35 cyclists tour Henan
35 cyclists spend six days covering 500 kilometers to explore six cities and five scenic spots
Friends interested in cycling trips, come join us on the road
On the morning of the 11th at 10 a.m., 35 cyclists clad in professional cycling gear set off from the Giant Life Store at the end of Yellow River West Road in Zhengzhou, heading south via Shakou Road... "The 2012 Giant Henan Winter Cultural Tour" officially kicked off. The day was bitterly cold, with temperatures below minus 2 degrees Celsius. Pedestrians on the roadside wrapped themselves tightly in cotton-padded coats, hunched and hurrying along, forming a sharp contrast with this energetic group of cyclists.
This cycling trip lasted six days, starting from Zhengzhou and passing through six cities including Xinzheng, Xuchang, Xiangcheng, Ruzhou, Dengfeng, and Gongyi. The cyclists toured attractions such as the Spring and Autumn Tower, Baoling Bridge, Ziyun Mountain, the Strange Slope, and the Kang Baiwan Manor. Excluding the distances to and from the scenic spots, the cyclists covered nearly 500 kilometers on this loop. A reporter joined the cycling team to experience the full range of joys and challenges of traveling by bicycle.
Cycling impressions
The weather was cold, but the passion for low-carbon travel was hot
"Including this one, we've organized four tours around Henan this year, and this winter ride had the largest number of participants. Usually, a group of about 20 is ideal—it makes accommodation and meals easier. That meant our team needed even stronger teamwork this time," said the overall commander of this Giant Henan cycling tour—online user "Tanwan," who has extensive cycling experience. He didn’t expect so many cyclists to show up despite the freezing weather.
To send off the 35 cyclists, Lin Jianming, head of Giant’s Henan region, personally led the ride. After arriving in Xinzheng, he had to turn back to Zhengzhou due to a busy schedule. "No choice, too much work, had to go back," Lin said with a hint of helplessness. He really wanted to cast aside his responsibilities and join the group for the ride. He's a staunch advocate of low-carbon travel and has long been committed to promoting it. "I hope more people will join us in healthy travel that benefits both themselves and others."
Impressions of the cyclists
Mr. Zuo, who rides solo over thousands of miles
From the start in Zhengzhou, a man in his early 50s caught the reporter’s attention.
This middle-aged man is Mr. Zuo from Tanghe Oilfield in Nanyang. His cycling experience is admirable—he claims to have ridden 70,000 to 80,000 kilometers since falling in love with cycling, covering over 10,000 kilometers just this year. "I average 800 to 1,000 kilometers a month. I go for longer rides every weekend, and even on weekdays if I’m not too busy, I cycle in the mornings and evenings to keep fit," said Mr. Zuo. "One summer, I rode solo from Tanghe to Yan’an in just five days. If I couldn’t find lodging, I’d camp in my own tent. I also once cycled with a friend to Shanghai for the World Expo in five days."
When talking about his past experiences, Mr. Zuo exuded a sense of fulfillment. In fact, there were more than one or two cyclists on this trip with similar stories. For Mr. Zuo, riding with so many people was a first: "Traveling in such a large group is a different feeling—it’s quite nice, mainly because we’re all embracing a healthy lifestyle, which makes everyone happy."
Cycling journal
Cycling is a massage for the mind
Riding a bicycle to the ends of the earth—that’s a wonderful wish I can only aspire to. Whether it’s a lack of ability or not being mentally prepared for the hardships of the journey, I joined this Henan loop ride with the Giant team with great excitement. Sitting in the car of the ride’s commander and watching the cyclists speed by gave me a deeper visual understanding of the cycling community.
The weather was extremely cold, and there were many women among the 35 riders, yet not a single one dropped out. If I’m honest with myself, would I have the courage to keep going? But looking into the eyes of these cyclists, you can tell they’re used to harsh weather—they’re mentally prepared for both scorching heat and bitter cold.
Zhu Lei, the lead rider of the Giant Henan cycling tour, continuously signaled ahead with hand gestures for slow down, stop, left, and right. Full of energy, he kept the hundred-meter-long line of cyclists moving in orderly fashion. Zhu said: "In cold weather, besides keeping your hands, face, and joints warm, your clothing shouldn’t be too thin or too thick. Wearing too much can make you sweat too much and easily catch a cold. Actually, as long as you pay attention to some basic cycling tips, everyone can enjoy the fun of riding."
They arrived in Xuchang at 6 p.m. on the first day. It was already dark, but many cyclists were busy taking photos and group pictures in front of the hotel. Mind you, they had just cycled 90 kilometers that day, and they were still cheerfully taking photos without any signs of fatigue. I suddenly felt that this scene was the most memorable—life is truly an attitude, a positive and optimistic mindset, the sweetness after hardship, and a simple harmony with the environment and nature.
In conversations with many cyclists, they all told me that cycling is a great way to exercise. But for me personally, the biggest takeaway from the first day wasn’t that—it’s not that there aren’t many ways to exercise. Cycling long distances undoubtedly strengthens one’s willpower, teaches you to adapt to various complex environments, and encourages an optimistic approach to life.
Why do people live? That’s a very complex philosophical question. How should people live? That’s a question of attitude and lifestyle. What is a healthy life? I think it’s not just about having all body parts in perfect working order. This trip made me believe that cycling long distances is definitely a great form of mental therapy.
Cycling route
Day 1
December 11: Depart from Yellow River West Road in Zhengzhou, arrive in Xinzheng at noon, reach Xuchang in the evening, cycling distance 92 km.
Zhengzhou city area – Xinzheng (47 km) – Xuchang City (45 km)
Day 2
December 12: Depart from Xuchang to Xiangcheng County (42 km), cycle to Ziyun Mountain for sightseeing (round trip 32 km), total distance approximately 75 km.