[star show] my passionate cycling dream

@Mo QingfengI always thought that long-distance cycling was a game for the brave, a mindset on the road, a dream that many of us want to pursue but few actually do. I always believe that I am getting closer to this dream.

My interest in cycling began during my university life. Every weekend, I wanted to enrich myself with extracurricular activities. Thanks to my roommates, who shared the same love for sports, such as playing table tennis, cycling, hiking, and traveling. Speaking of cycling, it was just a way to pass the time back then, a casual activity. Our farthest ride was no more than twenty kilometers, and we had no protective gear or equipment. We just rented bikes and rode without any preparation, considering it a spontaneous trip.

After university, I hadn't cycled for several years. Recently, I received an invitation from my running friend Tang Gege about a cycling event. With his introduction, I joined the 'Dushan Qingfeng Cycling Team.' Having never participated in a formal cycling race, I signed up for the '2016 Libo Mountain Bike Race' (Libo County, part of the Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in southern Guizhou Province).

As a novice in cycling, I knew nothing about professional cycling. I was amazed by a helmet costing over three hundred yuan, thrilled by a stylish cycling outfit, and astonished by a twenty-thousand-yuan bike. The Libo Mountain Bike Race was the start of my 'cycling dream,' my first attempt.

Preparing for the trip to Libo required some planning, considering the entire journey, the team, and our equipment. As an amateur, I could only take photos while others assembled the bikes, hoping to one day share these photos and the story of this cycling adventure with everyone.

Bikes loaded, we set off! Along the way, we encountered cycling teams from Guiyang and Duyun, all in high spirits, singing along the journey. Meeting fellow cyclists, no matter who you are, as long as you love cycling, you will earn respect and enthusiasm.

The day before the race, we arrived in Libo at night. Before settling in, we first unloaded the bikes and started assembling and adjusting them. Since I still didn't know how to adjust the bike, I had to ask Tang Gege for help. Tang Gege, a 62-year-old man, patiently taught me how to shift gears and make adjustments, which moved me deeply.

Tang Gege handed me a set of his own cycling gear, including a helmet and gloves. Everyone eagerly put on their gear, ready to showcase their prowess. While many were just testing their bikes nearby, I took mine downstairs to the hotel entrance for some solo fun. Tang Gege came down and said, 'Let's go see the night scenery of Libo.'

We chatted along the way, stopping to take photos of beautiful scenes. The night view of Libo was indeed stunning, with twinkling lights reflecting on the calm river, showcasing Libo's splendor and history, as well as its gentle side. Tang Gege even shed his 'elderly image' and asked me to take photos of him.

We returned to the hotel late at night. Everyone else was already asleep, but our cycling team members were restless, worried about Tang Gege and me, constantly calling to remind us to return early and stay safe.

After Tang Gege took me around Libo last night, I became familiar with using the gears. After a quick breakfast, we headed to the race starting point. I was still very nervous, as it was my first cycling race. Tang Gege kept encouraging me, saying that participation and experiencing the process were the most important.

The morning in Libo was quite cold. We arrived at the starting point early, and the atmosphere became lively as more people gathered. Everyone was a 'narcissist,' taking photos everywhere before the race started. There were athletes in cycling gear and helmets, referees with badges, and staff in red, yellow, and blue uniforms.

'Athletes, please proceed to the registration area for real-name verification. Our race is about to begin!' This announcement revived the weary hearts of those who had been waiting.

Every athlete sprang into action, rushing to the registration area and the track as if a second's delay would cost them the race. Once everything was ready, everyone was tense, as excited as arrows about to be released from a bow.

No matter how the referees tried to calm us, our restless hearts couldn't settle. Suddenly, a gunshot was heard, and the racers zoomed past me while I was still looking for the pedals. Tang Gege was just ahead of me. Once I got steady, I followed him closely. He guided me along the way, telling me not to be nervous and just to finish the race. I nodded in agreement but sped up to overtake others when I saw an opportunity. Tang Gege explained that this was just wasting energy and helping others 'draft.' His analysis made me realize the strategy involved. Especially on uphill sections, cycling is more strenuous, and having someone to 'draft' for you is beneficial. Generally, experts stay behind to conserve energy and seize opportunities to overtake.

As I cycled further, I gradually understood cycling techniques. Shifting gears on uphill sections, riding in curves, and finding the side of the mountain to block the wind were some of the strategies. My advantage was accelerating on downhill and flat sections, while my weakness was struggling on uphill sections. So, I used my strengths to overtake others. Seeing downhill and flat sections excited me, but I had to slow down on sharp turns, while some experts sped up to overtake, showcasing their skills.

Five kilometers, ten kilometers, fifteen kilometers... all passed. Nearing the finish line at Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, I became anxious, determined to secure a place, even if it was just the top fifty. However, the closer I got to the end, the harder it became. The curves became more frequent and sharper, and the uphill sections grew longer. On the uphill section of Xiaoqikong, those with uphill advantages surged ahead, while others could only watch as they were overtaken. Some were so exhausted that they had to push their bikes. This uphill section was particularly challenging for a novice like me.

After struggling to push my bike up the hill, the road became slightly smoother, allowing me to ride in curves. Just then, my phone rang. By the time I took off my gloves and answered, the call had ended. It was Tang Gege. I was anxious, wondering if something had happened to him and if he needed my help. An ambulance passed by, and seeing my anxiety, they asked what was wrong. After explaining, they assured me they would keep an eye out for him. Just as I was about to continue, my phone rang again. It was Tang Gege, but no one answered when I called back. Despite the ambulance's reassurance, I was still uneasy.

A volunteer approached and asked if I had any trouble. I explained the situation, and they comforted me, suggesting I finish the race as there would be volunteers and ambulances along the way. I accepted their advice, and the phone didn't ring again.

With all my strength, I finally 'reached the summit' and saw the finish line. It was a moment of glory and a dream come true. Regardless of the ranking, the sprint to the finish is the most exhilarating moment for every racer! I went crazy, pushing forward and overtaking several competitors.

After riding a bit further, I slowed down and headed to the athlete rest area, where I saw others celebrating and taking photos. Finally, I saw Tang Gege, panting by a rock. I rushed over to check on him, and he said he was fine, probably just accidentally bumped his phone. This put my mind at ease.

Participation and safety first—this was my biggest takeaway from this race. I was happy that several members of our Qingfeng team won places and honors. We joyfully cycled home, leaving behind many memories.

I love cycling, whether in rain or under the scorching sun. I will forge ahead, enjoying the cleansing rain and the feeling of sweat. I love cycling, even if we are strangers on the road, we will nod, smile, and encourage each other. I love cycling, even if there are troubles, the moment our feet touch the pedals, there is only pure joy.

I dream of cycling to more places, encountering more scenery, recording my stories with the bike, and measuring my youth with the wheels.