only a few days to go

Relaxing by another lake, the train trip and a new host family.

Wednesday was pretty much spent packing everything back up again ready for the trip to Germany. Went for a short little jog along the river in the morning, it is again really hot. You’’ll notice the picture Chelle took when we were at the lake. In the evening on Florian’s suggestion we caught the street tram to another location on the outskirts of Zurich and spent some time at Chatzensee (Katzensee). It is another lake, excellent for swimming and relaxing. It is situated just away from the highway but through the forest so you can barely hear any traffic noise and the whole area is a nature reserve. Beautiful. I wish we had known about this place earlier as we would have come here often.

A thunderstorm came over this evening, first real change in the weather we have had since being here. Ate Thai food at a nice restaurant. It must have been pretty authentic cos all the dishes we chose were pretty hot, even the Pad Thai.

Said our goodbyes in the apartment this morning before making our way to the train station for the trip to Nurnberg. It was a bit sad, but hopefully we will catch up with Julia again if she can make her way to Australia. The train left promptly at 9.10am and by about 9.45am we were already in Germany. Saw the famous Rhein Falls in Schaffhausen from the train window briefly as we sped on by. It is quite a popular tourist attraction in Switzerland but I don’t think we will be making our way back via this part of the country, so the view from the train will have to do.

Arriving in Stuttgart we changed trains to Nurnberg. Strange we didn’t have to show passports when entering another country, must be the whole EU thing. Michelle was able to strike up conversations with a couple of nice old ladies during this part of the trip, and whilst I could understand most of what was being said I couldn’t really participate in the conversation. One lady said it is much easier to travel when you have the ability to speak a foreign language (this is true), she also said we shouldn’t have children as they are too expensive (this is also true). She was really nice and she lives just outside Nurnberg and told Michelle every year she reads about the triathlon in the paper but this year she is going to come to Roth to have a look.

Getting off the train in Nurnberg we were immediately meet by Gunter (our host dad????). He was very welcoming and we set off to get the car to Georgensgmund (just think George town). His work is right by the station and so it was really easy. On the way he told us about the tri and showed us where the swim start is and also the finish area. I was able to register this afternoon, which makes things easier for the next few days. You can see me signing myself up for self inflicted pain. Lucky me!!!!! Didn’t have a triathlon licence so had to fork out 10Euros for a German one for the day.

Georgensgmund is about 10km from Roth so it was only a quick trip and we met our host “Mama”” Danni and our host brothers Timon, Mika and Kimi. Michelle didn’t waste any time breaking out the unique M&M football we have had stashed away for the last few months and had a kick around the back yard. The boys thought it was really funny having this odd shaped football.

We had a yummy dinner in the garden, before Michelle broke out the rest of the presents for the family. Just like xmas!!! All aussie gifts that they loved. I spent a bit of time telling Gunter about Coffs Harbour, and we showed him Coffs Harbour and our house via google.

Had a great nights sleep. In the morning we had to get over to the swim start area as they allowed swimming in the canal between 6.30am and 9.00am for practicing. They have to organise for the shipping to stop between this time. There was lots of people down there and I donned the wetsuit and had a swim 2.4 km went by OK, apart from the fact that I think it is far too warm to be wearing wetsuits for the swim. I felt like I was overheating. I definitely think the water temp is above 24 degrees. When I took my wetsuit off my shoulders and chest were all red from the heat. I wish I had brought my other suit. Ah well will just have to go with the flow!!!

Danni picked us up again afterwards and then I spent the morning reading over the race material and putting my bike back together again. A short ride up and down the street to ensure everything is in the right place accompanied by my two new team members Kimi and Mika and I think my bike is a good as it’s gonna get.

Yummy lunch today crepes with ice cream and fruit, and then lazing about in the afternoon before we go over to the expo and the Carbo Loading (nudel party). Gunter took us over and prior to going to the expo we watched the boys, Timon and Mika, at Tisch tennis (table tennis) training. Wow, they are both really good. Any delusions I had about showing them how to play quickly vanished once we watched them warming up.

Over at the expo it was like being a kid in a candy store. Now even though I know the aussie dollar is weaker than the euro, the prices here for some stuff are really cheap. There was one stall set up selling all of the aussie stuff. Roadsign I think it was called, no body was going there and Michelle did feel a bit sorry for that vendor. We got a few photos anyhow. Speaking of Aussies there doesn’t appear to be many in the event about 12 all up and a few of them live in Europe so not that many have made the trip over.

Heaps of brands we don’’t know about back at home, plenty of carbon and lycra everywhere. Saw the stand with the Muscle Milk. I thought I should have a sample of this stuff, everyone seems to rave on about it. Whilst having a taste of the drink (not that nice to tell you the truth) this guy keeps trying to tell me all about cytomax energy drink and how good it is and it will improve my performance, blah, blah, blah. He seemed pretty excited to talk to me. Anyway I got my photo with this guy and I promised to send him an autographed copy. Some of you will know who it is, for those of you who don’t, I’ll give you a few clues, he is considered to be one of the German uber bikers, has won Roth, has won Forster IM. If you’’re still not sure ask someone or I’ll tell you when I get back home.

We took heaps of brochures form the stand advertising the Tirol region and this is probably where we will travel after the race and ride through the mountains in Austria.

The carbo party was packed, heaps and heaps of food. I ate way too much in one sitting and now I have a big belly. Getting a seat after filling your plate was similar to the swim start, heaps of elbows and not much room cos everyone wants to try and occupy the same space. Anyway I ate my dinner and listened to the presenter interview the pros. For the record I think Rasmus Henning will win the mens and the womens will be of course Chrissie Wellington. She looks really, really fit right now, I can’t see the other challenging her. In saying that Belinda Granger and Bek Keat also look amazing so it will be a fast race that’s for sure.

After attending the carbo party we went out to the mini golf place at Roth see (Roth Lake) to see Danni this is where she works. I can’t believe we are swimming in the canal when there is this excellent man made lake just around the corner that would be perfect. It is by the camp ground and it is also really popular. Played Mini golf and then hit the sack for a good nights sleep.

Got around 10 hours sleep so hopefully that helps make up for some of the late nights. It is much cooler today due to the thunderstorm and rain that came though overnight. Hopefully Sunday is like this as well. Have attempted to pack all my bags for each of the transitions, so much to do. Half IM’s seem so much simpler by comparison.

Resting up all day today prior to taking my bike to transition and then listening to the race briefing (boring, hahahahahaha).

By the time you read this I may already be underway, so wish me luck and I,ll give you a run down of he event and how it went.

Cheers.