Drew Coleman

Last night's Blind Date, the final in what has been a wonderful series, was slippery and sloppery and I, the roadie that I am, didn't manage it well. I went down very hard on the first lap slamming my leg into my bars and, omg, I have not quite felt pain like that before. As I writhed in pain, thinking that I had broken my kneecap, people passed me shouting encouragement. Then, a gentleman of the highest order, quit his race, got off of his bike, helped me roll off the course and stayed with me until the first aid guy came. I can't quite wrap my head around that someone I didn't know would do that, but it was a lesson for me. That even though we are all competing hard to defeat one another, when push comes to shove, we are all part of the same tribe and that results are not as important as your fellow racers.
Matt, I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and selflessness. I'm sorry that I got in the way of your race. I hope you finished strong. I wish I knew your last name - I'd like to shake your hand next time we compete.
The good news is that nothing was broken, that I am walking this morning, albeit with a mighty limp and swelling. When I told my 6 year-old son about the wreck, showed him my leg, he was less than impressed. He simply called me a "wuss" and walked away.
Drew