With Zhang Linyuan
Zhang Linyuan created Shanghai Prodigy Mountain Bike Club in 2003, one of the biggest groups for biking enthusiasts in Shanghai. It now has over 1,000 members, half of whom are expats. Every weekend the 35-year-old, who is known as Ah Yuan among local biking circles, organizes a tour to neighboring mountains, such as Mogan, Sheshan and Tianmu, and lakes such as Taihu.
In July, five of the club's members, including one from Hong Kong, joined Ah Yuan on a trip to Munich, Germany, to attend the Albstadt-LBS Mountain Bike Marathon, an 8-km event for amateurs. It was Ah Yuan's second year at the marathon, after he set a record last year as the first-ever Chinese entrant. This year he persuaded some of the team to wear Shanghai Expo logos on their cycling clothes to help promote the event.
After the tournament, Ah Yuan and his friends enjoyed a six-day biking tour of the Alps from southern Germany via Austria to Italy. Afterwards, Shanghai Star Weekend reporter Lu Hong caught up with him to discuss his lifelong addiction to biking and hear about his unforgettable experiences in Europe.
Q: So, what was it like racing over the Alps?
A: I have to say "exciting but painful". The scenery was so beautiful that I felt as though I had entered a fantasy world. However, I couldn't get used to the local food, which was usually served cold, and the changing weather, so I had some, let's say, stomach problems along the way. Now it has been three months since we were there but, whenever I look back on it, all the hardships and bitter moments were all part of the fun.
Q: Would you say you're addicted to mountain biking?
A: Yes. I love the fresh air, the beautiful mountain views, the freedom and all the health benefits that you get from mountain biking. Off-road cycling can always lead to unexpected results - and fun. I often stop at an unknown spot and stay there for hours or even days. Besides this, cycling is a tool for socializing with friends, discovering picturesque places and learning more about different cultures, people and nature.
Q: How many bikes do you own?
A: Three. One is just for tournaments, because it can accelerate quickly; one is for weekend riding, and by that I mean comfortable; and one is for daily use. I've already spent more than 60,000 yuan ($8,800) on these bikes and I'm always shelling out more to upgrade the parts.
Q: Would you describe them as your most precious possessions?
A: Yes, you could say that. I hang them on my living room walls so I can see them as soon as I get home. My biggest hobby at home is probably cleaning them over and over again until they look brand new. Whenever I upgrade one of them I'll bring it into my bedroom and put it next to my bed and just admire it. I guess it's the same way girls feel when they buy a new dress or something.
Q: What does the future hold in store?
A: I'm currently working to set up an outdoor sports base in a small village at the foot of Mogan Mountain. The base will provide equipment, tour guides and accommodation for outdoor enthusiasts such as climbers, bikers and other adventurers. It's the perfect intersection of my passion and career goals, meaning that even when I'm too old to jump on a bike myself I'll still be able to watch the next generation enjoying themselves.
(China Daily 11/07/2009 page14)
