3000 bikes take up a lot of space. As luck would have it my slot was very well located with handy landmarks like a TV camera gantry opposite it. Each row was also very clearly numbered. Job done, Owen and I headed off to a nearby campsite. Tents up, food was next on the agenda and a big feed at the local Pizza Hut followed.
Phone calls home and reading filled the last few hours before bed time.
Sadly sleep did not come next. Pre-race nerves usually keep me awake for a while, but on this occassion a nearby electric generator helped keep sleep at bay until sometime around 2am. Great we had to be up by 6am to be sure of getting the car in before the roads in the area closed. Alarm, tea, breakfast, pack up tents. I'm operating on auto pilot.