In recent years, cycling has become popular as more people ditch their cars for this eco-friendly, two-wheeled mode of transport. Singapore, too, has seen a growing number of recreational cyclists on the roads, in parks and on dedicated mountain biking trails.

More than just getting you from one location to another, cycling — as its enthusiasts will attest to — offers a unique sense of freedom and an adrenaline rush that comes from being able to travel to and explore places using your own pedal power.

The low-impact activity also boasts numerous benefits such as helping to improve your cardiovascular health, build muscle tone, burn calories, boost your mood and mental well-being, and reduce stress.

The popularity of cycling here has gathered momentum since the circuit breaker. And while many people still prefer riding outdoors to get some fresh air, cycling in the comfort of your own home has its own set of benefits too.

Cycling apps enable you to organise virtual community rides with friends, so you can stay connected and keep up with your weekly group rides. PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB

Take your ride indoors

The best part about indoor cycling is how convenient it is and the flexibility to create your own routines.

That means being able to squeeze in a workout whenever you need to take a breather while working from home. A quick 15-minute ride on your stationary bike can do wonders to refresh and energise your mind and body.

Riding indoors may also be a safer experience — especially for newbies — as you won’t need to deal with bad weather or road dangers.

The thought of cycling in your living room, with the scenery unchanging, may sound monotonous and boring. But with the help of technology, you’re in for an exhilarating ride.

Indoor cycling apps, such as Zwift, can be paired with your smartphone and bike, and offer programmes such as solo or social riding, structured workouts and even virtual races can give you a taste of Tour de France. And if you miss weekend rides with your cycling buddies, you can also coordinate a virtual session together.

Ready to start cycling indoors? You can consider getting an indoor exercise bike, such as Peloton. If you already own a bike, you can add a turbo trainer, where the rear wheel of your bicycle is secured to a static resistance trainer.

Singapore Sports Hub’s CEO Lionel Yeo (in blue) enjoying a fun, but tough, virtual ride at SCF’s National Day 2020 Indoor Cycling Challenge (Community Chase) last month. PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB

Saddle up

One individual who decided to give indoor cycling a shot was Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Sports Hub.

Joining the Singapore Cycling Federation’s (SCF) inaugural National Day 2020 Indoor Cycling Challenge (Community Chase) as a guest, Yeo took part in the virtual community ride, which aims to encourage Singaporeans to remain active and connected with their loved ones through home-based sporting activities.

The event, which took place on July 19, kicked off with participants getting a one-minute head start, followed by a pack of riders from SCF’s National Training and Development Squads.

On experiencing his first virtual ride, Yeo says: “It was a really fun workout and an interesting experience. We were racing with people from different parts of Singapore and different parts of the world as well. The fact that you have people in front of and behind you in the race to motivate you really keeps you going.”

Harnessing technology to develop creative ways to keep fit appears to be a new normal in our post-Covid-19 world. “I think the world is changing rapidly and it’s creating all kinds of new event formats that bind people together in fresh and exciting ways,” adds Yeo.

“It’s really amazing what technology can allow us to do these days, so I think this is just the beginning of a revolution.”