Rapha - Summer Ride (Vid)

Rahpa 2015 - 嵊州 from RonnieSoon on Vimeo.

Rapha - Summer Ride

In the season of many rains in the city, cycling will be harder for many cyclist. Taking chances to sneak out when the sky is clear but in most cases spending time with trainer and get together sharing personal experience. Topics from helmet to clip shoes, saddle to tires, city route to hilly climb. 

With the weekend approaching many would spent time plan best ride for the week, month, year or in their life. For cyclist in the city like Shanghai will only have miles of flat road to chase which is too dull. Only way to achieve something more than Shanghai city can offer cyclist would go as far as Shengzhou to explore something new. Shengzhou (Chinese: 嵊州; pinyin: Shèngzhōu), formerly Shengxian or Sheng County, is a county-level city in central Zhejiang, south of the Hangzhou Bay, and is the south-eastern part of the prefecture-level city of Shaoxing. It is about 2.5 hours drive from Shanghai city center. (Information from Baidu 26^th August 2015)

Leaving the city soon after Friday work in office everyone reaching the resort which was pre book. Some of us were caught in the massive traffic of people moving out of the big city for weekend. Though many of us are tired from the traveling and week long work but thinking of the excitement to come tomorrow make everyone eager to see sunrise. 

Sunrise was 5:30am and many of us are awake as early as 6:00am. Getting out of the little hut we slept last night and got amaze with the surrounding. (Most of us arrived at the resort late evening hence not knowing where we were) With the mobile phone snapping few photos of the resort in day break ray then proceed to have something fill our stomach before setting out.  

Briefing to everyone where we will start our ride and what to expect from the ride. Water station, regroup point, support car, bike repair material, all in place and make known to everyone. Then everyone get back to little hut gearing up for the ride.

Rolling out from the resort, passing through small little village then get onto China National Highway G104. Heading south to find our ways to climb up a hill leading us to Tianzhu Temple. Ride alongside to a river, cruising through a tunnel get into another small town called Xianyan town(仙岩镇) which is our first water station. From here on we have an average of 4% climb going toward foot hill of the climb we look forward to. Reaching the foot hill Xiejiazhuang Village (谢家庄村), again filling up the water bottle and short break. 

Next section of climb is about 8% in average where the end was Tianzhu Temple. We climb and climb but not forget to try something interesting like crossing a narrow walkway across an old dam. Due to the heat we did a brief stop when we see spring water. Occasionally we were rewarded with some rain to cool down our body and we did have fun. Though amount of rain is not heavy yet going downhill with rain need more attention.

Took the same way back to resort and get ourselves pamper with a big feast in the resort. Spent the rest of the time in the resort relaxing before heading back to the busy life of big city in Shanghai. Overall we had a great route with an overall climb of 600m along an average of 8% gradient route. Looking forward to next surprise ride....most likely with snow.

  

Photograph by LYK and edited by Alex Xu.
Word by RS.

Ride to the Coast SARDines' 1st tour

It was a short tour alike ride organised by a cyclist co host with a buddy who runs the group on Facebook I joined. The ride was meant to shows to those who interested to go for cycling tour the feel of it. What they could learn from this ride was a ride which is longer than leisure ride, real time traffic flow, ride in a team while observing all traffic rules, etc.

The number of participants turn out to be more than expectation and we have 39 cyclist with 2 toddlers. With the combination of small wheel, fast speed, harsh trail and fancy bicycles meet at about 7:15 in the morning. After a short briefing by the organiser we start rolling at about 7:40 in the morning. Basically the pack was divided into 2 groups, Sardine and Happy Cyclist a.k.a. Ikan Bilis. Sardine will be leading in front with a sweeper control the crowd not to let Ikan Bilis cross over. Then Ikan Bilis will have one sweeper appointed by Chief of Happy Cyclist.

Whole ride was quite pleasant with a stop for breakfast at an authentic local store a.k.a. warung, a break for lunch at vegetarian dimsum coffeeshop, and several break for re-grouping. Though having some unforeseen turn back due to dead end everyone seems to enjoy the fun of it. That is also something you might face during any of the cycling tour. At the end of the ride where everyone should turn back to starting point, Pantai Remis, 7 cyclist from the group decided to continue for another 20km to make it century ride before return to starting point.

During this trip I do not take much of photos but having few video captured. With some photo from chief I made a video with what have for everyone to witness our fun and happy touring for noob.

Cycling, Camping and BBQ in Hangul way - Day 2

Appointment was to meet at ten o'clock in the morning which gave more time to rest from what I needed most due to work. All my clothes all dried with the help of fan to circulate the air. Everything was packed and ready to go for another exploration. Loaded my stuff together with bike onto friend's car because he would like to show me the local street market. Had something light as breakfast from the market then moving to the campsite. Park the car then bring out the bike to roll.

It was suppose to be simple and leisure ride to the bigger city Chuncheon I didn't explore day before. We are still following bike path towards the city and my friend promised me the famous dish of Chuncheon, Dak Galbi. 
From Wikipedia "Dak Galbi consists of chicken, sliced cabbage, sweet potatoes, tteok (rice cakes), and scallions, mixed with a spicy sauce heavy on gochujang. It is usually cooked in a big iron pan in the center of the table, but the original method is over charcoal."

