Now I'm in for it

Bubba and I have agreed to ride "support" for the tail end runners at the end of the CaliforniaMan Triathlon tomorrow night. I've never ridden in the dark, but agreed to do it since I only have to accompany and cheer on the folks at a running pace.

So, having never done this, what should I expect? What do you tri-gals want to hear at the end of day? What are the best words of inspiration?

Should I carry anything in a hydration pack? What is legal?

OK, now off to find my head lamp. The sponsors are providing bike lights. This ought to be an adventure. I'll do my best not to run into anyone.

I was so worried about what to say to everyone and it turned out I hardly had to do a thing. We found that about 2 miles of the running leg was on an unlit dirt/gravel road and badly rooted bike path. All of us riding support ended up riding a relay "escort" service through this section. One of us would ride behind a runner lighting the path ahead until we got them back to streetlights and smooth pavement. We'd then sprint back to pick up the next runner and repeat. I was amazed how many of them wanted to talk! I think that at this point they weren't taxing their lungs because the rest of the body was so tired. They were just trying to put one foot in front of the other and wanted the distraction from the pain.

This turned out to be an incredibly rewarding evening. We finished about 11 pm and heard all kinds of life stories. After, it was fun sharing the stories we had each heard from "our" runners and the amazing bond you'd develop in just a short time. For instance, my battery went dead while I was escorting the runner that I thought was in the worst shape. He was walking a good deal and had an upset stomach. When my light went dead he actually stopped and helped while I swapped batteries with another rider. It seemed that he was not only dependent on me for the light but somehow I became part of his emotional support crew, that "we" were going to do it together. Bubba also had a similar experience. I can tell you about the marine who broke his ankle 3 years ago and had a $200 bet with his buddy. The two women who were doing it together in an almost mind-melded pace. The guy who was trying for the 7th time to complete an Ironman with his wife and parents at the finish line waiting for him.

This was probably the best volunteer time I've ever spent in such events and would recommend it to all. You get to help someone completing a huge goal AND ride! Totally cool.

Plus, now we're thinking night time mtbike riding on campus would be loads of fun so saving my pennies for a light.

My only regret is that I didn't go to the finish line to see "my" runners finish. Next year . . . :)

hey that's very cool! I hadn't considered doing that but I know if you work SAG stations on one ride you can get to do a different ride for free so have considered that... good for you for being emotional support to others to help them complete tho! I keep saying that over half of the challenge of big events is mental! More proof of that in this story... thanks for sharing :)