19 Elderly Riders from Tianjin Cycle Across Japan
In recent days, 19 elderly riders from Tianjin have made headlines both domestically and internationally. They are members of the Tianjin Cycling Touring Group, who plan to cycle across Japan over 52 days. The oldest among them is 81 years old, and the youngest is 51. Yesterday, a reporter contacted “Donglinzi,” one of the team members currently in Japan. She said that due to the typhoon, the weather in Japan has been rainy these past few days, but the riders pressed on despite the rain, in high spirits.
Reported by Japanese Media
Covered by Foreign Media
According to “Sunshine,” a member of the Tianjin Cycling Touring Group, about two months ago, the group began organizing this cycling trip to Japan. After registration, selection, visa applications, and other formalities, 19 riders were selected to take part. Around 11 p.m. on the 17th of this month, the 19 riders took a bus to Beijing Capital Airport, and flew to Japan at 8 a.m. on the 18th. Many fellow riders came to see them off that day.
On the 19th, the team arrived at their local hotel in Japan. On the morning of the 20th, a departure ceremony was held at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium. The bicycles used for this Japan cycling tour were sponsored by local Japanese companies. The 19 spirited elderly riders in cycling gear caught the attention of locals and drew media coverage.
“Donglinzi” said that the Tianjin Fellow Association in Japan also came to cheer on their fellow townsmen, which greatly encouraged the riders, all of whom are confident about completing the 52-day journey. The next day, Japanese media reported the story of the 19 elderly riders from Tianjin, which was then picked up by multiple media outlets both in China and abroad.
Official Cycling Has Been Going for 4 Days
Oldest Team Member is 81
All 19 riders are retirees who share a passion for cycling. Coming together through this shared interest, they’ve found not only physical benefits but also a community of like-minded friends, bringing joy to their later years.
The oldest rider, Han Yushu, is 81 years old. Despite his age, his health and energy are on par with those much younger. Upon retiring, he spent his days at home with his health deteriorating. Feeling he couldn’t go on like that, he decided to join the cycling group. Over the past 20 years, he and his teammates have cycled across China, covering a total of 187,000 kilometers—equivalent to circling the Earth’s equator 4.5 times. He didn’t hesitate to sign up for this trip to Japan, seeing it as a rare opportunity to deeply explore Japan by bike while being accompanied by his riding companions. As of yesterday, the official ride has been going on for four days, and Han Yushu is in good health.
Passing Through 47 Prefectures
Riding Over 100 Kilometers Daily
The riders say that this Japan cycling journey starts in Tokyo and will traverse the country from east to west, aiming to cover more than 100 kilometers each day. The route will go from Hokkaido and Aomori in the northeast, all the way westward, reaching Japan’s westernmost island, Okinawa. Along the way, they will pass through 47 prefectures. “We aim to showcase the spirit of Tianjin with full energy and vigor, letting the Japanese people see how healthy and lively elderly people from Tianjin can be!” the riders said proudly.
Rider “Donglinzi” said that although the weather in Japan hasn’t been great these past few days, the riders have overcome the challenges, cycled in the rain, and are now moving toward their next destination.