My head is spinning with all the Arrowhead Ultra preparations.

With the Arrowhead Ultra closing in, my head is swimming with all the details I need to pull together in the next week. The biggest task, the one I always put off, is deciding how and what I'm going to pack. I always pack at the last moment. However, it got a bit easier today now that the start date, February 4th, is in the ten day forecast window. I know the ten day forecast can change drastically, but at least I can see the weather trend for the next week. Right now it's calling for above normal temps for race day. A high/low of 19/0. Way different than last years -28 at the start. At least it gives me an idea of how to pack my clothing. Today I went out for what may be my last snow ride until race day. I spent three hours on the trails, keeping the ride moderately paced and avoiding any hills. The temperature climbed into the mid-20's. The hardpack conditions of the past few weeks have changed where there has been heavy snowmobile use. A layer of chopped up ice that was gradually softening as the temperature rose made for slower going.
I finally put my newest Minnesota State Snowmobile Trail Pass on the bike. I've had it for some time now, just hadn't put it on. I bought it as a good will gesture to help support the cost of maintaining the state trails.
Lots of people on snowmobiles out today. Most gave a friendly wave. A few didn't bother to acknowledge me as they went by at speeds that were well beyond save.
This is a canal in Jaye Cook State Park that supplies water to a hydroelectric plant. This trail hadn't had any snowmobiles on it in several days. There were no new tracks. Thus, the hardpacked ice and snow was not chewed up and the track was very fast.

Tomorrow I will most likely take a day off from the bike. I'll spend part of the day prepping for the big dance. I've been looking at pictures of snow bikes loaded for snow biking races and I just don't get the mindset behind the current trends. I'm already an oddball in that circle by using a front and rear rack. I see pictures of people lashing all their gear to handlebars and seats and wearing small backpacks. I just don't get it, isn't that why they make racks? Of course. I'm not a gram counter and I'll never win an event like this. What I can tell you is this, I'll be able to access my gear easier and quicker than most people, especially when my hands are cold. Maybe I'll carry a few more grams than everybody else, but I won't be spending 15 minutes unstuffing and stuffing an overstuffed stuff sack just to get a dry shirt or grab a dry hat.

Come to think of it, I may just use panniers. I may look like a dork, but my gear will be organized and easily accessible. I think I'll sleep on it.

Saturday: 31 mi
2008: 541 mi