Biking acquaintances made along the road      Biking is a way of life

Biking fosters a positive and proactive attitude toward life

     “When you set off, you sing the ballads of borderland, in your youthful years unafraid of distant mountains and rivers.” This line is a favorite badge among bikers.

     Some say China is a country that only produces tourists who don’t know how to have fun — this isn’t true, at least not for the biking community. Bikers are those who travel the land solo, relying on nothing but their bicycles: one person, one bike, venturing afar and reflecting along the way. The belief that “there’s always something to gain on the road” has long been popular within this group.

     What’s it like to bike in Kunming? Is it romantic, laid-back, or free-spirited? “Biking in Kunming is cool!” Yao Lixin, who has five years of experience cycling mountain bikes, motorcycles, and more, offered his take. 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 bikers to blend play with challenge.

     “These days, biking is no longer just a simple fitness activity for entertainment, but is gradually becoming a lifestyle attitude that bikers embrace — a love for freedom.” From showing off gear to showcasing riding skills, and then to pursuing harmony between rider and bike, and between human and nature, biking as a sport is quietly evolving along the path destined by the times, subtly changing the lives of people in Kunming.

     “On the road” friendships born through biking

     Every weekend, no matter the wind or rain, groups of bikers can always be seen active in front of Baizhu Temple Mountain in Kunming. Colorful helmets fluttering across green fields form a beautiful scene here.

     Among them are Yao Lixin and Zhang Shuai. “We met through biking.” As veteran teammates who’ve known each other for almost two years, Yao Lixin and Zhang Shuai have taken part in multiple adventure trips together, leaving their footprints on places like Western Hills, Changchun Mountain, and Jiaozi Snow Mountain.

     Like most bikers, Zhang Shuai initially took up biking just to stay fit. Two years ago, he got to know a group of cycling enthusiasts who were regulars at his restaurant. Watching his weight soar and unable to trim his growing belly through running or playing ball, “a fellow biker” told him biking could help with weight loss, so he bought a mountain bike and joined the biking crowd.

     And so began Zhang Shuai’s biking journey. “I realized I was ‘hooked’!” His radius of life expanded with every turn of the wheels. From initially biking 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’s become somewhat of a “biking guru.” At last year’s Dianchi Lake Cycling Invitational in Kunming, he even ranked 32nd in the mountain biking category.

     Unlike Zhang Shuai, who chases extreme sports, Yao Lixin enjoys the pleasure brought by the journey. This slim 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... By day an office worker, by night a biker — he reveals another side of his life through cycling.

     On May 1st of this year, driven by their passion for biking, Zhang Shuai and Yao Lixin roped in their friend “Daxiong” to co-found Kunming’s first biking club — RiderKunming. Going from biking solo to starting a club, and then gathering fellow biking enthusiasts together, the dramatic shift in their life paths surprised even themselves.

     Blowing the “assembly call” for Kunming bikers

     “7pm tomorrow night, night ride at Baizhu Temple.” On the small blackboard at the entrance of the RiderKunming clubhouse, passersby “bikers” join club activities through notices like these. “We also post event info in our QQ and WeChat groups,” Zhang Shuai said.

     “Getting started on a bike is easy, but biking well is not.” That’s precisely why Zhang Shuai founded the club. “It’s to provide more professional guidance and training for beginners who want to bike but don’t know how to do it well.” Zhang Shuai mentioned that many who’ve been biking for a year or two still don’t wear helmets, which he finds unbelievable.

     “The first time I biked at Baizhu Temple, I saw others speeding ahead and pushed myself to keep up. Later, I threw up after going downhill,” Zhang Shuai said. He understands the feelings of some novices very well. “They want to learn, but no one guides them, and they end up getting battered and bruised.”

     Now, “RiderKunming” offers free biking training for beginners. “Nutrition before biking is very important. There are techniques for downhill and cornering while biking.” During rides, Yao Lixin and Zhang Shuai accompany beginners to guide them.

     “RiderKunming” not only helps beginners find learning opportunities, but also provides a platform for “hardcore” players to exchange and improve. “In the Kunming biking community, there are three well-known groups: ‘FHX Civilian Group’ focuses on competitive racing, ‘Kunming Biking Couples’ emphasizes leisure biking, and ‘Travelers Without Borders’ has many foreigners.” Zhang Shuai explained that “RiderKunming” has now brought members of these three groups together, totaling over 600 people. “With more chances to connect, a group recently planned a biking trip to Tibet and has already reached Lhasa.”

     Building a “Biking Culture” for the people of Kunming

     “Kunming has a spring-like climate all year round, high elevation, and lots of mountains — these natural conditions are perfect for biking.” Though “biking culture” originally spread to China from Europe and America, in Zhang Shuai’s view, Kunming fully has the conditions and capability to create its own unique “biking culture.”

     Inside the “RiderKunming” clubhouse, even small items like tables and candle holders are adorned with biking elements such as wheel hubs, giving the space an elegant and distinctive flair. Cycling team jerseys from various countries and photos from biking trips taken by members adorn the walls, and a dedicated “bike cleaning area” allows riders to wash their beloved bikes at any time.

     In addition to focusing on hardware facilities, a rich variety of events have drawn large numbers of biking enthusiasts. “Bike trainer” experience races, organized mountain biking trips, and sharing sessions with successful Tibet bikers...

     “Biking is no longer just a simple fitness activity for entertainment. It has become a lifestyle attitude that bikers embrace — a love for freedom, exerting a positive influence on our lives.” Centered around biking, Zhang Shuai’s next goal is to integrate biking with public welfare efforts, expanding its social impact.