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Elderly Men Cycling Together
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Met by Chance During Their Journey and Became Inseparable Brothers
Recently, a series of posts by a netizen from Yancheng on a local forum has gone viral. Last year, he and another cyclist, who were strangers at the time, met during their travels and became close friends. On March 20th, they reunited to retrace the Red Army’s Long March route. They also documented the scenic views along the way and shared them on the forum with fellow netizens. Reporters learned that both cyclists are over sixty years old, and their “Ten-Thousand-Li Red Journey” is an effort to fulfill a childhood dream.
Elderly Cyclist Jokes About Sore Bottom
“Today, the soreness in my bottom has lessened. Although I’ve already cycled over 26,000 kilometers and built up an iron bottom, I haven’t done any long-distance cycling for half a year, so it’s still a bit hard to adjust.” On the Yancheng Huanghai Forum, the netizen “Evergreen Life” has been updating his series of posts titled “Ten-Thousand-Li Red Journey” daily, attracting many viewers.
The reporter noticed that “Evergreen Life” posts new updates every day, often including photos, and most of the posts are made around 9 p.m. A mountain bike, a full set of cycling gear, and a backpack—all show the rider’s professional flair in the photos.
The poster is Wang Xikang, a 64-year-old from Binhai County, Yancheng, who fell in love with cycling four years ago. His companion is 69-year-old Wang Xiaoxian, a retired official from the Lianyungang Development Zone.
The Elders’ Red Journey
Wang Xikang once served as the factory director of the Binhai County Chemical Fertilizer Plant. After retirement, he developed a passion for sports, fitness, and promoting a low-carbon, environmentally friendly lifestyle. From March to September 2012, he cycled to Tibet alone, taking 180 days to traverse 13 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, covering a round-trip distance of fifty thousand li.
“Last May, when I was cycling to Tibet alone, I happened to meet this fellow villager from Jiangsu on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. We stayed in touch afterward. When I told him about my plan to retrace the Long March route, he readily agreed.” Wang Xikang said that March 20th marked the start of their red journey. Wang Xiaoxian traveled from Lianyungang to Binhai in Yancheng to meet him, and then they set off together.
“We’ll first cycle to Nanchang, following the route of the Central Red Army’s Long March. Along the way, we’ll pass through key battle sites and important meeting locations of the Red Army.” Wang Xikang said that this journey will cover more than 25,000 li, passing through over 10 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, and will also take them to Beijing. The trip is expected to last six months.
Cycling and Sharing Along the Way
“As a child, I’ve always admired the Red Army, and witnessing the Long March route with my own eyes has been a dream of mine.” Wang Xikang said that after retiring, he had more time and financial stability, which made his dream even stronger. He also taught himself computer skills, internet use, and videography. “At first, my family didn’t agree, worried about my safety traveling alone.” But he persisted, and his family gradually gave their tacit approval—especially after he safely returned from Tibet, their support turned into encouragement. “However, I still have to call or text home every night to let them know I’m safe.”
Regarding retracing the Long March, his companion Wang Xiaoxian said that he grew up in poverty, and now that life is better, he hopes young people will continue to uphold the spirit of the Red Army’s Long March and cherish the hard-won life they have today.
“We’ve now arrived in Jiujiang, Jiangxi.” Yesterday, Wang Xikang told reporters. To document this unforgettable red journey, Wang Xikang brought along a small laptop and photography equipment. “We cycle, record, and enjoy local snacks along the way. We stay in small inns, keeping costs low. It’s great having each other for support.”