Metro> Expats
|
Metro> Expats
|
|
Riding with road warriors
By Patrick Whiteley and Mike Fuksman (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-10-21 10:09
A group of fighting-fit expats are giving the term "Beijing bicycle" a completely new spin because when the Peloton group says they are going for a ride, they seriously mean it. Last weekend more than 40 riders met at the Changling Ming Tombs and the 120-km adventure began. The first part of the ride is challenging because it involves the steep 16-km climb. The group eventually climb towards the valley of the Ming Tombs. Cyclists from China, Belgium, the US, Australia, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Singapore, Mongolia, the UK, Italy, France, Malaysia, Ireland and Holland are just a few of the nationalities represented. The group's founder Tom Lanhove said most of the riding group is made up of Americans, Australians and Germans. He said the mountains to the west and north of the city are largely devoid of traffic and group members experience a car-free and scenic side of Beijing even the most hardened Beijing expat has yet to discover. "Surrounded by the Great Wall and the indomitable high cliffs of the Yanshan Mountain and the Xishan mountain ranges, the innumerable Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries, our rides are a true window into the beauty of Beijing," he said.
 The Belgian began the Peloton (which means a large group of cyclists) two years ago aiming to cater to expat bikers of all skill levels so everyone can enjoy the road riding experience. He said previously there were only a few informal groups and catered to the more serious rider. The Peloton has three groups divided by riders' experience and physical fitness. This system allows for riders of varying skill levels to get a chance to hit the scenic roads outside of Beijing. The top riders can cover 150 km, while Group B pedal between 80 and 90 km. Group C riders can ride 50 km, depending on how they feel. Lanhove works for the Belgian Embassy's political and economic department and is enjoying living his fifth year in China's capital. He was attracted to China because of the economic and social changes that are happening. After work, he really enjoys going for ride. Lanhove said when many cycling enthusiasts arrive in Beijing they assume the city will be uneventful for cycling. "But then they realize that the weather here is great, and the area outside of the city is very safe for cycling," he said. The Peloton rides nearly every weekend, in locations such as the Ming Tombs and all along the Great Wall. The group charters buses to take them outside of the city, where they ride for several hours before returning, said Lanhove. "For foreigners with families, they like to cycle for four or five hours, and then go home and have lunch with their families. We organize a little differently from other biking groups," said Lanhove. For Lanhove, 29, the natural beauty of the area outside of Beijing is one of the best reasons to ride with the Peloton. |
