The COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in cycling, both in Singapore and globally. Beyond being a fantastic way to stay fit while maintaining distance from others, long-distance cycling is like a mental escape, allowing you to slow down and admire the scenery even as you strive for speed.
Mr Eu Pui Leong, an avid long-distance cyclist for the past 15 years, quotes Ernest Hemingway to explain his passion: “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.”
The long-time CSC Cycling & Adventure Club (CAC) member has explored some of Singapore’s most scenic cycling routes on two wheels. From the picturesque Lorong Halus Wetland-Changi Village-Tanah Merah Coastal Road to the challenging slopes of the Southern Ridges and the Bukit Timah-Lorong Sesuai-Rifle Range route, as well as the steep ascent of Hendon Road leading to Old Changi Hospital, Mr Eu has tackled them all. He’s also experienced the joy of overseas rides in places like Taiwan and Malaysia, where cycling through the countryside offers a perspective you simply can’t get when driving.
Amid the stunning views, preparation is crucial for a safe and enjoyable ride – after all, no one wants to be stuck on a ‘round the island’ route with a flat tyre or loose chain. Mr Eu, along with CAC chairman Mr Paul Chan Kok Leong and club member Mr BenZ RhiNo, share tips on how to prepare for a long-distance ride and the risks to watch out for.
Ticking off the preparation checklist
There are five key things to prepare before setting off on a long-distance ride:
• Regular training and conditioning
• Bike maintenance
• Route planning and navigation tool check
• Safety gear (such as helmet, lights)
• Hydration and nutrition strategies
Newer cyclists should:
• Invest in proper equipment and not cut corners on maintenance to avoid getting stranded halfway
• Carry essential gear like repair tools, spare tubes and a pump during the ride
• Prioritise comfort and safety by adjusting the saddle to the right height and ensuring that front and rear lights are working
For sun protection during daytime rides, Mr Chan recommends wearing sleeves and a face mask. He stresses the importance of regular cycling and endurance rides (with climbs) to prepare for long distance. “You need to set a realistic distance and be prepared mentally and physically,” he cautions. “A long-distance ride is like a marathon. If you’re riding in the morning, eat breakfast before leaving home to avoid fainting from low sugar levels.
Staying safe on the road
Long rides come with risks like fatigue, bad weather and road hazards. If you’re inexperienced, Mr RhiNo suggests starting with shorter distances before gradually increasing them. “Listen to your body, take breaks when needed, and join cycling communities or find experienced riding buddies to help guide you along the way,” he advises.
To ease into long-distance cycling, consider starting with quieter routes like Seletar Aerospace or the Old Thomson Road and Upper Peirce Reservoir stretch. You can then progress to more challenging routes locally and overseas, such as Bintan Lagoi or Wuling in Taiwan, which features a gruelling climb to over 3275c metres above sea level.
Mr Eu highlights that preventing accidents is more important than chasing speed. “Don’t follow the cyclist ahead too closely, and know which handle controls the rear brake,” he says. “When going downhill, it’s safer to apply the rear brake first. ‘Feather’ touch both brakes to control your descent.”
Mr RhiNo advises staying alert to potholes and debris, while Mr Chan recommends always thinking from other road users' perspectives. “Obey traffic rules, avoid arguments with motorists, and enjoy the ride,” he says.
Maintaining your bike after a ride
After a long ride, you’ll want to cool off with a shower, but don’t forget your bike. “Clean it after every ride, especially if it rained,” says Mr Chan. Rain can cause mud buildup and rust.
Mr Eu recommends asking experienced riding buddies for help with cleaning tricky parts like the chain and derailleur. “You’ll also need to add a light oil or dry lube to the chain,” he says. “And do consider sending your bike for tuning maintenance after a year-plus of riding.”
For your own recovery, Mr RhiNo advises post-ride stretching and foam rolling, which studies have shown to alleviate muscle soreness and speed up healing.
Mr Eu prefers long-distance cycling to running long distances as a form of exercise, as he finds it is gentler on the knees and an excellent cardio workout. "Distance cycling can assess physical fitness. When I continue to conquer long slopes without stopping, my cardio and lung condition is still fine." he says.
Whether you take up long-distance cycling for fitness, friendship or exploring locations, it is a sport that will take you places.
Enjoy the open road on two wheels by taking part in the CSC Eastern Corridor Cycle 2024 on 16 November. The event is open to all Public Service Officers and CSC members.
CSC and Public Service Officers who are enthusaistic about cycling can also find out more and join the CSC Cycling & Adventure Club here.