Solo spins to ANZA wins: One ANZA Cycling member reveals all!

Right: Lars, second left, with some cycling buddies

We arrived in Singapore in November 2022. Before joining ANZA Cycling, I was used to riding solo, but it was starting to get a bit boring. Also, when cycling alone, I tended to become lazy and didn’t really push myself, which meant I made little or no progress. So, I decided to join a local cycling club.

I looked up a few options online but they either seemed a bit too competitive to accept a 50-year-old, beer-drinking German who wasn’t exactly in top shape, or a little too commercially driven for my taste. ANZA Cycling seemed friendly and welcoming. I thought why not give it a go? Aussies and Kiwis are laid-back and open-minded, after all. The only catch was that I had to pass an induction ride. I signed up and my friends joked that it must be like a primary school induction for kids learning how to ride. I ignored the teasing and went for it.

Memories of achievement

What I remember most from that first ride was being given a rather strict instruction within the first kilometre – not to click out of my pedals too early, as it could confuse the group. I thought, “Hey, this is more like having an Aussie drill instructor!” But I shrugged it off and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made for both my social life and health here in Singapore. Since then, I’ve joined countless group rides and explored nearly every cycling route the island has to offer. Fellow cyclist, Abe Metta, once said, “Singapore is an island – you either go left or right.” But it’s not quite that simple; you can even ride straight through the middle if you so wish!

ANZA Cycling out and about overseas

What I really value about ANZA Cycling is its open-mindedness and flexibility. Everyone is welcome. No one bats an eyelid if you don’t show up for four weeks and then suddenly reappear. In a German cycling club, you’d likely get shown a yellow card! Through the club, I’ve found great friends and had a lot of fun – sometimes maybe too much fun – especially with the “Chang Gang”, led by James Strickland and Alan Bittle. I’ve loved the overseas cycling trips too, like the Karimun getaway with Ash Amir and Gunnar Scholz. I joined many Bintan trips, the first organised by Reina Murai and Yaron Raps, and later even started organising my own.

The Malacca race was another highlight, with Marco Mejia masterminding the ANZA bus. And of course, the unforgettable Vietnam Northern Frontier ride, where I discovered my assumptions about my physical fitness were a little too optimistic. After four gruelling days, I could barely walk off the bus! I also really enjoyed the trips organised by Stephan Kuenzli. Sure, we joked about his detailed checklists, but it wasn’t the worst way to prepare! Harsh Koshti once tried to convince me to join a 300km AUDAX ride into Malaysia, but I had to decline. I told him it would push my wife’s patience too far as these rides either begin in the afternoon and go for a full day, or start at 2am. She sometimes joked about being a “cycling widow”, but in truth, she has always been supportive of my hobby. We also loved hosting monthly barbecues at our place, with many ANZA Cycling buddies attending. Alan even suggested we rename it “Larsecue”.

“Joining ANZA Cycling was one of the best decisions I made to feel at home here”

Friendships are formed pn and off the bike

Truly unique

At one point, I floated the idea of rebranding ANZA to GANZA – the German Australian New Zealand Association – after noticing how many German-speaking members we had. It didn’t go down well! But one of ANZA Cycling’s real strengths is its diversity – a mix of Aussies, Kiwis, Singaporeans, and other expats (yes, including German and French!).
Of course, life isn’t always just about fun and shared adventures. In December 2024, my good friend and fellow ANZA Cycling member Yaron Raps passed away after a serious illness. He was like an older brother to me, guiding me along the way. I miss him deeply and regret his loss profoundly.

To sum up, ANZA Cycling is a truly unique club in Singapore. Joining was one of the best decisions I made to feel at home here, and I’d encourage anyone with a love of cycling, making friends, and building support to consider doing the same. Now, it’s time to move back to Europe.

Keen to be part of this fantastic cycling community? Join ANZA Cycling here