I am only an occasional rider. Will I survive the ride?

It’s mostly flat, but there are hills if you want them (we have  a really big hill as a hardcore optional loop which we dont advise taking if you are asking this question.)
Both days are approximately 30 km  on  road, small concrete farmers paths,  dirt as well as some small pathways right through the rice paddies and in amongst the orchards. The photo montage headers of each page give you  an idea of the variety. This is not a long way on a bike and you have all day  with optional stops and activities along the way.

I am a hardcore rider. Can I do a longer / harder ride?

Yes. We have a  12km add on loop up a huge  hill and down some rough rocky ground that  will satisfy those riders who like to  burn up the miles and  test themselves on hills.

What will the weather be like?

Late October , early November  is usually  dry in Yangshuo, but it has been known to rain, so be prepared. The weather is cool to warm in the day time, but cardigans and leggings  in the morning and a fleece at night  will be  popular  fashion statements on this  trip. It is a lot warmer than North China!  To make sure you will be snug in your tent think about thermals – but you will also be OK if you just have a decent sleeping bag.

What are the farmers doing? The second rice harvest of the year should be underway. Persimmons and Pomello’s will also be ripe for the harvest. Haystacks will appear accross the countryside. This is the most beautiful time of year before it starts to get cold. Bring your camera.

Will there be hills?

There are two types of riders. Those who like riding over hills and those who would definitely prefer  to cycle between them.  Our festival route  is pretty flat most of the way, but we have added a huge hill for  the riders who like a bit of dirt and  who also like to just put their head down and go.  The optional loop is a steep climb and a partially rocky down hill timed  to burn off the excess energy of the hardcore riders so that the dragon again becomes one – just around lunchtime on day 1.

 

How do I book on the new bullet train to Yangshuo?

The new bullet train  slated  to open  this  August comes straigt to Xing Ping (our starting point)  from Guangzhou in just two hours for approximately 200 RMB.  Train tickets can only be purchased twenty days in advance of travel.  The train will also link Guilin to Xing Ping in  what should be a magnificent twenty minute train ride – for those arriving by air.
Ctrip does online ticketing. China Travel Service and other agencies can also sell you a paper ticket.

Do I need to bring my own bike?

No, but you can if you like.  Your festival ticket includes  bike hire for  the two days of the festival.

What if I dont have a tent?

Borrow one from a friend! This is the option we want to encourage. We will have tents for hire, or you can order one – and we will do a group purchase  – and  then you have a tent for next yeasr festival.  Tent hire – add 100 RMB per person.  WE are estimating about 300 RMB if you want to buy one.

Can I bring the kids?

Please do.  If they can ride a bike confidently – the route should not be a problem.  We will also be working with our local partners at Insite who organise school programmes as a busines  – to  have activities ( biking, fan making, climbing,  helmet painting)  around the campsite for parents with kids who are too young to ride. Kids under ten  with their own parents are half price.

Can I sponsor the event?

Can your product or service  contribute to making Cycleing in China cool again? Send us an email?

What do I need to pack?

A tent, sleeping bag, and roll mat/ yoga mat to sleep on – if you have them.
Buy or hire will be available  for those who book before 1st October.
Go crazy on the lycra – or don’t. This is a non attitude ride and  you can ride in anything you like.

Sponsor supplied prizes will be awarded  to the most unprofessional looking cyclist.  It won’t rain, but just in case it does, make sure your tent has a fly, and that you have a light rain jacket, and warm clothes as it wll be cool at night time.

I don’t camp. What is my alternative?

Our campsite feels like it is in the middle of nowhere, but in fact the famous luxury hotel – the Banyon Tree is nearby , and we are hoping it will be completed – the website says open in Autumn!