The Bhoys

September 9: No, not a typo. Many years ago, I learned from my friends David and Ed that “the bhoys” is a nickname given to followers of the Glasgow Celtic Football Club. They co-founded the Etobicoke Bhoys Club for Planning Department staff. Membership required a good deal of beer drinking and male bonding – although many women ultimately joined as well, something I attribute to the kindness, charm and good humour of both those fine men.

I’ve been thinking a good deal about male bonding for the last few days since my cousin James, brother-in-law Joe, and long-time friend Chris have joined me for a week of motorcycling. To say that expectations were high might be an understatement; I’ve been imagining what this part of the trip could be like for many months, and of course, it has been completely different from the outset. It’s been difficult for me to let go of the preconceptions I had of what I thought could happen, and allow the trip to unfold in it’s own way. I wanted everyone to have a great time, and saw it as my responsibility to make it happen.

We are now 5 days into the adventure and it hasn’t been perfect but it sure has been fun. Today we climbed Col du Lautaret, Col du Galibier, Col de Telegraphe and the Lacets de Pontamafrey, all in about 100 km. Other days haven’t been as vertically challenging, but they have all been an adventure in one form or another. Discussion over dinner is inevitably scatological and hilarious, since Chris is an expert story-teller and all-round kibitzer. Joe has overcome his fear of hairpins and continues to try and convince us that Our Glorious Leader deserves another term in office, while James has been busy organizing routes, expensive wine and hotel rooms for us all. We have all contributed something special and essential as the days unfold. With good food, good wine and good friends in equal measure; how could I go wrong ?

I am sure that my friends David and Ed could offer many insights to male bonding. They were experts. Leaving aside for a moment the many wonderful women I am privileged to have as friends, this part of my little adventure has reminded me that I am indeed fortunate to have so many fine bhoys in my life; men of humour and strength and character and insight. Men that help me to be a better man. Thanks bhoys.