This trip to Lake Placid is the first time I have ever flown with my sled and had to check it with the airline. There is such a thing as a sled bag for traveling, but they are few and far between - a lot of athletes have theirs custom made.

Those who don't have a sled bag resort to pink insulation foam, particle board and a LOT of duct tape. Which works just fine, but is about as convenient as trying to put contacts in during a sandstorm in Timbuktu (been there, done that).

My solution? Surf board bag and home made cinching straps! Even better, the surf board bag was a little dirty, so I bartered with the lady at the store and got another 20 bucks off the price. The only thing better than the perfect solution, is the perfect solution on sale.

Every time I look at my wicked sweet sled bag I remember how brilliant I am (as well shamelessly willing to bargain) and then I fall asleep with a smug sense of satisfaction, along with genuine sadness for those in the world who lack my acumen and coruscations of mental prowess.

And then the next day, when I am trying to make adjustments to my sled, and see a bolt looking very wrong, and go to ask my coach to look at it, and he pulls it out and shows me that it is in upside down ... then I remember that my brilliant moments are just fleeting interruptions in a lifetime of idiocy.

And then I see my my sled bag again and giggle with delight.