They clocked over 1,050km each on bicycle over 9 weeks

Cycling 200km daily is no mean feat but 54-year-old Allan Yeo did just that - in an effort to inspire more people to hop on their two-wheelers.

Over nine weeks, the retiree clocked more than 13,000km on his road bicycle at popular cycling spot Changi Coastal Road.

His efforts went towards cycling challenge Togo1050, in which participants had to hit 1,050km of riding between Sept 10 and Nov 13 this year. The distances were logged using a mobile app.

Mr Yeo said he wanted to outdo the 7,000km he cycled for the previous edition of the event.

"I'm surprised my body could take it. But I made sure to take breaks and to eat to prevent cramps," he said, adding that he would rest after covering a distance of 40 to 50km.

Mr Yeo received a certificate and a goodie bag yesterday at an event held at Orto in Yishun to honour the top riders and those who have contributed to the cycling community.

"The main purpose of the event is get people more involved in cycling. With a target, they have more motivation to cycle," said Mr Evan Lee, founder of cycling marketplace togoparts.com, which organised the event that was attended by about 170 people.

A total of 452 cyclists managed to clock at least 1,050km of riding.

Some of them were given honourable mentions for their inspiring journeys, such as Mr John Koo, 51.

The chemical engineer kept his commitment to the challenge despite having to travel to Indonesia, China and Britain during the nine-week period. Although he did not take his bicycle along, he rented bicycles at the places he travelled to.

Mr Koo, who clocked more than 3,000km for the event, said cycling helps him relieve stress.

"I cycle at about 3am. I can avoid the vehicles, and I like the quiet. It's peaceful at that time," he said.

 

This article was first published on Dec 12, 2016.
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