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Chengdu cyclists' "2+4 Western Sichuan Mini Loop" high-altitude ride concludes successfully
"These three days felt like being on another planet," remarked 44-year-old "Pg Brother" Xiang Pei. The "2+4 Western Sichuan Mini Loop" high-altitude cycling event, initiated and organized by Tianfu Morning Post, ended at 23:00 yesterday, with all participants returning to Chengdu safely. After conquering Balang Mountain in heavy snow the day before, the cycling team overcame strong headwinds and icy road conditions yesterday to successfully reach the 4,114-meter-high Jiajin Mountain.
Western Sichuan Mini Loop
(Condensed version of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway)
— Conquer Balang Mountain at 4,500 meters and Jiajin Mountain at 4,100 meters, with a total route length exceeding 600 kilometers
"2+4" Cycling
— Primarily bicycles (two wheels) with cars (four wheels) as support
For many cyclists, our journey was nothing short of crazy. I remember when my goal was to conquer Longquan Mountain in 30 minutes—now it’s down to nearly 20. When you climb higher peaks, it’s not a big deal. It’s just another milestone in life.
— "Pg Brother," who has five years of cycling experience
Situation: American suffers from altitude sickness
"Lonely, so lonely." If riding over Balang Mountain the day before—even in heavy snow—still meant seeing plenty of fellow cyclists and drivers, then yesterday’s ascent of Jiajin Mountain could only be described as lonely.
Due to the three-day Qingming holiday, most cyclists, considering time and other factors, turned back to Chengdu after reaching the Balang Mountain pass.
After conquering Balang Mountain and arriving in Rilong the day before, American Andrew Abraham wasn’t feeling well. It was his first time at an altitude above 4,000 meters, and after spending three hours at the pass, he suffered a severe headache. Upon reaching his accommodation in Rilong, he crawled into bed without even taking off his shoes. Eventually, he began to feel better after taking medication provided by the support vehicle.
Discussion: Complete the journey within one’s limits
Aside from altitude sickness, what frustrated everyone more was underestimating the intensity of snow glare—by the time they reached Rilong, their faces were as red as monkey butts, and even splashing water on them stung.
At the lodging place that day, the innkeeper, upon learning that everyone had cycled over Balang Mountain, expressed great admiration. But when she heard they planned to tackle Jiajin Mountain the next day, she worriedly said, "Although Jiajin Mountain isn’t as high as Balang Mountain, the road is worse, and with the snowfall, plus the energy you’ve already expended today, it’s going to be very tough."
In the end, after a group discussion in Rilong Town, everyone decided to proceed according to their abilities—stronger cyclists would ride the entire way, while those less fit would get off halfway up Jiajin Mountain to cycle.
Perseverance: Finally conquering the "Ice Cream"
After dawn yesterday, the weather was unusually clear. The reporter and teammates coasted from Rilong Town at 3,200 meters all the way down to the Dawei Red Army Memorial Monument at 2,700 meters, covering 21 kilometers in just 40 minutes. However, having forgotten shoe covers, their toes were painfully frozen.
Turning left at the bridge marked "Jiajin Mountain Forest Park," they faced another 27-kilometer climb to the 4,114-meter Jiajin Mountain pass. Compared to the lively atmosphere of Balang Mountain, where cyclists gathered, this area was eerily quiet. They only encountered two other cyclists along the way.
Former marathon runner Andrew Abraham proved to be incredibly strong, quickly surging to the front of the group and disappearing from view. "I love the feeling of giving it my all," he said.
Despite differences in stamina and speed, their determination was equally unwavering. In the end, all members successfully conquered two snow-capped mountains over 4,000 meters, completing the Western Sichuan Mini Loop high-altitude ride.
Cycling Anecdotes >>>
Some sections traveled by car
"Scoffed at" by younger cyclists
When the group arrived in Wolong on the fourth day for a meal, 43-year-old teammate Lao Mai encountered a young cyclist he often saw in Chengdu. To Lao Mai’s surprise, the young man pointed at him and said, "I rode all the way here from Chengdu in over 10 hours today—you took a car, I look down on you!"
Lao Mai replied, "We all have our own goals. As long as you strive to achieve yours in your own way, that’s success. From a hiker’s perspective, aren’t you also weak for riding a bike?"
The young man was left speechless. In the end, due to his physical condition and time constraints, the young cyclist had no choice but to turn back to Chengdu at the Balang Mountain Pass. “After all, it’s not a race—there’s no need to compete with anyone. Just go at your own pace,” said Lao Mai.
Riding Interpretation>>>
Why the “4”?
The Western Sichuan Mini Loop, with a total distance of over 600 kilometers, is difficult to complete purely by cycling within a 3-day holiday for all but a very few people—not to mention challenging weather conditions like snow and low temperatures.
“Prepare your supplies before the troops move.” The concept of “4” in “2+4” doesn’t just refer to four-wheeled vehicles—it also encompasses comprehensive logistical support, organization, planning, and more. “In the past, I never slept so soundly on long rides. This time, although the intensity was high, having strong logistical support made me feel very secure,” sighed “Page Ge.”
The efforts of the two support staff were no less than those of the riders. Zhao Hang, the technical support for this trip, had performed maintenance on all the bicycles before departure. He doesn’t admire the approach of riding purely on enthusiasm: “Some young people have great willpower and physical strength, but their hands-on skills are too poor. What if their bikes break down at high altitude?”
