The Tailg Electric Vehicle "Dream Chaser Knights" have become a moving scenic sight after nine days of riding. Starting from Markam, the Sichuan-Tibet Highway and Yunnan-Tibet Highway merge into one. Glaciers, snow-capped mountains, forests, rivers, canyons, and waterfalls create breathtaking views. Although the scenery along the Sichuan-Tibet route is stunning, it cannot rival the knights' spiritual beauty in their unwavering pursuit of ideals.
The 158-kilometer stretch from Markam to Zogang is notoriously treacherous, with climbs over high mountains such as the Jiaba Mountain and Dongda Mountain. It's an unforgettable road—one you won’t forget once you’ve traveled it—featuring typical high-mountain canyon terrain. Riders pedal alongside the surging Jinsha River and Lancang River, navigating narrow roads, loose mountain slopes, deep valleys, and naturally, staying on high alert. Dongda Mountain stands at an elevation of 5,008 meters, the highest altitude the Tailg Electric Vehicle "Dream Chaser Knights" have reached in nine days. The riders experienced altitude sickness symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath. The uphill road has many sharp turns, and the vegetation at the top consists mainly of alpine meadows, still offering a touch of green. Small streams trickle down the mountainside from time to time, with clouds and mist lingering around the mid-slopes. Scattered across the hills are nomadic tents and herds of livestock. From the Dongda Mountain pass, one can gaze at the Lancang River far below at the foot of the Jueba Mountain. At 5,008 meters, the Dongda Mountain pass is the highest mountain pass on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Due to concerns about altitude sickness, the team didn’t stay for long.
Among the Tailg Electric Vehicle "Dream Chaser Knights" is Chen Wenfu, a highly educated individual who also enjoys using Weibo. The elder Chen wrote in his Weibo post: “Before embarking on the Sichuan-Tibet route, my biggest concerns were landslides, collapses, and falling rocks. National Highway 318 either cuts through deep mountain gorges or is carved along cliffs on the mountainside. During the rainy season, landslides and collapses are common occurrences. Before our departure, CCTV even reported a landslide, and we encountered several more along the way. Falling rocks are practically a daily affair—who among Sichuan-Tibet riders hasn’t seen them? As long as they don’t land on your head, you’re fine. Thankfully, so far, so good!”
Over a casual chat after meals, I asked the Tailg Electric Vehicle "Dream Chaser Knights" what they think is the most important thing when cycling to Tibet alone. Some said it’s physical strength, perseverance, and endurance; others mentioned preparation, equipment, and teamwork. Indeed, these are all very important and form the basic prerequisites for tackling the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. However, in my opinion, the most crucial aspect of cycling is seeing reality clearly. Only by having a clear understanding of your own condition, while properly allocating your physical and mental energy, adjusting rest appropriately, maintaining a proper diet, can you successfully complete the various challenges along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway as planned.