This is a unique way of traveling—cycling—and it’s also a road where beauty and danger coexist—the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Every year, large numbers of cycling enthusiasts flock here, but accidents are also common.
Cycling on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway is booming, attracting over 10,000 participants.
According to conservative estimates, there are currently more than 10,000 cyclists on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. But who ensures their safety?
The Sichuan-Tibet Highway is hailed by travelers as one of the most captivating scenic routes, inspiring many to dream of journeying along it. Among all travel options, cycling is the most immersive way to connect with nature, which is why many young people, especially university students, have joined the ranks of those cycling the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. When it comes to cycling, Ge Lei, General Manager of Marketing at CYTS Tours Holding, a cycling enthusiast himself, expressed his support for university students taking on the challenge:
Ge Lei: The most important takeaway is that it helps build courage in university students. Throughout the cycling journey, they develop skills such as interacting with unfamiliar environments, communicating effectively, seeking help, and understanding others. Along the way, they encounter the diversity and reality of the world, which serves as excellent social education for them.
The Blind Type: Over 40% Are Beginners, "Gear" Includes Two Pounds of Apples
Just a few days ago, a reporter from the Chengdu Business Daily spent a week conducting a random survey of 100 cyclists on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Among them, 90% were university students aged between 18 and 23. However, 40% of the cyclists lacked extensive long-distance cycling experience and had prepared for less than three months. Ge Lei said that for cyclists, the Sichuan-Tibet Highway is an ultimate, top-tier route that should not be taken lightly.
Ge Lei: The Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Qinghai-Tibet Highway, and Yunnan-Tibet Highway are all among China’s ultimate and most challenging cycling routes. The difficulty level is very high, requiring exceptional physical strength, and the journey can last over 20 days or even a month—something most cyclists may not be able to endure. Therefore, cycling should be approached step by step; beginners can start with more scenic and leisurely routes.
The Impulsive Type: Quit Job to Cycle, Cried from Exhaustion on Day Two
According to someone who has experienced the Sichuan-Tibet Highway: every 60 meters along the route, you’ll find a cyclist. The sight of cyclists hunched over, pedaling fiercely, has become a unique part of the landscape. But along the way, all kinds of issues arise—some cyclists set off without even buying a helmet, others pack just two pounds of apples as emergency rations, and some even break down and cry on the second day. Ge Lei emphasized the importance of thorough preparation before starting the journey:
Ge Lei: You must have cycling gear, secondly a helmet—which is extremely important, especially for long-distance rides, as it can save your life in critical moments. Third, gloves are essential because the contact points between your body and the bike experience significant wear and friction. Additionally, since it’s summer now and the weather is hot, sun protection and heat prevention measures are necessary. Also, planning your route is crucial—you should have a general idea of the itinerary. If you don’t have strong physical endurance or much cycling experience, it’s better to cover about 80 to 120 kilometers per day, cycling 6 to 8 hours with short breaks every 1 to 2 hours.
Beyond that, before setting off, cyclists should also purchase insurance and stay informed about weather changes—both are extremely important.