Joyriders.sg

  • Increase font size
  • Default font size
  • Decrease font size
Home Latest News
Latest Happennings in the Club

With Thanks - A letter from Wai Jia

E-mail Print PDF
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
Last Updated on Monday, 10 August 2009 03:25
 

Suzie Q conquers Mt Ventoux

E-mail Print PDF

E’tape Du Tour – Montelimar to Mont Ventoux – 170km

Tour De France stage 20

The alarm goes off at 4am! By 4:15 we’re having breakfast with all the other anxious riders in our group. I’d joined a UK tour group to do the E’tape, Lee (my hubby) had come along to enjoy the beer!

Today is the day, we’ve been in France since Saturday, setting up the bike, registering etc. and getting giddy with the rest of the riders and after registering in September last year the day is finally here.

Our tour bus takes us to the host village, I collect my bike, wish everyone luck and head to my start pen as the race starts at 7am sharp! I’ve been given number 4622 and get through the start line at about 7:20am. There are 9500 riders taking part so hopefully they’ll be a few behind me! 

The thought of the ‘Broom Wagon’ behind me did make me really anxious but luckily I came across Wally from the Audax group who assured me we were doing great. I must have asked at least 30 riders if we were safe from the ‘Broom Wagon’…. paranoid or what!!!

The 150km’s from Montelimar to the bottom of Mont Ventoux was absolutely fantastic. The weather was perfect, the scenery was out of this world and the atmosphere was brilliant. With only 300 females doing the race, us girls got a lot of cheers from the wonderful supporters on the road side.

I got to the bottom of Ventoux in just over 6 hours. By this time I was well in front of the ‘Broom Wagon’ and finally relaxed and thought, just enjoy Ventoux…. 22 km’s to go!

I started up Ventoux and the sight ahead was carnage… blokes walking 2 abreast, absolutely spent, no energy left…. unbelievable… you had to see it to believe it. Heaps of people sat by the roadside exhausted, pouring water over their heads, flat out on their backs…. Unbelievable.

I stuck my bike in the granny gear and got going. At one point I was going 8km’s an hour and over taking people! Ventoux is a beast, it’s just one big incline, no let ups at all… brutal! I got to the top eventually in 3 hour 15… 22 km’s!!! It’s a beast…. Especially after 150 km’s of climbing and descending.

On reaching the summit I felt quite emotional as I’ve wanted to do the E’tape for a few years now. As soon as I saw Lee the eyes started streaming!!!

My total ride time was 8 hrs 50 mins and with food / rest stops, 9 hrs 20 mins. 9500 started and only 5836 finished…. The ‘Broom Wagon’ must have been very busy!!!

I’ve done a few mountains in the Alps but never 150 km’s beforehand… that was the challenge.  I’d achieved what I set out to do… not to get eliminated and to finish the race….. the feeling was brilliant… I absolutely loved it…

Enjoy the photos...

 

  
 
 

Suzie Q (Suzanne)

Monday 20th July, 2009

 

Last Updated on Friday, 07 August 2009 01:46
 

TTC Photos

E-mail Print PDF
Finally, we have TTC photos from Rocky Chris. Enjoy the spectacular scenery.
 
 
 
Last Updated on Thursday, 06 August 2009 03:51
 

Desaru International Long Distance Triathlon 2009

E-mail Print PDF

Pictures galore from Desaru Long Distance Tri, courtesy of Turtle King Bernard Soh.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Last Updated on Wednesday, 05 August 2009 00:49
 

Monthly Lunch - August 15

E-mail Print PDF
Are U ready for the next monthly gathering? Keep August 15 12pm free for this fantastic event.

Come carbo load @ Irodori Japanese Restaurant for those taking part in the Army Half Marathon the next day!

We will be celebrating August birthday babies, ITT & Cyfora winners and participants and of course welcome new Joyriders members!  Not to mention by then we will have Desaru & OSIM winners/participants and our Rocky Chris and MLNW Murli back from their Twin Towns Challenge in Europe!

382 Havelock Road
Riverview Hotel #03-01
Singapore 169629

Adult $33 nett

Child $22 nett (below 10 – 3yrs old)

Give your reservation to Inspired Donna no Distance sms her @ 9689 8365 or email her directly -  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Last Updated on Monday, 03 August 2009 08:45
 


Page 10 of 18

Sponsored Links


Joyriders, Born to Ride