During the circuit breaker period, many Singaporeans turned to cycling as a key form of exercise and a great excuse to head outdoors to get some fresh air. Cycling allowed them to maintain their fitness routines and enjoy the adrenaline rush of cruising on two wheels.

Understandably, many sporting events moved online and joining the virtual bandwagon is OCBC Cycle, one of the first major sporting events to convert to a virtual format. Originally scheduled to take place on May 9 and 10, the 13th edition is being held virtually over two weeks from Nov 1 to 15. Renamed OCBC Cycle 2020 Virtual Ride, it consists of three virtual ride categories: The Sportive VR (42km), The Straits Times VR (23km) and Mighty Savers Kids VR (5km or 800m).

Cruising towards the finish line at OCBC Cycle 2019. PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB

Participants who cycle the full distance of their respective ride categories indoors or outdoors will be considered to have completed the ride, as long as they cycle in a safe place. They can use any fitness tracker, such as Garmin Edge, Garmin Fenix and Garmin Forerunner, or workout app on their smartphone, to record their ride details. This includes snapping and submitting photos of themselves with their bicycles before and after the ride. The more gung-ho can cycle the full distance in one ride, while those who prefer a more leisurely pace can complete it over a maximum of four rides during the two-week period.

Despite the online format of this year’s event, participants are encouraged to gather and have fun while cycling. “Being able to continue to create the opportunity for friends and families to come together to have fun and exercise — in small groups this year, given the current situation — has always been a key objective of OCBC Cycle,” said Head of Group Brand and Communications at OCBC Bank, Ms Koh Ching Ching. 

Family fun

While participants can choose to ride indoors or outdoors, the recent relaxation of safe distancing measures is the perfect opportunity to work up a sweat outdoors while bonding with loved ones. One individual who is looking forward to doing just that is first-time participant Dennis Tan, who has signed up for the event with his seven-year-old son.

“During this period, my wife and I are constantly on the lookout for new activities that we can take part in with our son. OCBC Cycle Virtual Ride stood out for us as it is easy to join and we do not have to travel to any specified place,” he says.

“I also like that the ride can be done at my neighbourhood park and we can do it anytime over two weeks. After telling my son about the ride, he got very excited and has been asking me to bring him downstairs so he can ‘train’.”

If you missed out on the registration for OCBC Cycle Virtual Ride, fret not. You can still cycle around the Singapore Sports Hub and take in views of the Kallang Basin.

And now that outdoor exercise classes have resumed at the Singapore Sports Hub, why not take this opportunity to explore the sporting facilities available? Gather your friends and family, and exercise in the fresh air, safely and responsibly.