If you've been camping, you'll know only too well that the weather hasn't exactly been golden recently. In fact, it's been one of the worst-ever summers, with rain, flooding and freezing southerlies.
Oh, and more rain and wind.
Just as well then, this year's five-day Trust House Cycle Classic is timed for the final week of January: any earlier and things would have been a trifle wet and wild.
As it stands, the long-term forecast for tour week (27 - 30 Jan) is looking somewhat more settled.
Fingers crossed.
Whatever the skies produce, though, the racing itself will be hot for sure. After all, when you mix the best of New Zealand against 41tough Australian road riders into any race entry, its odds-on there will be fireworks right from the start.
The Kiwi chances are headed by new national champion and Trust House Team leader Jack Bauer who will start his first ever Trust House Cycle Classic, Tom Findlay from the Bici Vida team and another youngster, George Bennet riding for the Cardno team should keep New Zealand hopes high.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie? Mate. The Classic always has a strong presence from across the Tasman with riders such as Travis Meyer who in 2008 showcased his absurd talents dictating a lesson in bike riding and last year's winner Peter McDonald, this year is no exception, with some 41riders from the sunny country.
McDonald is coming back straight after the Tour Down Under as well as the Australian national team lead by top contender Michael Matthews. The complete line up of Fly V Australia, the best team across the ditch, their top rider Jai Crawford, who in last year's tour won the Admiral hill and reiterated his liking for the upward slopes: without questions a strongman to watch.
All in all, it's again a strong field for the Trust House Classic: well befitting a race with Brian Fowler, Robbie McEwen, Julian Dean, Chris Jenner and Travis Meyer on the role of honour of past winners.
But as for sticking necks on the line and predicting a favourite to head the field in 2010?
Hardly likely.
With a good half-dozen major contenders there's way more chance than not of getting it wrong.
Bit like the weather really.
