Cycling fosters a positive and uplifting attitude toward life.
"When you set off, you sing the ballads of borderlands; in your youth, you fear not the long journey over mountains and rivers." Cyclists love using this line as their tagline.
Some say China is a country that only produces tourists but doesn’t know how to truly enjoy travel — this is not true, at least not for the cycling community. Cyclists are those who travel the land on a bicycle, relying solely on themselves: one person, one bike, venturing afar and reflecting along the way. The belief that "there's always something to gain once you hit the road" has long been popular among this group.
What’s it like to cycle in Kunming? Is it romantic, relaxing, or free-spirited? "Cycling in Kunming is cool!" Yao Lixin, who has five years of experience cycling mountain bikes, motorcycles, and more, offers his own answer. It’s not just because of Kunming’s spring-like climate all year round, but also its high-altitude geography, which creates fertile ground for riders to blend fun with challenge.
"Nowadays, cycling is no longer just a simple fitness activity for entertainment, but has gradually become a lifestyle attitude that cyclists embrace — the pursuit of freedom." From showing off gear to showcasing riding skills, and then to pursuing harmony between rider and bike, and between human and nature, this sport is quietly evolving along the trajectory of the times, subtly changing the lives of people in Kunming.
"On the road" friendships are forged through cycling
Every weekend, no matter the wind or rain, a group of cyclists can always be seen active in front of Baozhu Temple Mountain in Kunming. Colorful helmets flutter across the green fields, creating a beautiful sight here.
Among them are Yao Lixin and Zhang Shuai. "We got to know each other through cycling." As teammates who have known each other for nearly two years, Yao Lixin and Zhang Shuai have participated in numerous adventure trips together, leaving their footprints on places like Xishan, Changchongshan, and Jiaozi Snow Mountain.
Like most cyclists, Zhang Shuai initially took up cycling just to stay fit. Two years ago, he met a group of cycling enthusiasts who frequently visited his restaurant. Watching his weight soar and unable to shed his growing belly despite running and playing ball, a fellow "cycling friend" told him that biking could help with weight loss. So he bought a mountain bike and joined the cycling crowd.
Zhang Shuai’s cycling journey began from there. "I realized I was 'hooked'!" His radius of life expanded further with every turn of the bicycle wheels — from initially cycling dozens of kilometers a day, to now covering two to three hundred kilometers daily, and even reaching the point where "he can tell what’s wrong with his bike just by the sound." He has become somewhat of a "legend" among cyclists. At last year’s Dianchi Lake Cycling Invitational Tournament held in Kunming, he even placed 32nd in the mountain bike category.
Unlike Zhang Shuai, who pursues extreme sports, Yao Lixin enjoys the pleasure brought by the journey. This slender man has ridden motorcycles around Tibet, Xinjiang, and other places, and there’s virtually nowhere in Yunnan Province he hasn’t been. Motorcycles, mountain bikes, BMXs… This office worker by day showcases another side of his life through cycling after work.
On May 1st of this year, driven by their passion for cycling, Zhang Shuai and Yao Lixin roped in their friend "Daxiong" to establish Kunming’s first cycling club — Cyclists’ Guest. Going from cycling solo to founding a club, and then gathering fellow cycling enthusiasts together, the dramatic shift in their life paths even surprised them.
Sounding the "rally call" for Kunming cyclists
"Tomorrow night at 7 PM, night ride at Baozhu Temple." On the small blackboard at the entrance of the Cyclists’ Guest Club, passing "cycling friends" sign up for club activities through such notices. "We also post event info in our QQ and WeChat groups," says Zhang Shuai.
"Riding a bike is easy to start, but riding well isn’t." This is exactly why Zhang Shuai founded the club. "It’s to provide more professional guidance and training for beginners who love cycling but don’t know how to ride well." Zhang Shuai mentioned that many people who have been cycling for a year or two still don’t wear helmets, which he finds unbelievable.
"The first time I rode at Baozhu Temple, I saw others speeding ahead and tried to keep up, but ended up throwing up after the descent," Zhang Shuai said. He understands the feelings of some beginners very well. "They want to learn, but no one guides them, and they end up getting battered and bruised."
Now, "Cyclists’ Guest" offers free cycling training for beginners. "Nutritional intake before riding is very important. There are also techniques for going downhill and taking turns while cycling." During rides, Yao Lixin and Zhang Shuai accompany beginners to guide them.
"Cyclists’ Guest" not only gives beginners opportunities to learn, but also provides a platform for seasoned riders to exchange and improve. "In the Kunming cycling circle, there are three well-known groups: 'Folk FH Group' focuses on competitive racing, 'Kunming Cycling Couples' leans toward leisure cycling, and 'Travelers Without Borders' has many foreigners," Zhang Shuai explained. Now, "Cyclists’ Guest" has brought members of these three groups together, totaling over 600 people. "The pros have more chances to connect — just recently, a group planned a bike trip to Tibet and has already reached Lhasa."
Building a "Cycling Culture" for the people of Kunming
"Kunming has a spring-like climate all year, high altitude, and mountainous terrain — these natural conditions are perfect for cycling." Although "cycling culture" was originally introduced to China from Europe and America, in Zhang Shuai’s view, Kunming certainly has the conditions and capability to create its own unique "cycling culture."
At the "Cyclists’ Guest" club, even small items like tables and candle holders are elegantly decorated with cycling elements like wheel rims by Zhang Shuai; cycling team jerseys from various countries and photos from the "cyclists’" travels adorn the walls; a dedicated "bike cleaning area" is available to wash riders’ beloved bikes at any time.
In addition to upgrading hardware facilities, a rich variety of events also attract numerous cycling enthusiasts. Experiences like "trainer" racing competitions, organized mountain cycling trips, and sharing sessions with successful Tibet cyclists...
"Cycling is no longer just a simple fitness activity for entertainment. It has become a life attitude that cyclists embrace — the pursuit of freedom — and it has a positive impact on our lives." Centered around cycling, Zhang Shuai’s next goal is to integrate cycling with public welfare, amplifying its social impact.