Eleven seniors cycled over 1,100 kilometers southward from Harbin, enjoying the scenery along the way, and arrived in Dalian on September 9. Reporters learned that they are members of the Harbin “Friends of the Educated Youth” Cycling Fitness Club, with an average age of 63.
Former educated youths unite through shared passion
Early in the morning on September 10, a group of seniors wearing helmets, colorful sunglasses, and bright cycling gear gathered near the ornamental column in Xinghai Square, Dalian. These seniors, with an average age of 63, are cycling enthusiasts from Harbin, Heilongjiang Province.
In April last year, cycling enthusiasts including Wang Xinzhi and Li Jiang established the Harbin “Friends of the Educated Youth” Cycling Fitness Club, which now has 65 members.
Several months ago, they had already planned a cross-province cycling trip. Prior to departure, the team made thorough preparations: creating route maps, packing power banks, repair tools, clothing, and rations, among other essentials. A total of 11 seniors participated in this cross-province cycling adventure: Wang Xinzhi, Li Jiang, Wang Dezhuo, Wang Jiali, Zhang Naibin, Liu Zhongxin, Chen Gongqing, Ma Lifu, Deng Yibo, Guo Yongjun, and Wang Li. On the early morning of September 1, over 70 teammates and family members came to see them off.
Facing heavy rain and roadblocks, the journey was full of challenges
Each of the 11 members had their own role — some were responsible for scouting routes and arranging accommodation, others for medical care, bike repairs, safety, and more. Although it was their first long-distance cycling trip, the members took care of each other and the journey went relatively smoothly.
They set off from Harbin, passing through Changchun and Shenyang, and arrived in Dalian on September 8. “Just before reaching Changchun, we suddenly encountered a heavy downpour,” said Captain Wang Xinzhi. Most of the team got soaked, but fortunately, no one caught a cold. Along the way, 67-year-old Wang Dezhuo’s wheel got stuck in the gap of a manhole, throwing him off the bike — luckily, he wasn’t seriously injured.
Yesterday, reporters followed the cycling team by car, starting from the ornamental column in Xinghai Square and traveling along the coastal road, passing scenic spots such as Fujiashan, Yanwo Ridge, and Tiger Beach. Later, the seniors were invited to the Shanping Street branch of the 210th Hospital. Hu Xijun, head of the hospital's physiotherapy department, expressed great admiration for their perseverance and reminded them to avoid physical injuries during cycling.
Next plan: cycle to Hainan and Tibet
“In our younger years, we shared similar experiences, and in old age, we have the same hobbies — so the members are like one big family,” said Deputy Captain Li Jiang. Along the way, the team cycled an average of eight hours per day, covering about 150 kilometers daily. Yesterday afternoon, they took a ferry from Lushun across the sea to Yantai, then continued cycling to Weihai and Qingdao, with an expected journey of over 1,800 kilometers. After circumnavigating the Liaodong and Shandong peninsulas, the group plans to split up in Qingdao — those who enjoy traveling will head south along the coastal cities all the way to Shanghai, covering an estimated 3,000-plus kilometers; while others will fly back to their hometown in Harbin.
“Through cycling, we’ve found joy in our later years. Some members who previously had poor physical health have seen noticeable improvement through exercise,” said Wang Xinzhi. After resting and adjusting, they plan to set off again, and in the future, they also aim to cycle to Hainan and Tibet.
Reported by Wang Ou, Peninsula Morning Post and Haili Net
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There’s a science to bicycle handlebar and saddle height
● Pay attention to bicycle saddle height — too high or too low can cause knee joint injuries. Ideally, your knees should be at an 80-degree angle when cycling. ● Mind the handlebar height — if it’s too high, it may hinder speed; if too low, it can strain the lumbar spine. The ideal height allows your arms to remain straight when holding the handlebars. ● Don’t forget sun protection — if you cycle in the sun for more than half an hour, take sun protection measures to avoid skin burns. ● Most modern sports bike saddles are narrow and hard — it’s best to use a soft seat cover, or you could risk prostate issues.