Grandpa Zhang stands at the foot of the Potala Palace
"I made it! I've reached the Potala Palace Square!" At 1 p.m. on the 24th, 72-year-old Grandpa Zhang sent the good news from Lhasa: he had arrived! On April 15 this year, four senior members of the Guiyang-based "Riding Is Endless" cycling club set off from Guiyang straight for Lhasa (this newspaper has reported on them multiple times). Although in the end only the eldest among them, Grandpa Zhang Shangneng, continued the solo ride over thousands of miles, these seniors in their seventies have long been heroes in our hearts. Another member, Grandpa Yin, took a bus to Lhasa after his bicycle broke down, and after getting it repaired, he sent a text message to the reporter on May 20, confirming that he had successfully cycled to Everest Base Camp.
A journey, an insight
When contacted by the reporter, Grandpa Zhang said, "Now when I think back to the time I was pushing my bike up the mountain pass, feeling dizzy and weak with every step a struggle, I can't believe I'm now standing at the foot of the Potala Palace. No wonder athletes cry when they win gold medals!" Recalling the hardships of the journey, Grandpa Zhang was visibly emotional over the phone.
Throughout the trip, Grandpa Zhang endured severe altitude sickness, not only cycling but also climbing one mountain after another—each step was a challenge. Grandpa Zhang explained: "The altitude sickness, my physical condition, and even my bike were all challenges!" It turns out that Grandpa Zhang's bicycle was a road bike, suitable only for flat roads, so many fellow cyclists shook their heads upon seeing his bike along the way: "This isn’t a mountain bike. There’s no way you can make it to Tibet." But the determined Grandpa Zhang pedaled all the way to the foot of the Potala Palace.
"In 39 days, I cycled more than 2,800 kilometers, climbed six high mountains, four of which were over 4,500 meters above sea level and two over 5,000 meters!" These impressive figures achieved by a senior in his seventies on a bicycle truly command admiration.
Ride as long as you live
Grandpa Zhang said that although he started cycling in 2004 and had been to places like Beijing, Shenzhen, and Mohe, this "Heavenly Road" ride was the most challenging one yet. "This cycling trip is the most unforgettable and profound journey of my life. Thinking back to the days when I played mahjong or danced in Guiyang, it really makes me reflect on the joys and sorrows of life and cherish each day even more." Along the way, Grandpa Zhang also made many cycling friends, and many young people eagerly took photos with him. Smiling, Grandpa Zhang said, "They told me they’d show the photos to their parents to encourage them to exercise more."
Later, the reporter received photos that Grandpa Zhang asked other travelers to help send. Grandpa Zhang said he deliberately struck this pose to show he would keep riding. According to Grandpa Zhang, because his body couldn’t handle cycling all the way back to Guiyang, he plans to stay in Lhasa for a few days of sightseeing before taking a bus to Chengdu to continue exploring, hoping to return to Guiyang by the end of May.
Although still in Lhasa, when asked if he has another goal in mind, Grandpa Zhang said cheerfully, "Planning to go to Taiwan for a round-the-island cycling trip!"