Rider profile - Marcus Yeo

Marcus with his trusty Trek MTB

LCSG article written by Marcus

Marcus at old playground with new friends, Andy Yap, Kimi, TC and Kevin Wu

I first met Marcus when a local paper wanted to know more about Lovecyclingsg. Over the phone, I told him the usual "sales pitch" but also invited him to meet the people whom I find is the soul of LCSG. One sat morning, we met under my home void deck, with bicycles ready for him and his photographer friend. Together with me was some LCSG regulars, Francis, Boo, Steven Tang and Tiger. We said hellos and rode to Lor harlus bridge. While riding, we chatted and over the hour.. I could see his eyes lit up.  Eating at a kopi tiam, we went for the "kill"... I knew he had cycling in his blood...  and I felt he understood what we are all about... soon the article was published. And most importantly, I saw him on some LCSG rides!!!  Yeah!  Read about Marcus yeo, a newpaper journalist who rides and writes! 

* Tell me about yourself

I am 38 years old and my day job is a lifestyle correspondent at Lian He Zhao Bao (Chinese newpaper LHZB)  I wanted to be an astronaut when I was young, but ended up working in the media industry. I love my family and friends. I love to travel. I love my whisky. If you are interested to find out more, let's chat at the LCSG rides.

* How did you started cycling

I have been cycling on and off since young. I bought my first bike, a Trek 4500 MTB in 2000. At that time, it was a difficult period for me. So after my news duty at late nights, I went for a spin at ECP 3-4 times a week to clear my mind. The rides blew away my negative thoughts. I stopped after my life took a positive turn in 2003. On hindsight, I shouldn't have stopped. I missed 9 years of fun. Lesson learnt after joining LCSG: Cycling can lift you up during dark times, it can also do wonders to reinforce your already positive life.

* Why do you like cycling

I like to feel the breeze brushing my face, passing through my hair. I enjoy chatting with strangers (with or without bikes) while waiting for the green lights. I love the freedom to stop wherever and whenever I wish, to appreciate the beauty around me. I love cycling in the rain. I will definitely do Wuling soon. I hope to do Tibet one day.

* When u met LCSG - how was it like and how u meet us

A routine news assignment at first turned out to be an opportunity to meet some amazing folks - Francis Daigor, TW, Steven and Tiger Tang, Boo and Clarence. Reignited my passion for cycling, dusted my long ignored 4500 to join a few rides. And Hooah, I am cycling again!

It is not about the kind of bikes you own, how fast you can pwn your fellow cyclists, how shiny your gears are. Just cycle, enjoy cycling, enjoy the company, enjoy your home. A vision I can identify with.

* Your steel horses- names and more details.

Trek 4500 - My first bike, embedded with a lot of bitter-sweet memories.

Orange Tikit - My first folding bike, love the ride, my preferred ride for commuting.

Raleigh Sojourn 09- 1 week old addition to my family, thanks to Steven Tang. I hope to do great journeys on it.

* Your favorite cycling kakis

I love to cycle with LCSG. I can’t join every ride due to family and work commitments, but always try my best to be there.

I usually put in 1-2 late night rides on weekdays around the NE after my two lady bosses have slept. I do these rides with my buddy Albert Yee (Please say Hi when you see him at LCSG rides!), and have some beer and chat at Popeye’s area after that. Hope some of you will join us in the future. Let me know if you are interested! 

* Your favorite cycling route and LCSG ride

Punggol PCNs, Waterway, LCK, Neo Tiew, CV.

I commute to work on bike 2-3 times a week from Sengkang to Braddell since end last year. 90% of the journey’s on bike paths and PCN. Love it. Keep up the good work, NParks!

Favourite LCSG ride is the 128k Night Ride. Revisited LCK after so many years, a place with a lot of fond memories as well. (Thanks Patrick Yee for leading Group 3!)

* Your role at LCSG

I don’t have a role yet, but would love to contribute more in future rides, specifically the safety aspect.

* Tips to share with fellow riders

I make it a point to be extra polite when I have to ride on pavements. Pedestrians have right of way, cyclists should make way, dismount and push if necessary. Try as hard as you can to not use your bell. Just my opinion.

I understand we are the minority (shunned by some drivers and legally not allowed on pavements etc.) We owe it to ourselves to be friendly, gracious to fellow commuters, to show that cyclists can be as gracious, safe, and a viable mode of commute. Eventually, I am sure we will earn their respect in return.

We need the critical mass to matter, so encourage people around you to try cycling.

Try to make at least one new friend on every LCSG ride. 

* Other things to share.. Life motto etc

Being special is overrated. Give thanks for what you have. Love the people around you. Be kind.