The year is maybe 2007 and as I remember it we were commuting home from work by way of some gravel routes and mountain bike trails. I would have been riding my first dual 29’er, a lightly over-forked Titus Racer-X with a head tube angle steeper than any gravel bike sold today, or possibly my custom single-speeded 29″/26″ rigid steel rig. 

I had this massive (massive) orange CamelBak bag that I used for going to and from work and for bring-two-meals, every-kind-of-weather-expected, types of rides. Friends made fun of it all the time, and fair enough, the bag could swallow a 3-litre hydration bladder, change of clothes, and a day’s worth of eats, and still appear empty. 

And the thing was, none of the banterish-jabbing about the pack affected me in any way until this particular day when I went to grab my bag and my friend & co-worker Gerard had added a label to the bottom:

BC Ferries Corp. 20 Person Inflatable Life Raft Inside. Unzip To Inflate.

G-rad hadn’t said a word, he didn’t even so much as look up, because he knew, what I knew, and I knew that I’d been got. Now I was raised that, to quote my mom, “If you’re going to give it out you’d best be able to take it,” and oh do I try to live by those words, but I still remember that I felt every emotion all at once like you only can after you’ve been properly g-o-t, got. 

And I know from most folks’ confused faces when I tell this story that you sort of had to have been there, or been in a similar situation, maybe taking yourself just a bit too seriously way too often, to get why it’s so raw. And yes, after a few moments of self-collection, I was able to see the humour in it all. From that day onward it’s strictly been an event that I laugh about. 

But, always since, I’ve kept this photo in a place of readiness when I start feeling too ‘big’ about myself. Serious people know what not to take seriously and all that, but sometimes we need a little reminder. 

Anyway, I’ve found myself thinking about the ‘Life Raft’ quite a few times over the last couple of weeks. I’ve received some very kind messages about the content (thank you), a couple of friends have kicked in to help cover the costs of MEATengines this year (thank you), a few companies have reached out about product reviews (thank you), and Vik took some time to set up a Subreddit (thank you):

https://www.reddit.com/r/MEATengines/

I receive a flattering number of messages a year asking if I’d consider adding the ability to comment below MEATengines pieces. I would love to. For a brief time, it was possible. Unfortunately with the current platform, it’s not an option. So, if you’d like to discuss something you read here, or anything MEATengines-adjacent for that matter, hopefully, you’ll consider joining us there. 

Cheers,