The resting scenery was enchanting. Photo provided by interviewee.
13 people, 30 days, over 2,300 kilometers, average age 59.9 years. These astonishing figures represent the cycling record of these 13 seniors from Changsha.
Among the riders, the oldest is 70 years old, the youngest 50. After a little over a month, they traveled from Kunming to Lhasa, crossing major snow-capped mountains along the way.
According to team leader Ma Benzhong, they decided to embark on this journey a month ago. Before setting off, they shipped their bicycles and luggage to Kunming. On April 21, they took a train from Changsha to Kunming together, rested on the 22nd, and officially began cycling from Kunming on the 23rd. Ma said he was most proud that no one dropped out or got injured during the trip. Departing from Kunming, they passed through Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Deqen, and Markam, finally arriving in Lhasa on May 22 and returning to Changsha at noon the following day. The entire journey took 36 days, covering more than 2,300 km by bike.
Oldest in age: Conquering the 108 turns of the Yela Pass — a test of endurance
Chang Shaoqi, 70 years old, with over eight years of outdoor cycling experience, is the oldest rider in the Tibet-bound group.
He said the most memorable part of the trip was crossing the Yela Pass. At over 4,600 meters above sea level, the mountain peak had thin air, and it took them more than three hours to climb up. “It was snowing heavily on the mountain, with visibility less than five meters.” All he could hear were his teammates’ voices and the cheers from bystanders. “I heard someone say there’s only 100 meters to the pass, so I got off and pushed for those 100 meters.” He felt as if he couldn’t breathe, “like someone was choking me.”
The descent was even more perilous — nearly 58 km of mountain road with 108 turns. “The downhill speed is very fast, so you have to control your brakes well,” said Grandpa Chang. A moment’s carelessness could send you tumbling down thousands of meters.
Most stylish: Collected 28 postmarks along the way
Wang Shide, a 58-year-old team member, said that upon arriving at each place, he would take out a small notebook and look for the local post office, postal branch, or postal savings bank to ask the staff to stamp it. “As long as I’m wearing this cycling suit and helmet, they immediately know I’m here for a stamp.” Wang gestured to the reporter. “Most of the time, I didn’t even need to speak — I’d just put the notebook down and they’d stamp it for me.”
On this trip, the most creative among the “stamp collectors” wanted to mark their route on a China map with stamps, but Wang Shide collected the most — 28 in total. Still, he didn’t manage to stamp every place, as there were over 30 spots along the way. “Some places were combined with tourist attractions that charged 80 yuan for entry, so I skipped those. At others, it was already dark when I arrived, and the post office had closed,” he said with a laugh.
Most diligent: Cycled during the day, kept accounts at night
Zhang Xiangping, 55, from Liaoning, has lived in Changsha for 50 years. “I’m practically half a native of Changsha,” she laughed.
This Tibet trip left a deep impression on Zhang. “This was the longest and farthest I’ve ever cycled.” Each time she reached a destination, she would record her day in a small notebook, including daily expenses. “Over 36 days, I spent a little over 3,200 yuan. It was worth every penny. My records on accommodation and meals also reflect the economic differences between regions.” Speaking of her family’s concerns, she laughed, “My kids weren’t worried, but my 88-year-old mother called every day, saying ‘Come home if it’s too hard.’”
“Outdoor activities help you make friends, stay fit, and keep a good mood — when you’re happy, everything else falls into place,” she said. She has cycled to many places before, and she’ll definitely be the first to sign up for the next trip.