Much longer than I thought but the first km was straight up

A long short stage of 48km

To get the important things out of the way

After a long bus ride from a very drizzly Uluunbaatar

Last night in fresh crisp sheets before a week sharing noises and smells and thoughts with now tent stangers but soon to be tent buddies.

The flight was great, flyinmg into Uluunbaatar was amazing - i like to think the whte dots I could see were Yurts - could be, or might be petrol tanks!! - im going with the former as its more romantic.

A full lunar eclipse last night - but sadly couldnt wait up intil 0430 to see it at its best. Has rained most of today - not sure what that means for the course or if it has been raining there - I guess I will find out tomorrow at the briefing.

Nervous but still excited - just want to get started now. I've seen to many organic fit looking people - I need to see the whole group to find "my people"

Anyway - doing the only thing that is to be done before a race and off to the bar

Through customs and now waiting to board

I'm officially signed on for my second blog - the first one being a few years ago in Atacama which sadly ended earlier than planned.

Anyway a few years later, a a few additional races under my belt (Atacama being the first ever!!) hopefully I will get to prattle on for a least a week with this.

I am leaving blustery Melbourne tomorrow to head to Mongolia via Beijing. Still feeling like I have too much gear but not sure where I