In March 2014, VAUDE sponsored two international friends (Phil Behan and Jerry Grey) to embark on a charity bike ride across China. The journey started on March 1 from Zhongshan City, passing through Hunan, Hubei, Shaanxi, and Gansu, before finally reaching Urumqi in Xinjiang. The entire route spanned 5,000 kilometers and would take two months.
Along the way, they also sought out various Chinese stories—such as visiting Chairman Mao’s birthplace in Changsha, Hunan, and taking a tai chi class at Mount Wudang in Hubei. Throughout this long exploration, they might even cross deserts and traverse areas at sea level (in central Xinjiang). Everything from the journey will be captured on Phil’s professional camera, while VAUDE will share their cycling diary updates in real time via the official WeChat channel.
It is understood that this cycling project was jointly initiated by the Disabled Assistance Team of Zhongshan Youth Volunteers Association and Jerry Grey, with the ultimate goal of helping underprivileged disabled families in China—adding deeper meaning to the event.
Before departure, being interviewed by the media
Helpful volunteers cleaning the bike bags