The Bond of Sweat, Tears and Blood

Sometimes I wonder what it is that makes our fellowship so different, that week in, week out, we forgo sleep to slog it out in the wee morning hours; that over 50 folks, with spouses and children in tow, would congregate to eat, drink, laugh and be merry at our annual gathering? And what is it that compels us to check in on our FB everyday even when overseas, with some degree of anticipation on the next event, a photo or a random comment, as a 15 year-old would?

Could it be that we, many of whom are midlifers, need a sense of identify - an augmentation of self identify and/or a sense of belonging to a group of like-minded people? If so, why do I not feel the same sense of belonging with other interest groups?

Could it be the sense of camaraderie through common goals such as endurance events, personal challenges and simply shared interests? But then, would I drag myself out of bed to cycle with other groups?

Could it be the bond created through teamwork such as committees, management teams, colleagues? I certainly spend more time with other teams and small groups, but they are not the same.

Could it be the journey through and triumph over adversity? Our stints with our band of brothers in the military or uniform groups are probably the closest I can relate to. It's the sense of achievement we get when we overcome adversity together, through physically and mentally challenging situations. The kindred spirit of brotherhood that we forge through sweat and tears, and sometimes blood.

Yet I suspect there is something more. I submit that we don't have the same bond with drinking and golfing buddies, and even long-time best friends; not even if we simply meet each week for the sole purpose of consuming gourmet food and rare wines.

Could it be the dependency and reliance on each other to call out hazards and in the spirit of self preservation, we are safer in numbers?  Could it well also be our instinctive selfishness to rely on others to attain higher speed and cover longer distances -- and on the flip side, a sense of pride that others rely on us for the same? Or could it be the emotional support we draw from an encouraging word every now and then, especially when we are struggling? And perhaps more so when outside of our rides?

It could be a a not-so-random combination of serendipitous factors, personalities and events.

Sometimes I wonder...