Since we were all dolled up in our fancy uniforms for the race today, the four girls on the team decided to capture a few moments on camera afterward. This all started out very civilized with a lovely picture overlooking the Lake Placid Valley, colour-coordinated and symmetrical. From left to right: yours truly; Micaela, our coach Duff, Darla and Shannon.

Tomorrow is my the first of two races here in Lake Placid ... that is as long as it isn't raining, thundering and 15 degrees out. I know that is normal weather for December, but we are really hoping for something extraordinary ... you know, like temperatures below zero. It's crazy, I know, what with it being the middle of winter and all ...

I have some semi-impressive bruises on my hips as a result of my saddle being a little too narrow (or my hips being too wide ... take your pick ... I'm going with the saddle).

Here I am! Round two of the America's Cup circuit in Lake Placid, New York. We got here late last night and I got a chance to walk through the track in preparation for today. This here is Curve 18. Don't be fooled by it's pretty paint job, or by the word "curve" in its name. It might as well be a 15-foot high vertical wall ... oh wait ... IT IS.

Welcome to another a-deskjob-is-a-respectable-life-endeavour-isn't-it moment in Michelle Bartleman's life.

No, of course that is not me, all giddy trying on my new racing suit and posing by my sled with bare feet in the hotel room.