APC Rally – Time To Go

As of today, my training for the Australian Property Centre Rally has officially ended. Tomorrow at 10 PM I will board United Flight 839 and be magically teleported to the land down under. As soon as I land, things kick into high gear; I have a bike I have never even seen before to pick up and get ready to ride on this 4500 mile odyssey into the back of beyond. My tent, sleeping bag and camping gear is packed, my riding gear is getting the final sort out Wednesday before my flight.

Of course I didn’t write as much about my training as maybe I should have, but one thing I’ve learned on my journey from lard ass to hard ass is there is really nothing more boring than having to hear about what someone did for a workout.

“I did 15 push ups, then deadlifted 195…”

Ugh.

And that, along with riding dunes and deserts as much as possible is what the bulk of my training has been.

I did hit my target running mileage goal today, a number so ridiculously high that it only existed in my head all these months. I never dared to mention it to anyone, because I never believed I’d even come close.

79,925 calories is the equivalent of 522 Guinness Stouts. No wonder I was such a fatass before!

Sleeping Beauty and I spent my last week of training back at Pismo Beach, doing some dune bashing.

The only thing I haven’t trained for is mud riding, because it isn’t mudslide season in California. I’ll just figure that out when I get to it I suppose.

I received the official rally route the other day, and it’s a jaw dropper! I think not really knowing where I would be riding has been a blessing, because when I finally saw the route on the map… well, let’s just say it’s a little bit intimidating.

But I am up for intimidating. And I am ready to rally! I think I’ve prepared myself physically and mentally as much as possible, considering what a busy year this has already been.

Now, all that stands between me and my Tony Kirby completion medal is 4500 miles of dirt, sand, snow, mud, kangaroos and whatever else the devious rally planners have devised for us.

Bring it on!