dsidnt

I wanted to send out a giant thank you to all of the members of the tri forum. Today was my first ride on the PCH, from Malibu to some point not too far north of Malibu. It was also the first ride on my new tri bike. I'm a Chicago native transplanted to Santa Monica for a few months due to work. I posted about six weeks ago seeking a bike shop out here.... you guys came back with some great recommendations. I later posted about ride recommendations. Again, you guys came through.

But my thank you is in return for much more than that. I've only been cycling for 3 years now, road cycling for 2. When I started road cycling, I never envisioned myself racing, and I certainly never envisioned myself participating in triathlons.

Then last year I happened to be riding by T1 the day before the Accenture triathlon in Chicago. Seeing the awesome bikes, all the people in such great shape, all marked up.... something about it was just so inspiring.

I remember going home that afternoon and jumping on this forum (previously I'd spent all my time over in the Road forum). I remember going back often, reading everything I could. But I still didn't think I could try it. Finally this year I found out one of my friends with a running background, who had always made fun of me for cycling (I'm the only one of my friends who bikes), wanted to sign up for the Accenture.

I said screw it, if he could do it, I could too. So I signed up for the International distance tri, and a sprint tri a month before it. I didn't need a tri bike, but I figured it would motivate me even more (if I look like a triathlete, I'd better perform like one too, eh?). My friend and I have started trading techniques - I'm a horrible runner, he's a horrible cyclist, so we've agreed to help each other.

Along the way, I started to realize how much I've learned in this forum. Transitions, equipment, diet, workout regimen --- I never knew I knew it all until he and I started discussing it. He was blown away with my knowledge.

So thank you to everyone here; you've provided me with a wealth of knowledge with which I can begin my endeavor. More importantly, thank you just for being here and sharing your stories. Everyone here has helped me dare to dream.

Thanks.

psycofish

great to here you story just remember its all about having fun....

and more importantly beating you friend!!!!!!

TriBob

Glad to hear you are enjoying the forums and the sport.