20,000 miles to ride 950Km

We are all safe and sound in South Africa! Its been a crazy trip to get here. It took a long, long time. But it is now worth it. South Africa is very beautiful. It doesn't feel like the only other African country that I've been too, which is Tanzania. I'm sure as the race travels to the smaller towns and villages, I will get a better idea of it. Because for now, It feels like a mix of Calfornia, Europe and Australia. I'm not sure why I compare places to other places,but regardless, its cool here. We are having ostrich tonite for dinner. Its our last night in our swanky hotel on the harbour. Tomorrow all the hardships and suffering start. Its the first real day...123km, climbing 3000meters with 1200 other riders.

And did I mention....JENNY AND I ARE IN THE LEADER'S JERSEY!!!! And so far, yes, it was mountainbiking. We are having fun and getting a suntan.

Jeremiah and Chris got their pictures taken with an elephant. The Trek/Dolphin guys team with baboons and the girls with birds. That is a photo that will inspire stories for the grandkids.

Some of my good friends are down here including our former Trek soigneur, Allan Carlsen and he is riding with my Trans Rockies partner, Hillary Harrison. I'm going to change their team name to The Skinny Smilers. Also, I'll be racing against my friend and former teammate, Alison Sydor. She is happy as a clam to be racing for nine days like her old roadie days. By the way, her and Bart Brejetnes are the fastest people of their age by a long shot.

I saw the Southern Cross last night. I saw it two years ago in New Zealand, but its still so cool.

Anyway I'll try to get some pics up at some point. And check the Cape Epic website because they have a live feed from the race. Yes, a live feed! Also check cycingnews and velonews.

Cheers!

Tim and Ruby would like it here i think. But I wouldn't want Ruby to have any encounters with a baboon or wildebeast.