With the official countdown nearing the two-week mark, it’s time to start getting really excited about Tevis.  Preparations are in order, stuff is getting organized, I have plane tickets and am crafting packing lists.

Apparently, crewing Tevis is supposed to be harder (to some) than riding it.

I never got that memo until after I’d crewed it three different times.

Ignorance is bliss?

Because I never found crewing it that hard.  A bit stressful at times, maybe a little nerve-wracking…definitely deficient in the sleep department when it’s all said and done.  But I actually love it.

I guess that’s proof that I have Tevis Fever really bad and love anything having to do with the ride.

I crewed at the 2004, 2005, and 2009 rides.  I think part of the reason crewing hasn’t made me pull my hair out is the fact I’ve always been part of a fairly large crew team, which definitely helps take some of the pressure off.  There’s still the unavoidable, slight stress inducer of “The Great Trailer Race” out of Robie Park and down to Foresthill.  But crewing has been a great chance for me to really hone my own eventual ride plan and strategy.  (I might have one of those 2″-thick three-ring binders floating around that’s been dedicated to this purpose…*innocent whistle*)

Robinson Flat, Tevis 2009 Crewing for Lucy Trumbull and AM Ruwala Land — “Roo” That’s me making sure Roo eats his carefully prepared snacks.

This year will be a little different.  I’m not crewing for any one person in particular.  Instead, Renegade is sending me up in a work-related capacity to help with booting before the ride, be on-hand as needed during the ride, and take lots and lot of pictures.