A group of cyclists, drenched in sweat yet laughing and chatting along the way. They ride toward the horizon under the glow of the setting sun... This is a common scene during training sessions for Feng Weiguang and his teammates. They believe that cycling is a sport that strengthens the body; cycling is an attitude that helps one face the wind and rain; cycling is also a journey of growth that leads to maturity.
Feng Weiguang is the president of the Sunshine Bicycle Association at China Agricultural University. When asked why he joined the cycling club, he smiles slightly and says he was actually persuaded by a classmate, but since then, he has formed an inseparable bond with cycling.
Feng Weiguang and his fellow cyclists believe that cycling trips are truly a form of self-discipline for individuals. Setting a goal and seeing it through to the end is their motto. During competitions, Feng Weiguang and his teammates often face exhaustion, and while they know winning is no longer possible, they still persevere until they cross the finish line. "As long as you finish the race, you earn everyone's respect" — that’s the rule of cycling competitions. There was also an unexpected incident on the way back from a long-distance training ride. It was already night when the team was caught in a sudden downpour. In such a dangerous situation, the cyclists encouraged each other and kept going, finally returning to campus at midnight. So, cycling is about perseverance.
Like all cyclists, Feng Weiguang has also gained brotherly friendships through biking. "Speaking of friendship, I have to mention one unforgettable experience," he says proudly. "Once, we cycled all day through muddy paths, dusty roads, and coal-dusted streets, turning into 'black people.' We finally arrived at our destination — a teammate’s home — at 10 p.m., because it was his birthday." Normally, the teammates chat and study together; during holidays, once they hop on their bikes, they become comrades facing the wind and rain together, enjoying the beautiful moments along the way. Through multiple holiday cycling trips to Yunnan and Tibet, the members of the cycling association have developed an unspoken bond and unbreakable camaraderie.
"Whenever I get on my bike, I feel incredibly happy and excited," says Feng Weiguang. All you need is a bicycle, a backpack, and a group of friends to set off. You ride through bumpy roads, experiencing the unique charm of foreign places; you pass through dark tunnels, emerging into brightness after the darkness; you climb steep mountain paths, witnessing the view from the top where "all other mountains seem small." Along the way, you can relax, continually push your limits, escape the concrete jungle, and get close to nature. Cycling is sunshine; cycling is joy.
"Although I won’t pursue a career related to cycling, I will still take time to gather a few friends and roam the world together," says Feng Weiguang. Cycling has become a belief in his heart — as long as there’s a bike and companions, he will head toward the distance, come rain or shine...