Let's Ride!

Tonight I did something altogether new, something way outside my comfort zone. I attended the first organizational meeting of a new amateur masters cycling race team.

Gathered together in a small bike shop were six women and oh, I'd guess around 15 men. We were all O-L-D, as in, over 35.

Okay, 35 is not old. I'll give you that.

And, yeah, half of the prospective members have completed SEVERAL ironman triathlons. That is, a 2.4-mile swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride followed by a 26.2-mile marathon, all in one "I must be crazy" day. In other words, I was standing among some highly accomplished masters athletes.

So, how'd that feel, hanging momentarily with totally-buff-but-kinda-old people? It felt GREAT!

Everyone in that room was *just like me* - when asked, "Why are you here?" I heard guy after gal after guy say, "I want to have fun. But I'm kinda competitive and I also want to go fast."

The organizers discovered which of us were experienced racers and which were completely new to the sport. About half of us haven't a clue what we're getting into, we just know it sounds incredibly fun. And that was fine with the organizers and the experienced racers.

Everyone will contribute something of value to the team. I will plan our winter ride schedule (with guidance), while the women's team captain mentors me in the sport.

Best of all, everyone seems to want a team with a strong sense of cameraderie. Three of the members are leaving other teams. When asked "why?", each said, "My teammates are polite, but they aren't interested in friendship. I want to have fun with cycling friends."

So here's to folks that take the time and effort to organize a brand-new team. And here's to aging athletes that welcome new experiences and new acquaintances. Let's ride!