[China International Camping Congress News] On July 27, the second day of competitions at the 2014 China International Camping Congress Dongping Station kicked off. Unlike the first day’s bicycle Super 300 race, which tested the physical limits of the athletes, today’s events perfectly embodied a balance of strength and grace—featuring a rugged off-road motorcycle challenge showcasing raw power and an international line dance competition highlighting elegance. Notably, the two days of events were immensely popular among local residents. According to official statistics from the organizing committee, over 120,000 people participated on-site, setting a record for the largest attendance at a major event ever held in the area.
Calling their kids, supporting their elders—this morning, the Camp Home Theme Park was buzzing with a full-scale community mobilization, as everyone headed toward the park’s professional off-road motorcycle track and various uniquely shaped tents. “Honey, stand still, I’m going to take your picture!” In front of the modern spherical transparent tents and the rustic thatched cottages, the moment visitors stepped through the gates of the camping theme park, such exchanges between parents and children could be heard everywhere. Meanwhile, outside the already roaring off-road motorcycle arena, spectators from the local area and surrounding counties packed the venue to capacity. Those closest to the track—even on their faces—were showered with dirt kicked up by speeding motorcycles.
The professional gear of the riders, the un-muffled roar of the engines, and the thrilling maneuvers of the contestants racing up slopes and through ditches left the spectators in awe, completely oblivious to the scorching heat of the day and the clouds of dust kicked up by the wheels. “This is the first time we’ve watched such an exciting race live—we’ve only seen them on TV before. We came early from the county. We wanted to come yesterday, but couldn’t make it due to extra classes,” said three high school-aged boys. Dongping County is about 13 kilometers away from the race venue, and they had specifically ridden their bicycles to watch the competition.