What captivated me were the bright eyes and shy smiles of the young dancers, in their yellow dresses, performing a song for us. The dancers were part of 150 odd school children in a new school near Pianjiao, Yunnan province@, China. All of us - 17 in total - felt their joy and exuberance as we sat at the tables and chairs our fund raising event provided for them. These children were part of the beneficiaries of our 260km cycling event organized by Shangrila Adventures and World Vision.
Unlike previous charity events I had participated in, we got to meet the beneficiaries this time, and it made all the difference.**
Day 1 started from Dali old town, and our ride took us around the ErHai lake through many small sleepy villages (we helped with the crops by rolling over the stalks painstakingly laid out on the roads). Easy flat terrain with the expense of water as backdrop. But any time we pushed, we were quickly reminded that we were at high altitude (2000m). Last time I was at such an elevation was Hehuanshan, Taiwan last year.
The second day we headed north to BinChuan. Alvin warned us about a tough 10 km section, but it turned out to be only 5km, but a cat 3 climb no less. A short 10km detour to a majestic temple gate got the legs complaining but the view was certainly worth it. A long but gradual uphill to end the day, where we promptly downed three bottles of wine after dinner at a halal restaurant. Incidentally, there is a sizable Muslim community in Yunnan.
Day 3 was hot and arid as we rode into the southern Yunnan province. Apparently the region was experiencing a drought (since 1996?). Traffic along the thoroughfare was heavier than expected. Just before the bridge leading to the Yangtze River, we met up with the WV staff who led us up a small off-road path up the hill to the village. From what I could gather, the village was built to resettle villagers whose homes were destroyed by a natural disaster some years ago.
Children would walk from 3 to 4 km away to the school located in this village. Those staying further away could be housed in the hostel next to the school building. We arrived to a warm welcome.
Leaving the school, we had a good long downhill stretch. Recorded 65 kph max speed.
The final day was the real challenge. But not before we were treated to a great scenic 30km along the west coast of Zhenhai lake. Cooler temperatures, away from the trucks, it was a rider's ride cradled by rugged hills on the left and the beautiful lake on the right. This segment would end with a 3km cat 4 climb into a idyllic village, before a long descent. After we filled up with our favorite fried rice lunch, we headed for the Yongsheng mountain.
Truth be told, the mountain was intimidating from far. The road up was a series of sharp switchbacks. We could feel the palpable excitement as first Nicky, then Alvin and Greg took off. The climb over 12 km brought us from 1500 m to over 2000 m. Average gradient was 4%, and my Garmin recorded a max of 16%. According to Strava, it was a cat 2 climb.
After much huffing and puffing for close to an hour, we reached the summit. From there, we could see the winding road below, and proceeded to cheer on the rest.
Each and everyone of the group was a winner that day. For some, it was the toughest climb ever. Indeed it was a day of true grit for many.
While this was the first ever Yunnan cycling event organized for World Vision, I certainly hope it would not be the last. For the real winners are the beneficiaries of this event - the children in Yunnan province.
Day 1 on strava
Day 2 on strava
Day 3 on strava
Day 4 on strava
A big thank you to those who supported and financially contributed to this event!
And of course not forgetting MBH and boys, for putting up with my many forays into distant lands.
notes:
@ Yunnan is one of China’s undeveloped provinces with more poverty-stricken counties than other provinces. In 1994, about 7 million people lived below the poverty line of less than an annual average income of 300 yuan per capita, accounting for 9.7 percent of the country’s total poor people.
** I have long observed that cyclists can be too self serving in pursuing their own interests at the expense of the greater need out there. Sure, we'll participate in the occasional fund raising event, as long as it is well organized, has sufficiently challenging routes, well supported and does not cost too much. If we are honest, we'll admit that these considerations outweigh the issue of what the funds are to be channelled toward. Amazing cycling machines devoid of an inner soul.
Unlike previous charity events I had participated in, we got to meet the beneficiaries this time, and it made all the difference.**
Day 1 started from Dali old town, and our ride took us around the ErHai lake through many small sleepy villages (we helped with the crops by rolling over the stalks painstakingly laid out on the roads). Easy flat terrain with the expense of water as backdrop. But any time we pushed, we were quickly reminded that we were at high altitude (2000m). Last time I was at such an elevation was Hehuanshan, Taiwan last year.
The second day we headed north to BinChuan. Alvin warned us about a tough 10 km section, but it turned out to be only 5km, but a cat 3 climb no less. A short 10km detour to a majestic temple gate got the legs complaining but the view was certainly worth it. A long but gradual uphill to end the day, where we promptly downed three bottles of wine after dinner at a halal restaurant. Incidentally, there is a sizable Muslim community in Yunnan.
Day 3 was hot and arid as we rode into the southern Yunnan province. Apparently the region was experiencing a drought (since 1996?). Traffic along the thoroughfare was heavier than expected. Just before the bridge leading to the Yangtze River, we met up with the WV staff who led us up a small off-road path up the hill to the village. From what I could gather, the village was built to resettle villagers whose homes were destroyed by a natural disaster some years ago.
Children would walk from 3 to 4 km away to the school located in this village. Those staying further away could be housed in the hostel next to the school building. We arrived to a warm welcome.
Leaving the school, we had a good long downhill stretch. Recorded 65 kph max speed.
The final day was the real challenge. But not before we were treated to a great scenic 30km along the west coast of Zhenhai lake. Cooler temperatures, away from the trucks, it was a rider's ride cradled by rugged hills on the left and the beautiful lake on the right. This segment would end with a 3km cat 4 climb into a idyllic village, before a long descent. After we filled up with our favorite fried rice lunch, we headed for the Yongsheng mountain.
Truth be told, the mountain was intimidating from far. The road up was a series of sharp switchbacks. We could feel the palpable excitement as first Nicky, then Alvin and Greg took off. The climb over 12 km brought us from 1500 m to over 2000 m. Average gradient was 4%, and my Garmin recorded a max of 16%. According to Strava, it was a cat 2 climb.
After much huffing and puffing for close to an hour, we reached the summit. From there, we could see the winding road below, and proceeded to cheer on the rest.
Each and everyone of the group was a winner that day. For some, it was the toughest climb ever. Indeed it was a day of true grit for many.
While this was the first ever Yunnan cycling event organized for World Vision, I certainly hope it would not be the last. For the real winners are the beneficiaries of this event - the children in Yunnan province.
Day 1 on strava
Day 2 on strava
Day 3 on strava
Day 4 on strava
A big thank you to those who supported and financially contributed to this event!
And of course not forgetting MBH and boys, for putting up with my many forays into distant lands.
notes:
@ Yunnan is one of China’s undeveloped provinces with more poverty-stricken counties than other provinces. In 1994, about 7 million people lived below the poverty line of less than an annual average income of 300 yuan per capita, accounting for 9.7 percent of the country’s total poor people.
** I have long observed that cyclists can be too self serving in pursuing their own interests at the expense of the greater need out there. Sure, we'll participate in the occasional fund raising event, as long as it is well organized, has sufficiently challenging routes, well supported and does not cost too much. If we are honest, we'll admit that these considerations outweigh the issue of what the funds are to be channelled toward. Amazing cycling machines devoid of an inner soul.
