Among the many messages from friends and well-wishers after this weekend (by the way, thanks guys, you are awesome) was a text from one of my best friends (and cat 2 cyclist), Tony. It said: "Dude. So sorry. Let's go crush it this week." Now, for most bros, this translates to getting absolutely hammered on Natty Ice. But our bromance is a little different. No, what Tone had in mind was a 60 mile ride in Central Park designed as catharsis for any lingering frustration. We did that ride today, tacking on some hill repeats for good measure.
At one point it was pouring rain. An hour later there were 30 mph winds. But through it all was great conversation. Not a word was uttered about the race, or tests, or responsibilities--to tell you the truth, I can't even remember exactly what we talked about. However, I do remember laughing so hard that I almost skidded out on a descent, and being more sore in the facial cheeks from smiling than the less tan cheeks from riding.
This may sound strange, especially after the bromance talk, but I think there is a certain intimacy in sharing an experience of physical, athletic exertion. My training partners are some of my best friends; I wouldn't be surprised if I meet my wife on a training run. And that all comes back to a personal connection through a run, or a ride, or anything physical really. For that period of time, you are both striving to a common goal, yet constantly cognizant of your companion. I could not train with someone I did not personally enjoy just like I could not marry a girl with a shitty personality. Luckily, meeting athletes this weekend in Richmond reinforced one thing that has been ubiquitous in my travels, whether in Boulder during the summers or Central Park during the Springs.....the people you meet on the trails and roads of life are pretty fucking awesome.
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