R17 44 1.2 Spencer to Algona: Angels Come in All Kinds of Packages

PDBA: I'm writing this Sunday night. I'm on glass of wine number 2. Vacuum is still in the middle of the living room. Typos creeping in. Send help!

The long road to Mallard

'

Things were not going well for me in the saddle-area-department. I was in a lot of pain and I could not find a comfortable spot. In hindsight, I think I know what was going on and how to fix it (for starters, train!), but that didn't help me in the moment. 

I was alone. I was grumpy. I was in pain. The only thing that helped was drinking and that seemed far, far away. And to make matters worse, people kept talking to me. 

"Hey, good job!"

"Keep it up!"

"Nice day huh?"

Why, why do people feel the need to encourage me? I take it as hostile. Like they are judging me. Like, oh, look at that big girl on a bike. This must be a major feat for her! She has a lot of courage to get out here and do this. Way to go! I'm so tiny and smug that I just better give her some good vibes. 

Of course, I am projecting. I know that. In January. But in the moment, I hate it. 

Even worse, when Pochy's fan club arrives. "Oh, hey Team Beaver! Is Emily with you?" 

"Who?" 

"Emily. I worked with her at XXXXX and we XXXX."

"Oh, yeah. She died." 

[Just kidding. I don't say that.}

"Oh, yeah, she's up there some where. But if I see her I'll tell her that Adam said hello."

"But my name is Steve."

"Whatever." 

This was the nadar. The darkest moment of my sunny ragby. And then out of nowhere, came an angel, with a beard. 

It was Calico Steve (I only call him that because I can't remember his real name.) He was the cute, bearded tattoo artist that we met with the Manthers way back in Funda when we danced the rain away. He rode up next to me and said hello and amazingly he wasn't fucking annoying. He was nice. And chatty and compassionate. And cool. We had a nice funny lovely chat that brought me all the way into Mallard. 

Outside of Mallard the beavers were waiting and we had a funny chat with Calico Steve and his brother (?) Pork Chop. They were so happy they got coozies and they showed off their beaver bandanananana. They were cool. I like them. 

Nice beaver

We were waiting for Kenny, but it got to be a long, long time, so we finally decided to head into snack land and catch up with him in town, while we were beered and fooded. 

Oh Calico Steve!

I was worried about him, but I only had so much capacity for others at this point.