I have been recruited to a team with sponsors, full uniforms, training schedules, beer miles, Sunday morning brunches, and wednesday socials. Did I mention sponsorships?! If anyone of you have been tracking my twitter (k8tdubs) posts for the last year, you know my deep desire for sponsorship. If you fall down, an ice pack is available in seconds... Although sponsored athletes don't fall as much from what I've seen. If you hurt your knee, trainers are at your beck and call to bring you back to life. If grease covers the entire outfit, they give you new bright clean clothing that is magically sweat proof. I might be describing professional athletes that have personal coaches and are younger than 23, but either way sponsorship is a necessary and enjoyable step.
Do I suffer from a rare form of hyperbole excitement? Yes, I do. Keep reading, I will come clean and explain.
This morning, I beat Tropical Storm Irene as I joined up for a ride at 7AM with the Landrys Crew at their Norwood MA store. First off, this was by far the friendliest group of riders thus far. Secondly, I was very Surprised with the large group willing to ride through a potential hurricane. For all we knew, the storm could be arriving while we were 20 miles from the home base. Anyway, we were bonded together by our biking addiction and on our way through the streets of Norwood, Sharon, and Foxborough!
I rode along with Aaron as the leader. Jim was my instant friend - I always make sure to make a "bond" within the first seconds of arriving so someone has ownership in case I fall in the first seconds of the ride. Tony was the recruiter. DaveMac is the great friend of Tony and now my friend too. The ride was 48.25 miles in length and about 2hours and 43 minutes in ride time. For the first 27 miles, we rode as a whole group. At a little intersection, Tony inquired whether anyone was up for another loop? I need to do another loop, but I also need a bio break and I am starving... I shoot my hand up, smile and say "Yes please!"
Leeting area before we start... Tony is the one in the Green and Jim is in the red.
Not sure exactly why Tony recruited me to the Boston Triathlon team. It might have been because I introduced myself before he said hello, maybe it's because I slightly caused an accident and avoided falling myself, maybe its because my shirt was greasy when I arrived, maybe because I voted no for a bio break in the woods with 5 houses in view, maybe because I joined up for an additional 20 miles and kept up with the faster pace? He might be impressed with my dedication to my first century ride, but I think it has more to do with the fact that I mentioned starting as a runner and living very close to all the other members.
And as for the hyperbole, the team roster is determined by an application process. And when I said recruitment, he actually invited me to the free public events. I am not selling it short, in fact, I am very pleased - its an offer to apply, right?! I am an all star and on my way!
Also thanks to DaveMac and Tony! They donated to my charity ride as well! Nicest group!
Almost to Texas... one more flight away!
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