On October 18, 2014, the Tibet Nyingchi “Haiyang Cup” Bayi Mountain Bike Race successfully concluded in the picturesque autumn scenery of Bayi Town, the capital of Nyingchi. The “Haiyang Cup” 2014 Bayi Mountain Bike Race Successfully Concluded.
The race began at the north square of the Convention and Exhibition Center, traveled along the central section of Bayi Avenue, crossed Bayi Bridge and the Second Bayi Bridge, and then looped back to the south square of the Convention and Exhibition Center via the southern section of Bayi Avenue.
A total of 79 mountain bike enthusiasts from both within and outside the region registered to participate in this event. These 79 riders came from various ethnic groups including Tibetan, Han, Lhoba, Dai, and Manchu. It was reported that the oldest participant was 47 years old, while the youngest was just 16.
The 2014 “Haiyang Cup” Bayi Mountain Bike Race covered a total course distance of 17 kilometers. Part of the route included a gravel section along Provincial Highway 306, while the rest of the road surface was smooth. The maximum gradient reached 25 degrees, with an average altitude of 2,950 meters.
The race received widespread attention and support. In addition to the active participation of cycling enthusiasts, it also attracted participation from various organized cycling teams such as the Charming Police Camp Outdoor Cycling Group, the Giant Nyingchi Exclusive Store, Blue Flame Outdoor, the Lhasa Veterans Cycling Team, and the Chenzhou Trek Bicycle Club. After the race, when participants took group photos on stage, the banner displayed by the Lhasa Veterans Cycling Team — “Cherish Life, Stay Away from ***” — reflected the healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyle pursued by today’s youth, adding deeper and broader significance to the event themed around “Green Cycling, Low-Carbon Living, and Ecotourism.”
As is well known, Nyingchi, located along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway 318, is considered a paradise for cyclists. Known as the “Jiangnan of Tibet,” Nyingchi offers blooming peach blossoms in spring, lush forests in summer, crimson foliage in autumn, and warm sunshine in winter — making it suitable for cycling all year round. The renowned Bayi Lake (Basongcuo) Mountain Bike Race is held in the Basongcuo Scenic Area (4A) of Gongbo’gyamda County in Nyingchi, currently recognized as China’s highest-altitude off-road cycling event. Cycling in Nyingchi means experiencing ever-changing seasonal beauty; with every rotation of the wheels, you pedal through Nyingchi’s song-like landscapes and picturesque views. (By Qu Lili)