A team of 24 people, “Ride the Earth” – New Zealand 4+2 Journey, will set off this week for New Zealand in Oceania, embarking on the first organized group cycling trip by Chinese people in New Zealand.
“4+2” refers to a four-wheeled car and two-wheeled bicycles, meaning using a car to transport bicycles to destinations for fitness-oriented travel primarily focused on cycling. This method is common in developed countries and regions such as Europe and America, and has been rapidly embraced in China in recent years. Three months before departure, the team underwent seven cycling experience training sessions of varying difficulty and length, as well as two specialized training sessions; the oldest member is 60 years old, the youngest 35, and 15 of them have over two years of experience in cycling and outdoor sports.
It is reported that New Zealand is a world-renowned destination for cycling tourism and a highly developed country in cycling culture. By the end of 2012, the New Zealand government had built 22 national cycling trails. The route of the “Ride the Earth” New Zealand journey includes the St James Great Ride and the “Dushan” cycling trail, both classic and challenging.
According to reports, “Ride the Earth” is a program developed and implemented by Beijing Youth Daily Group targeting specific outdoor and cycling enthusiasts. In 2013, the group organized participants for events such as the “Taiwan Island Cycling Tour,” the “Yanqing International Cycling Festival,” and a series of cycling-focused activities, aiming to allow capable Chinese people to experience the beauty of the earth, modern civilization, and the warmth of friendship and family. The New Zealand 4+2 Journey is the final event launched under the “Ride the Earth” project in 2013. In 2014, the “Ride the Earth” project will also feature classic events such as the “Taiwan Island Cycling Tour” and the “Mount Fuji Cherry Blossom Journey.”