Hazy memories don't negate crazy promises.

Good food, groovey tunes and 3 martinis on some cold October evening seemed a far enough away place from June 22 to boldly announce my intent to ride the 2002 Test of Metal...far away enough indeed to make a pledge on it. And now with the spring season upon us that hazy promise has come back to haunt me as Ted and Roger have now both signed up and both await my entry. Uggg.

In preparation, the skinny tires, big ring and bar ends (yes, bar ends!) are going back on the hardtail, and and I'm working on the physique to sport the spandex shorts. Goodbye cool freerider look, hello spandex from the 80s. Goodbye "shuttling" (oh how I love shuttling), hello riding up the hill! Looks like it will be some serious XC riding for the next two months!

If you find yourself in a similar dilemma, or just can't believe how stupid I am, check in for regular updates to see a regular summary of my training routine, and, for those brave enough, feel free to post your training regimen in our mountain bike forum.

Should you be tempted to join me in my misery, er, I mean fun, you can find more info on the Test of Metal here.