Wang Zhibo, a Tianjin native born in 1985, worked as a teacher at a foreign-owned early education center after graduating from university. Despite having a pleasant job and decent income, he made an unusual decision — to quit and cycle to seven countries including Australia.
Yesterday, after obtaining his visa, Wang was interviewed and said that this trip plans a route of 18,000 kilometers and will take eight months. When talking about his motivation, he said: “It’s just giving up one year’s income, but on the grand stage of life, it’s still worth it.”
Signing up for the “Ride Across Five Continents”
Wang Zhibo said that a chance encounter changed his view on life. “In 2012, during the London Olympics, several young people cycled all the way to London and drew attention. I watched their related videos, was moved, and aspired to cycle just like them.”
Wang Zhibo was referring to the “iRiding 727 Cycling Team” established in Nanjing, a team spontaneously formed by young cycling enthusiasts in May 2009. Riding on the enthusiasm of biking to London, they also issued an initiative online to “Ride Across Five Continents.” Wang Zhibo immediately responded and was eventually assigned to the Oceania and Asia route. In May this year, after confirming the trip, Wang Zhibo quit his job.
“The boss is very open-minded. He supported my action and said I could return to teaching after the cycling trip,” Wang Zhibo said.
Multiple training rides without feeling tired
On May 16, Wang Zhibo began his first long-distance cycling trip, which was his own practice ride, cycling from Tanggu in Tianjin all the way to Nanning in Guangxi. He rode early and rested late every day, arriving at his destination on July 10. The first ride gave him confidence.
On July 11, he took a flight to Nanjing to attend the preparatory meeting before the cycling training. On July 12, he set off with the main group, cycling from Nanjing to Chengdu. From August 17 to 23, he also participated in a cycling training ride from Nanjing to Beijing. He stood out among numerous applicants and earned the qualification for the “Ride Across Five Continents.” Traveling with him were two young men from Shandong and Shanghai. “The total expected cost per person is 40,000 yuan. It’s said there will be some sponsorships, but not much. I’ve prepared to cover my own expenses,” Wang Zhibo said.
On November 25, Wang Zhibo went to Beijing to process visa procedures for New Zealand and Australia. Yesterday, the visas came through as scheduled. Wang was very happy and said: “I’ll gather in Nanjing around mid-December, then set off for New Zealand around the 25th, and will also go to Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Laos — a total of seven countries. I’ll get the visas for the first two countries in China, and can apply for the others along the way.”
Parents initially unsupportive but later understanding
Wang Zhibo is from Hebei Province. He moved to Tianjin with his parents at the age of four and has lived here ever since. His parents are still working-class individuals — his father is a chef, and his mother is a cleaner. Having moved to Tianjin early, they caught the development wave of Binhai New Area. The family bought property in Tanggu and live an ordinary yet comfortable life.