I need some wheels...

I've been nervous and excited since I woke up this morning. I just wanted to get to Clearwater safe and sound and then figured I could relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

We flew out of Buffalo and left the house at 10:30 am in order to catch our 1:55 pm flight. I thought we had plenty of time, until we got delayed close to an hour at the border. I was in a lane that was moving so slow and I was starting to panic, so I changed lanes. Wouldn't you know it, just as I changed lanes, the lane I was in started moving quickly and the one I changed to slowed right down. I would have gotten through about 10 minutes faster if I just would have stayed in my original lane.

When we finally got to the Buffalo Airport, the main long term parking lot was full. We had to go to a back up lot which was much farther away from the terminal. Because I had the bike box I didn't want to use the shuttle, it would be too much hassle. The terminal was about a kilometer away and we had to run because our flight was departing in less than an hour and we hadn't even checked in yet. At least the kids got some exercise running with the bike box and it was a good warm up run for me.

It was rush, rush, rush all the way to the gate. We cut it so close that by the time we got the tickets, went through security and bought a sandwich to take on the plane, the plane just started boarding. For the first time, sitting on that plane, I felt we were going to make it and it was all downhill from here. Wrong!!!

We arrived in Tampa safe and picked up our bags. The only problem was that my bike case didn't arrive. It was no where to be found. In it was my bike, cycling shoes, running shoes, helmet and wetsuit. I went to the baggage counter. They couldn't find it and I had to make a baggage loss claim. They were relaxed about it and figured it will show up.

I didn't freak out, I was surprisingly cool about it. I also didn't think it would do any good and it may show up on the next flight. I asked what the lost policy is and they said they will replace up to $3800, but not until 5 days has passed without them finding it. I told them I race is in 3 days on Saturday. I just started thinking this sucks. Just when I should be happy and excited and looking forward to a nice training ride tomorrow, I'm now uncertain if my bike will arrive by race day.

I called Southwest back at 9:30 pm and they still don't know where it is. It didn't arrive on the last flight of the day and the next flight is arriving tomorrow at 10:30 am. After I made that call and they didn't have it, I started to feel sick to my stomach. All I can do is wait and in the morning will have to figure out a plan. It's not going to be a restful sleep. I'm sure I'm going to be dreaming, or more likely having a nightmare about this all night.

I figure I have three choices. Buy a new bike and gear, Rent a new bike and gear, or try to find someone who can borrow me their bike and gear. Not racing, is not an option. Borrowing a bike and gear would be the best. I'm actually thinking someone on twitter may know someone who can help me. I think I'm going to send out a twit tonight and see if anything happens.

If you know someone who can help me, please email me at bpayne@embassydigital.com or 905.616.1383

Travel, Rest, Taper & lose Bike Day - No Training