I’ve been holding off on this writing this post for a while now because, well, I still can hardly believe it. But I’ve got the confirmations, did the leg work and I suppose it’s safe to finally accept it as well as put it out there publicly that:
I AM A SPONSORED TRIATHLETE!
Yup.
I shit you not.
That’s pretty exciting, right?
Excuse me while I hyperventilate a little…
(Inside I’m screaming like a tweener at a Bieber concert)
But before I divulge the particulars, let me first comment that I am no rock star triathlete nor do I possess anything resembling a “God-gifted skill”, or even somewhat “pro” qualities and/or status. I’m just an average guy who works his ass off to be the best that he can be come race day, with what little there is to work with of course. Or, maybe it’s that there is actually a lot to work with given the current size of my ass, I’m not sure how you want to spin it. However, what definitely holds true is that I work hard and try my best.
The idea came to me a few years ago to approach a few local businesses of which I am both a supporter and frequent customer, with the request to sponsor me as a local athlete. I didn’t of course because, well, I’m a schmuck. I figured that no business owner in their right mind would ever want to endorse a “nobody” which, in the greater scheme of things, I am. After all, sponsorship’s typically go to athletes who win events and thereby promoting their said sponsors through the act of standing on the podium for all to behold and revel in. And while I have been on the podium once or twice, it’s certainly not a regular occasion. Besides, finishing first in the “Clydesdale” age group category isn’t exactly the “Big Time”, so I let the idea slip away like so many lost dreams.
It just wasn’t meant to be.
But this year, I need a new race suit. And that means a pretty big expense seeing as how I only need the one. The thought then of spending serious cash on a race suit that calls attention to brands such as Sugoi, Zoot, 2XU, Orca, Pearl Izumi or Louis Garneau who, really, don’t give two shits about me beyond the fact that I just handed over my hard earned bucks to wear their outfit, wasn’t very palatable. Besides, I’d inevitably be just another faceless lamb in the flock along the race course seeing as how it’s very possible that quite a few other participants would also be wearing the exact same thing.
Boooooor-ing.
So I reconsidered the option of asking for a local sponsorship. I figured, hey, you could probably see my ass from orbit as it is, so what better billboard for getting ones brand name seen and advertised is there? Those skinny little pro assholes just don’t have this kind of girth on which to show off their sponsors, do they?
Hells-to-the-NO!
Now I’ve mentioned it before in other posts that I’m fiercely loyal to the area in which I live and train (Ridgeway, Ontario), and I practice “think Global, act local” as often as possible. I also do my very best to support all our local businesses whenever I dine out, or go to shows and events, or just shop. Maybe – just maybe – one of these businesses would be interested in returning the favor by making a small investment in supporting one of their own.
Now, let’s be clear. I wasn’t asking for money to buy (or be provided with) expensive equipment, performance supplements, or even to cover the entry fees for my events. I just wanted something spiffy to race in that has logos and the brand names of companies and businesses that I believe in, support and endorse; things that inspire me.
That’s not asking a lot is it?
I swallowed my pride then and approached three local businesses that I would love to represent and as fortunate would have it – they all agreed. I guess that makes this my triathlon equivalent of “Say Yes to the Dress!”
So without any further ado, here they are:
It goes without saying that I am HUGE fan of all these businesses, and not just because they’re local and they’ve agreed to give me money.
I love everything they stand for:
- Fresh local food
- Great local beer
- Awesome local riding
Three of my favorite things in life I might add.
Of course, the bragging rights that go along with showing up to an Ironman triathlon in part sponsored by a brewery also definitely ups the “cool factor” just a bit too.
Take that Clif bar!
“Recharge with Milk”, my ass.
(bitches)
Both Brimstone Brewing Co. and CRAVE LOCAL FRESH operate out of The Sanctuary – Center for the Arts, a converted church 30 seconds from my front door. My family and I love this place and frequent it often on evenings out for dinner, concerts, or just quiet pints of delicious craft beer (which aren’t exactly part of an “Ironman Diet” but, hey, “all work and no play…”, right?). I will stop in on weekends for a bowl of homemade “recovery soup” on weekends after long winter rides and runs, and this is also my go-to place on “Daddy-Daughter Date Night” for a few rounds of Exploding Kittens while mommy is at work as well. Chef Matt and staff certainly take care of us.
I am also particularly excited to represent The Unroyal Ride Ambassadors started by local in.cep.tion cyclery bike shop owner Brandon McGuire. Essentially, they’re a “group of everyday riders, a few racers, all with no glorious ambitions of World Cup domination; rather to support, love and grow our sport”.
In other words, we’re ordinary dads on a mission.
Kind of like this:
–
But with bikes.
So what will I be wearing this season?
Well, just check out this bad ass race suit:
How. Cool. Is. That?
This is certainly going to turn some heads.
I just can’t wait for the season to get here already and I’m sincerely looking forward to racing for and supporting my new sponsors this spring/summer – hell, all year – by leading more group bike rides to and from The Sanctuary (rumor has it they have good beer and food) in order to explore the amazing area that I am so fortunate to train and live in. How lucky am I? Of course, it goes without saying that I will do my absolutely very best to make them all proud come race time as well.
And, hey, even if I don’t get to stand on the podium this year, I’m pretty sure I still know a good place where I can get a decent victory dinner and drink and maybe even a congratulatory pat on the back and a “good job!“. Whatever it happens to be, at the end of the day there will always be good soup and beer.
What else can I ever ask for?
fatandthefurious 