imagine over 300 people descending on your land) had thrown a fundraising bbq and those in attendance welcomed us with signs, clapping and cheering. It was really moving.
Laurie had collected my bins from my truck and after awhile I found them. A tent city had quickly formed and it they weren't all that easy to find.
I confess that I felt tired, hot and had no idea what to do first. There were so many options. At each campsite there was swimming, snacks, not so convenient showers, yoga, wellness treatments (massage) and of course setting up camp. I wasted a fair bit of time wandering around aimlessly until my fearless team leader Dawn suggested I swim. It was a brilliant suggestion, it really cooled me down.
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