Nature's beauty

Zhang Zefeng's love for cycling stems from his appreciation of nature's beauty. A particularly memorable cycling experience for the 32-year-old happened during a trip to the Swiss Alps in 2018. Riding his mountain bike down a hill with the setting sun as a backdrop and grazing cows around him, Zhang marveled at the breathtaking scenery.

"It was a powerful reminder of life's beauty and the liberating sensation that cycling can deliver," he said.

After becoming a doctoral candidate at the University of Michigan in 2020, Zhang joined two cycling clubs — one affiliated with the university and another a local community club. These clubs offered a variety of rides each week, meticulously designed to cater to different skill levels and preferences.

Zhang maintains two bikes — a mountain bike and a road bike with interchangeable gravel and road tires — enabling exploration of diverse terrains. But there was a challenging period of time during his studies when work dominated his life, leading him to temporarily abandon cycling. The stress from deadlines, reading research papers, and writing theses became overwhelming.

In response, Zhang developed a routine that allocated certain daytime hours to academic work. When the clock struck 3 pm, he would put on his cycling gear, meet friends at a local supermarket parking lot, and set off for the nearby mountains.

"Cycling became my sanctuary, offering clarity of mind and rejuvenation after long workdays," he said. "It also allowed me to connect with people from various backgrounds and professions, breaking the monotony of academic life."

Having recently moved to Seattle, Washington, Zhang wasted no time exploring the natural beauty of his new surroundings.

Last Saturday, for example, he ventured to Mount Rainier National Park, cycling along a scenic trail spanning more than 20 miles. The moss-covered trees, rock climbers scaling mountainsides, and encounters with wild turkeys, squirrels, and chipmunks all added to the charm of the experience.

"On our way back riding downhills, we savored views of a nearby lake and the setting sun against the silhouette of the Seattle cityscape. It was truly an enchanting evening," said Zhang.

The joy of riding

For Wang, cycling has already become an integral part of her life. "When making weekend plans, my husband and I now prioritize the exploration of new cycling routes over going shopping or to the movies," she said.

As someone who had always preferred walking over taking public transport, Wang used to cover distances of no more than five kilometers from home. But thanks to cycling, her mobility extends comfortably to distances of up to 20 kilometers.

"Now I would cycle to have breakfast at restaurants that I wouldn't consider otherwise since it would involve taking a bus," she said.

Li, on the other hand, finds pleasure in not only discovering the city's lesser-traveled corners on her bicycle but also reveling in the sheer enjoyment of cycling itself.

She often embarks on spontaneous rides without a fixed destination. "I'd simply follow whimsical turns, both left and right, relishing the journey. With music playing in my ears, I'd enter a state of 'flow' that heightened the experience," she said.

Another cherished aspect of Li's cycling journey has been the social dimension of owning a Brompton. She explained that when fellow Brompton riders crossed paths on the road, there was an unspoken bond. They would often stop to admire each other's bikes, leading to conversations and connections. This sense of community and connection, even with complete strangers, has made Li's cycling journey all the more enjoyable.

Shao, despite his preference for solitary rides, has also cultivated friendships through participation in cycling communities. "I've rekindled relationships with a few friends I had lost touch with in the past, all thanks to our shared passion for cycling."

As someone with prior experience in the cycling industry, Qiao has a clear understanding of the diverse needs that people have when cycling. He emphasized the importance of establishing one's goals and requirements before investing in a bike.

"Some cycle for leisure, some for speed, and others for daily commuting or errands. Understanding your motivation and intended routes can significantly influence the type of bike that suits you best," he said.

Despite the different motivations and styles of cycling, however, there is a unifying thread that binds all cyclists — the pure love of riding.

"The one thing we all have in common is our shared desire to ride. Regardless of our various reasons, we all find happiness on two wheels," said Qiao.

Contact the writer at chenxue@i21st.cn