In the meantime, email #2 to Amy the Race Director

Hi Amy,

Wow. That website is helpful. Thanks so much for suggesting I read it completely. Since I didn't see any slogan's or taglines on the website, for now allow me to suggest that you borrow one from the Mighty Hampton's Tri: "Face your fears, Live your dreams". Isn't that what we'll all be doing come July 31st?!

That, and Beating Derek.

Now, on to business. I may in fact come up and do the course before hand as you suggest, perhaps in early July. I'm thinking of putting together a little informal pre-race race. The 2010 Pre-Race Vineman AquaBike Race (PVAR). Can you perhaps let the others know that this will be happening. We'll keep it simple so as to not overshadow the main race, but there will be awards for the contestants (medals, etc) and recognition in local newspapers and blogs.

Just like the last tri-event I did (Sept '09), I will have a large group of friends supporting me. Some are surfer buddies from Hawaii, a few are close friends from my summer working as a carny. Last year they pulled a surprise ambush on Derek (surprise to him, not to me since I masterminded the whole operation) as he approached the final 500 yds of the run. With water balloons and super-soakers they attacked him mercilessly - it was hilarious. Most of the spectators thought it was funny, and I think Derek did too once he got up off the ground and dusted himself off.

Do you mind if we do that again to Derek in this years AquaBike? Since there is no run (thank the Lord) we'll have to find a more suitable time to do it but rest assured it will be a surprise and probably no one else except Derek will get hit with the balloons. All in good fun, right?

Also, I may have a very skimpy bathing suit, I assume that's ok. It covers everything but its tight and minimalistic for less drag. One of the many things I'll be doing to try to get any advantage I can over Derek.

Speaking of Derek, has he contacted you? He won't return any of my calls but I think he's been training hard. He actually has a road bike (I don't, but hope to by July 31st) and may have a slight competitive advantage on the bike. A strategically timed water balloon attack could potentially negate that. Although Derek is very much like a sleeping bear, and as we know its often best to let sleeping bears be.

Anyway, I love what you are doing with this event and can't wait. I do have some suggestions on how it could be better but right now I just want to focus on starting to train and keep my eye on the prize (beating Derek).

Thanks again for some of your suggestions,

Ted