If it's Saturday it must be De Ronde.

So here I am. Project Flanders seemed such a long way off at the end of last year, just like the finish in Ninove. Most of the team leaves today for Belgium with a few others joining us tomorrow. We're all doing the full 260km.

But the big day is on Saturday and I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be. There is always that extra ride that you could have squeezed in but it's too late now and I'm on an easy training week. My training bike has been stripped down and rebuilt and acquired somewhat larger gearing ratio. Lets just say if I need the bottom gear I'm in a lot of trouble and it's probably already too late. The weather forecast is not that great for Saturday so we'll see what happens on the day. It's a long time to be out there if it rains not to mention the state the cobbles will be in. I'm stupidly excited about the event and that has been mixed with a few restless nights wondering what the hell I've let myself in for. I can't remember who said it but it seems appropriate for this occasion "You don't need good luck in this race, you just don't need any bad luck".

I'm looking forward to standing on a berg on Sunday with a Juliper and watching how quickly the Pro's fly across the cobbles knowing it's all over. Knowing if I made it or not. The event is going to be a real line in the sand for me and I'm looking forward to concentrating on racing again. My race schedule is planned for April and May and I received great news last night that I'm racing for the Surrey League Women's Team in May at a two day stage race. This is a great opportunity for me to get loads of experience and work for a women's only team. I really have something to aim for when I get back.

But my final thought as I leave for Belgium is this 'nothing can ever, ever prepare you for the cobbles'.