We have been chilling out in a Hotel in Rapid City, South Dakota, USA for the last few days. Killing time, adjusting gear, shopping, packing and unpacking. Trying to do the limitless things that need doing before beginning racing on the 14th. It doesn't help that we require a massive amount of gear for this race.

I have put my compulsory equipment into my race pack, and it is super heavy, and that is before adding team items, food and the recommended 6L of water. Ouch its gonna hurt.

I admit to being a little nervous with almost 1000km of racing this will be the longest race we have ever done.

We have managed to get out and do some training over the last few days, a couple of rides where we found some nice single track and some horrid sticky mud that clogs up tyres and shoes.

It hasn't been as hot here as I was expecting, but we are heading off to do a little run in the "Badlands" this afternoon which is apparently pretty warm, and should give us some idea of how hot it will get during the race.

Everyone is feeling good except for Roy who has picked up some bug and has the shits, which isn't nice for him, but at least no one else has it.

The race website is www.ecoprimalquest.com they normally do a great job of team tracking, photos and news once the race gets underway.