Hi Joyriders,
Hope everyone's had a good week and congrats to all those who competed in tris last week :) After completing my first mini tri at Osim last week, just wanted to write this to express my thanks to the many angels I've met since joining Joyriders.
Though the mini tri was very short and nothing to shout about, it was very signficant to me and just want to thank the many people who've played a part in it... because I never imagined I would try a tri- I didn't know how to cycle on 2 wheels till last October (so paiseh), got my roadbike in December, joined Joyriders in February, and learnt how to swim freestyle competitively/open water only 2 months ago only because of the people I met thru Joyriders, who've given up their time and effort to encourage, help and support me and many other newbies to the sport.
I've really been amazed by the distance (no pun intended) that many Joyriders go to help those new to the sport. At the beginning when I first joined Joyriders, I only just learnt cycling for a few weeks on a market bike, couldn't even brake or balance properly on my vintage roadbike haha. But I met Guardian Angels who would ride to my place to pick me up (Big A Alvin, Peter, Derrick and Mabel especially... and Jin Kiat too), ride with me thru the long distances when I felt unconfident, meet up near my place to lend me their cleats to try, even drive halfway across Singapore to pass me their bike trainer so I can practise (One screw loose James). And then there was Vincent who offered to teach us swimming, and the handcyclists who became my inspiration to try my first tri haha... and many many others (Lala, Donna etc... too many to name!) whose encouragement have made this sport utterly enjoyable and enriching, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually too.
I started out in Joyriders as a real Newbie with a capital N. Yet, the humility that so many of the pro-riders have displayed and their generosity to help others slower than them has really brought new meaning to sports, taught me about friendship and going the extra mile for others, brought life and hope to the people around them and put the image of elite riders being proud/snobbish to shame. Of course, there have been one or 2 bad experiences, but they help one to cherish the angels all the more.
I know this is very strange to post on a sports forum but just want to say that Joyriders has been a big blessing to me and many others too. To all the Guardian Angels and other angels who have given up their time,effort and love to support, help and encourage, know that your efforts and seeds of love have borne and will continue to bear fruit. I am learning, that sports is not just about building the body, but about building the mind, spirit and soul- you have made a difference to many lives. You have helped someone else build their confidence, find cameraderie and good health. One of those people was me.
So at the risk of sounding mushy, I'd just like to say how thankful I am and grateful to be a part of Joyriders. Riding with Joyriders has truly given me and many of my new friends so much... Joy. This wont be my last tri :)\
Blessings for a good week ahead,
Wai Jia
Come carbo load @ 
