Bintan Day 1

Well we have made it to Bintan. It was a long day of travel yesterday, but it went very smoothly, and we got in around 5:30 last night. Really just enough time to get in, unpack, have dinner and then collapse into bed.

Nirwana Gardens, were we are staying, and who hosts the race is very nice. Accommodation is really top notch and we are certainly enjoying it.

First impressions are that weather is certainly going to be a factor in this race. It is hot and humid as you might expect. This morning I finished putting the bike together and went for a quick spin and it felt just like riding in Darwin. There is no escaping it, it is going to be a demanding race, particularly the run. You can see the fear in the eyes of the southerners (which I guess includes me now).

I have just come back from a bus trip recce around the bike course put on by the organisers. Hilly would be the word I would use. Endless hills, not big, but continuous. Should make for an interesting ride leg as well. That makes it sound worse than it is, there are really some long flats as well, so a bit of a mixed bag. I really hope the course is well marked though, it winds all over the place, and I wouldn't back my chances of finding my back if I got lost. All up I am looking forward to it. It should be an interesting day.

It will be a bit of a look at the run course tonight, and then a more official day tomorrow, with registration and bike checkin all taking place.