Well, it was bound to happen. I've written about so many things on this blog that I'm left with the most loosely-associated topics to yap about. And with that glowing introduction, let's talk about a wildly under-discussed element of our sport: the adventure to a tourney.
If you've taken this hobby/sport/lifestyle hook-line-sinker, you've surely travelled to a tourney or marathon league or fundraising event or whatever. Chances are likewise very high that you've traveled to those things with other throwers. And baby, that's a fun time. BUT it can also be one wracked with nerves or frustrations. After all, knowing someone through a league compared to traveling with them are two very separate things. It's kinda like having a good relationship with your dentist: they might be swell when they are cleaning yer teefers, but would you be just as comfortable going to the movies with them? Playing laser tag? Probably not.
So here are my tips for carpooling with axe throwers.
Carpooling with axe throwers tip 1: Worried about gaps in conversation? Do podcast roulette.
FIRST, and I wanna be clear about this, you SHOULD listen to either An Axe League of Their Own or Not Axe Murderers if you're worried about filling empty space in your carpool adventure. BUT if you're all caught up, consider this handy way to fill your time by mocking, learning by, or enjoying some other content: The premise is simple. Someone in your car suggests a topic or word. Something like "Bigfoot" or "brain worms" or "disco in Belarus." You then type that word/phrase into your streaming service and start listening to the very first podcast that comes up.
Because none of you have listened to it before, neither of you need to feel like your own self-esteem is wrapped up in whether anyone else likes it. Point in fact, it's kinda great if nobody likes it, so you can make the luljokes at it. Then again, you might find you really like the podcast, and boom: new podcast to listen to.
Carpooling with axe throwers tip 2: Talk about your goals and dreams and hopes and all that stuff.
A think my road dawwwwg Otterguy came up with this one, and I look forward to it each and every time we travel somewhere. Simply put: take turns talking about what you're hoping to accomplish at the event. This is great for a few reasons, but mostly because it gives accountability and the possibility to have someone "check in" during the tourney/league to see how you're doing, goal-wise.
I've found this carpool tip gives me a chance to create goals, even if I didn't have any before the question was asked. Axe throwing is great, but repetitive, and having varying goals is a good way of creating milestones that aren't inherently in the sport, you know?
So like, the last marathon I went to, Rob asked after my goals, and I hadn't considered it, really. So I decided on: not making an ass of myself, eating the right amount for breakfast, and doing well against better throwers (with maybe one surprise win). And having those goals gave me something to aim for that felt more reasonable than the nearly-impossible (for me) idea of a podium finish. And I did all of them, dear reader! I ate reasonably! I didn't make a fool of myself! I won against titans of the game! Wowee!
Carpooling with axe throwers tip 3: Make space for sidequests.
I love axe throwing. When I go to axe throwing marathons and tourneys and whatever, I'm there to, you know, be in that life.
But.
Some of my fondest memories of axe throwing adventures are the side quests that happen along the way. Whether it was:
Taking the eating advice of the hotel front desk and going to (what was described as) a "mom and pop Italian place" only to discover it was a higher-end restaurant (that we dined at wearing inappropriate clothing (most of us, Slow Hands looked radiant as always)).
Helping a bunch of rich people change a tire with OtterGuy, and trying to hide our laughter at how much they couldn't figure out anything they were attempting.
Getting dessert in Little Greece in Toronto around midnight during IATC.
I found the most memorable times come when something fun, different, or unexpected happen. So make sure you account for little side quests in your travel planning. Is there a crystal cave along the way? A sign for "PET GOATS HERE" or the world's largest pile of shoes? Make it a point to go! Pet the shoes! Crystallize the goats! These are the things that will stick in your mind, and it'd be a real shame to miss 'em just because you only allowed yourself a set amount of time to get from point A to point Throw.
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