The other support staff member, Yu Zhiqiang, besides driving, was also responsible for loading and unloading the bicycles as well as preparing food and water—his workload was no less intense than that of the riders.
Of course, “2+4” definitely puts the emphasis on the “2.” Lao Mai said, “Setting a goal and being able to achieve it through your own efforts—that’s what brings happiness. Cycling is one way to do that.”
Western Sichuan Mini Loop
(Condensed version of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway)
— Conquer Balang Mountain at 4,500 meters and Jiajin Mountain at 4,100 meters, with a total route length exceeding 600 kilometers
"2+4" Cycling
— Primarily bicycles (two wheels) with cars (four wheels) as support
For many cyclists, our journey was nothing short of crazy. I remember when my goal was to conquer Longquan Mountain in 30 minutes—now it’s down to nearly 20. When you climb higher peaks, it’s not a big deal. It’s just another milestone in life.
— "Pg Brother," who has five years of cycling experience
Situation: American suffers from altitude sickness
"Lonely, so lonely." If riding over Balang Mountain the day before—even in heavy snow—still meant seeing plenty of fellow cyclists and drivers, then yesterday’s ascent of Jiajin Mountain could only be described as lonely.
Due to the three-day Qingming holiday, most cyclists, considering time and other factors, turned back to Chengdu after reaching the Balang Mountain pass.
After conquering Balang Mountain and arriving in Rilong the day before, American Andrew Abraham wasn’t feeling well. It was his first time at an altitude above 4,000 meters, and after spending three hours at the pass, he suffered a severe headache. Upon reaching his accommodation in Rilong, he crawled into bed without even taking off his shoes. Eventually, he began to feel better after taking medication provided by the support vehicle.
Discussion: Complete the journey within one’s limits
Aside from altitude sickness, what frustrated everyone more was underestimating the intensity of snow glare—by the time they reached Rilong, their faces were as red as monkey butts, and even splashing water on them stung.
At the lodging place that day, the innkeeper, upon learning that everyone had cycled over Balang Mountain, expressed great admiration. But when she heard they planned to tackle Jiajin Mountain the next day, she worriedly said, "Although Jiajin Mountain isn’t as high as Balang Mountain, the road is worse, and with the snowfall, plus the energy you’ve already expended today, it’s going to be very tough."
In the end, after a group discussion in Rilong Town, everyone decided to proceed according to their abilities—stronger cyclists would ride the entire way, while those less fit would get off halfway up Jiajin Mountain to cycle.
Perseverance: Finally conquering the "Ice Cream"
After dawn yesterday, the weather was unusually clear. The reporter and teammates coasted from Rilong Town at 3,200 meters all the way down to the Dawei Red Army Memorial Monument at 2,700 meters, covering 21 kilometers in just 40 minutes. However, having forgotten shoe covers, their toes were painfully frozen.
Turning left at the bridge marked "Jiajin Mountain Forest Park," they faced another 27-kilometer climb to the 4,114-meter Jiajin Mountain pass. Compared to the lively atmosphere of Balang Mountain, where cyclists gathered, this area was eerily quiet. They only encountered two other cyclists along the way.
Former marathon runner Andrew Abraham proved to be incredibly strong, quickly surging to the front of the group and disappearing from view. "I love the feeling of giving it my all," he said.
Despite differences in stamina and speed, their determination was equally unwavering. In the end, all members successfully conquered two snow-capped mountains over 4,000 meters, completing the Western Sichuan Mini Loop high-altitude ride.
Cycling Anecdotes >>>
Some sections traveled by car
"Scoffed at" by younger cyclists
When the group arrived in Wolong on the fourth day for a meal, 43-year-old teammate Lao Mai encountered a young cyclist he often saw in Chengdu. To Lao Mai’s surprise, the young man pointed at him and said, "I rode all the way here from Chengdu in over 10 hours today—you took a car, I look down on you!"
Lao Mai replied, "We all have our own goals. As long as you strive to achieve yours in your own way, that’s success. From a hiker’s perspective, aren’t you also weak for riding a bike?"
The young man was left speechless. In the end, due to his physical condition and time constraints, the young cyclist had no choice but to turn back to Chengdu at the Balang Mountain Pass. “After all, it’s not a race—there’s no need to compete with anyone. Just go at your own pace,” said Lao Mai.
Riding Interpretation>>>
Why the “4”?
The Western Sichuan Mini Loop, with a total distance of over 600 kilometers, is difficult to complete purely by cycling within a 3-day holiday for all but a very few people—not to mention challenging weather conditions like snow and low temperatures.
“Prepare your supplies before the troops move.” The concept of “4” in “2+4” doesn’t just refer to four-wheeled vehicles—it also encompasses comprehensive logistical support, organization, planning, and more. “In the past, I never slept so soundly on long rides. This time, although the intensity was high, having strong logistical support made me feel very secure,” sighed “Page Ge.”
The efforts of the two support staff were no less than those of the riders. Zhao Hang, the technical support for this trip, had performed maintenance on all the bicycles before departure. He doesn’t admire the approach of riding purely on enthusiasm: “Some young people have great willpower and physical strength, but their hands-on skills are too poor. What if their bikes break down at high altitude?”
The other support staff member, Yu Zhiqiang, besides driving, was also responsible for loading and unloading the bicycles as well as preparing food and water—his workload was no less intense than that of the riders.
Of course, “2+4” definitely puts the emphasis on the “2.” Lao Mai said, “Setting a goal and being able to achieve it through your own efforts—that’s what brings happiness. Cycling is one way to do that.”