Motorcycle nomad Pat Sherwood says he understands the lure of gangs—and he’s proud to be a member of the CrossFit crew.
I understand why people join gangs. In my mind, your gang is simply the crew you share common interests with. It could be as tame as your neighborhood book club or as extreme as the local chapter of the Hells Angels.
Before anyone loses his or her shit because I’ve implied that I understand why someone would join a group like the Hells Angels, read my words carefully: I’m not saying that I do or do not support the activities of any particular group, crew, club or gang. I’m simply saying I get why people join various organizations. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by likeminded individuals with whom you share a connection?
As I sit and write this, we have been through nine countries. I’ve never before met the majority of CrossFit athletes I’ve encountered. What amazes me is how quickly they go from stranger to friend. On this trip, we are slapping each other on the back, swapping stories of our battles with WODs and laughing our asses off within 10 minutes of meeting. I’ve lived long enough to know familiarity like this with people you’ve never met before is uncommon. Our community is simply amazing.
As your physical and mental capacities increase with CrossFit, so does your crew—locally, nationally and globally. You have friends you’ve never met in every corner of the world. Need proof? Next time you leave your local area, look up the closest CrossFit affiliate and embrace your family.