Root, root, root for the home team

It's been a while since I've posted anything here. That's partly due to the busy mess that is life, and partly because I've been trying to think of how to say something that's been rattling around in my head since the TRAM.

You may recall, gentle reader, that I was crabby on Wednesday of the TRAM and through sheer determination, made myself be cheerful, resulting in my being told on Thursday that I was "the most joyful rider."

But Wednesday: Crabby? Moi? Former official President (and likely Chief Executive Officer, if we'd been a bit more organized) of the Crabby Club from roughly 1978 - 1984? Yes, me. C.r.a.b.b.y. Crabby.

I had a tough time riding. My back hurt, my foot/ankle hurt, and my seat hurt. I was riding with, and using, ibuprofen, Icy Hot, and Chamois Butt'r. They helped, but did not alleviate my issues. Once I got off the bike, I was mostly better. Until bedtime.

I was in my tent when this guy came to talk to Matt, sitting near my tent.

I shouldn't have let him bother me; he wasn't even talking to me. I was in a tent, though, which isn't exactly soundproof. He is a fast rider, he said multiple times. He's looking to join a fast team (presumably for riding not just during this charity event). He rides 7,000 miles per year, in Minnesota. He's a fast rider, he said again, many times. All of that made me roll my eyes, but what made me want to leave my tent and punch him was this, "No one should have struggled riding today."

It's a charity ride. A lot of old people, a lot of people who ride 1,000 miles per year, and riders wearing jerseys, reminding you that they have MS. And people who ride a fair amount who now mysteriously have a sore foot and a sudden need for chamois cream.

In the following weeks, I've been thinking about my reaction, as well as what a team sport means to me, even though we don't really do the TRAM as a team sport (although four of us pooled our gear and food).

Seven years ago, I took a learn to row class because I wanted to participate in a team sport. I wanted to get exercise in a way where I'd be accountable to someone for showing up, I'd have to work hard once I showed up, and I'd meet nice people who I'd want to be active with (I know, not technically the proper way to end that sentence). I met my friend Stacy on that first day, and she's the one who first suggested that I consider the MS150 ride. I've met a lot of great people in the boat and on my bike, and am reasonably fit.

I can't fault that annoying guy for wanting his own version of that.

But he might want to work on his messaging.