It was one year ago today that I learned just how deep the generosity and kindness of the triathlon community can run.
It was a year ago today that I lost my bike. I was on my way to my local sprint tri, and either my bike was lifted, or fell off my car, or was beamed up by aliens, but it was missing. I arrived at the race and discovered that the two bikes on the rack were now one. After a morning of searching, I gave up. Local bike shops within 30 miles were given descriptions. To this day it has not turned up.
That afternoon I came to my friends here at BT to tell the story, and to basically say "I quit." Never mind that I had a family vacation planned around B2B in the fall, since I DNF'ed Eagleman earlier that summer. I was so discouraged.
Within minutes, the responses were overwhelming with support. BT spoke with one voice " oh no, we won't LET you quit over this." Within three hours of my original post, I had enough offers from people to send me parts to build a whole bike, and three separate offers for whole bikes.
Later that week I found myself driving to State College to meet one of BT's foundational figures, Fred D, who delivered to me, a trek road bike that had been residing in his basement. I also received some aerobars and pedals in the mail from other BT'ers.
That fall I completed the B2B half on that bike, and continue to ride it. Yesterday I did that local sprint that I missed last year due to the mysterious disappearance. This year I was able to welcome my wife at the finish line too, as she did her first tri. The night before, our daughter did her first kids' tri.
My time was disappointing in terms of progress from before, and I almost let myself focus on that for a while. Then I stepped back and thought about my family, here in my home, and online. My wife and kids mean everything to me, which is what got me motivated into this odd hobby to begin with. And along the way I found this other family, who is looking out for me and for others all the time. If I never break 35 minutes in a 5k, if I never go under 7:30 for a HIM, it won't matter a bit. Not compared to the joy and love I have received through participating in this community.
Thank you BT. I will never forget what I've gotten through you.