Anywhere from 10-20cm fell on the upper section of the track last night. The most intense part of the storm arrives tomorrow morning, just in time. Hah.
It's about 9:20am on Friday...an odd time to be looking at my computer screen, as this is an hour which usually sees me in my ski boots. We had a packed all-crew meeting this morning at 7 that was...inspirational, blunt, and somewhat humorous. Given the weather, a swift kick to the ass was needed for all 1500 volunteers. We were informed that days off are officially canceled until further notice, and 24 hour 'round the clock shift changes are officially beginning starting at 1pm today. Men's training run is cancelled today. Crews will change out between 1pm-10pm and 10pm-7am shifts. Because this is the most-anticipated event in the Olympics aside from perhaps a gold medal hockey match between Canada and the United States, race officials refuse to let weather and track conditions touch tomorrow's mens downhill UNLESS it's a visibility issue. Manpower + around the clock prep + coffee + probably a little booze + enthusiasm for this cause will be the most effective tool we have to work with Mother Nature.
Whistler Village is becoming electric. There are multiple stages set up for "Whistler Live!" which will showcase bands throughout the Games such as Sam Roberts Band, Damian Marley, Swollen Members, among many others. At the base of Whistler Gondola, a DJ is set up at the foot of a giant kicker with rings of fire at the lip through which freestyle skiers and riders are jumping throughout the night. The cobblestones in the village are a huge dance floor, playing host to more than 80 countries. Big screens are scattered throughout the village covering events and venues between Whistler and Vancouver. This is very much a connected setup...between Whistler, Whistler Creekside, the nordic site, Cypress, Vancouver, etc., nothing will be missed.
The Jamaican Bobsled Team is here, with the Savage Beagle Club as their headquarters.
As I type, I'm watching coverage of the Olympic Torch Relay entering into the most poverty-stricken area in Canada - the Downtown East Side of Vancouver. The mayor insisted that it didn't matter how brilliant or how ugly the city was - the Olympics are inclusive to all walks of life which share common threads no matter where one is in the world. The torch therefore has struck the poorest of communities as it makes its way to the opening ceremonies, and protesters aren't hesitating in raising their voices about how resources haven't been allocated to, for example, poverty reduction, housing, and the environment throughout prep for the games. These protesters have actually caused VANOC to redirect the route of the torch. Interesting mix of emotions in the face of the largest multinational gathering of the world's most elite athletes. You can't help but take all of these opinions into account regardless of your stance and put it into the best perspective you can.
My job is real, though, at this point. I'm on a Pearl Jam, Grand Analog, and Eleven Fingered Charlie binge right now. With those songs running through my veins, my own cacophony of thoughts, and the unique environment which surrounds me, I proceed the best I can. Let the bass line drop - it's showtime.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_eAElauc3E
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