“When ANZA friends become family”
“I first joined ANZA during Covid, that strange time when we had to ride in groups of two, five, or eight. Before ANZA, I would ride around Singapore with small groups from my neighbourhood, but armed with a brand new ANZA Cycling membership, I discovered my perfect crew.
A group of guys, affectionately known as the Fat Tyres (I’ll leave why to your imagination!), initially took me in, making me feel safe and welcome. Like cycling with protective older brothers, I clung to their wheels, determined to keep up. They inspired me to push myself.
Left: ANZA gals get-together Right: MC’s first tribe of ANZA friends, the Fat Tyres
While cycling is traditionally a more male-dominated sport, it wasn’t long before I found an additional tribe through ANZA Cycling – a group of incredible women. There’s something special about cycling with strong females who juggle busy lives yet conquer every ride. As a mighty bunch of women together, the camaraderie goes beyond just cycling and encouraging pit stops; we’ve created a network of support and shared determination. It’s been amazing to meet women who push one another on the bike and off it, creating an unshakeable bond. That’s the magic of ANZA – it gives you a community to belong to, to challenge yourself in, and to find lifelong friends.
“ANZA is an incredible platform for connection”
Left: Lucy and MC Right: MC completes her first half Ironman with Simon
Amazing people
After I found my tribes through ANZA Cycling, I found The One. During a Deepavali ride in 2021, Sean, a friend from the group, brought along his friend Simon. It turned out that Sean’s matchmaking skills were on point! After a few rides with the Fat Tyres, I took Simon out for the ultimate test to see how he would handle a real power ride – a cycling session with the girls! He did great, became a regular with ANZA, and my cycling buddy of choice. It was a friendship that formed first; with me being French-Canadian and Simon being French we had a lot in common. Fast forward three years, we’re married and expecting a baby boy any day now.
ANZA isn’t just where Simon and I met; it’s where we’ve both built lasting friendships. From Saturday morning rides to the many ANZA members who cheered at our wedding, it’s an incredible platform for connection and unforgettable experiences. ANZA is my happy place. Cycling with the group is where life slows down and becomes about simple pleasures: the world around us, amazing people, and laughter shared over coffee.”