Passing by several bridges, river dam, university and some residential area then enter the city. With the help of the local search engine Naver, found one famous Dak Galbi store. With queue in front of the store we are sure getting into the right place. Had our bikes lock just outside the store then within minutes we are in the store.

After the yummy lunch, we are slightly behind schedule thus not going to explore in the city. As planned we will take a train ride back to the town where we will camp a night. Found the station and I am still not so sure if I could board the train with my bike. The moment I am reaching to train ticket vending machine saw many cyclists with their bikes gave me a peace in mind. Board the train last car which usually will have bike rack, unfortunately too many bikes. They are cyclist from many places, cycled to Chuncheon then take a train return to their city.

Arrived the station Gapyeong where we will go shopping for BBQ material then heading to campsite in Jaraseom. Setup my tent then start the fire for the BBQ. When it gets dark the temperature drop drastically and I have to rely on bonfire to keep warm.

The start of day 2 ride and the name of this bridge really makes me worry. To those who knew well of Penangites Hokkien will understand what it meant.

 My ride partner, no need to be solo (傻佬) anymore.

 Thought we might just take the train from here but no way....the weather was too good not to cycle.

 One of the famous activity in this region, ATV ride on the river.

Bike path include crossing bridge that was properly installed with rail to protect cyclist.

Another bridge was built to ease the traffic, and I really amazed that it was so clean though construction was ongoing. Looking back where I am coming from, a heaven and hell.

Not knowing what it mean but it was for the record of my visit.

Seeing this river dam remind me of the sickening government that restrict the wealth for them and those relate to them while the people on the other side were so "dry".

I can't find the edge of the river, can you?

Entering to the city Chuncheon. 

 Famous Dak Galbi store with most people on the queue.

Dak Galbi...yummy.

Shopping street called Myeongdong which is similar to the one in Seoul.

 University student art on display and the stuff stick on it was a gift from passer by as an encouragement.

 Almost to the train station and got attracted by these 3D feel clouds.

BlackBeauty was not alone in the station.

It was an usual way for cyclist in Korea to ride out of the city then return with a train. 

Pushing our bike towards the last car of the train.

Fully parked bike rack, I have to find another way to park my bike.

My piece of land only for tonight...lol

Tent setup and I resist to put on rain cover but later I have no choice to put on due to the weather was too cold.

Our dinner... 

Getting dark and we should get ready for dinner

 Table and chair ready, fire started....

Let's cook dinner.

Thought we bought too many wood but it was just nice for the night to keep warm.

Good night, with the bonfire outside my tent.

Actual ride route on day 2 with elevation profile and speed graph against distance.

Ride detail from my Garmin Edge 800.

Cycling, Camping and BBQ in Hangul way - Day 1

After first try riding along Han River 18 months ago in Seoul, I am putting in one more item in to-do list which is cycling along Han River furthest possible. Several question raised when I will ride in Seoul, which route to take, what kind of weather to ride, if winter can I handle, accommodation, language...etc.

Month after month I totally forgotten about this plan of riding in South Korea. One day saw a friend cycling tour in South Korea taking the advantage of the bike path along Han River and other rivers. Then trigger my itchy butt wanted to ride in South Korea.
Now I have the route, Han River Bike Path, next I need to know about other doubts I have. Although from my friend's blog show the bike path but it didn't mention how long it and where it leads to. After some survey and help from Korean friend I get the route of my ride. Thanks to myroman80 with her blog (http://blog.naver.com/myroman80/90179265015) I manage to plan my ride.

Next is how many days I will have for the ride and how many kilometers I will cover. The plan is to have friend to ride with me which will help solve my problem of language and accommodation. But thing never really go as plan thus one have to compromise to suit the situation. Original plan is to have 3 days for the ride but change to one day solo ride, one day short ride with train service return to campsite and last day will just back to city with car. So first day I will be going solo include camp at campsite which my friend will arrange for me.

Weather in South Korea is not stranger to me anymore but when it involve cycling then I am totally no idea how cold it could be. If I would go for more winter ride then worth investing for a set of winter cycling attire. But I am residing in a land with the temperature average at 32 degree Celsius in day time and never change 365 a year. How often I would use that winter cycling attire if I will have one? Final solution, will have my usual cycling attire (short sleeve jersey, padded short bib, arm and leg shield) then coupled with wind breaker and trekking pants if I feel cold.

SO...I am all set, ready to roll.

Get my bike ready when day break, packed my stuff in pannier and handlebar bag. I will follow the route from myroman80 thus will cycle from my location to nearest point where I will see the bike path along Han River. Not so difficult to find the river if your direction sense was working well. The only obstacle I had was to deal with the traffic lights and hilly road in Seoul. Once I got into bike path along Han River then it is all smooth.

It was an awesome path they have laid along the river. This way better than any of those I tried in other countries. All sort of services provided along the path, eg. toilet, cafe, convenient store, bus stop, train station, rest area, bicycle repair station, campsite...etc I never have any problem during the ride, moreover it was quite flat terrain with several small and short climb which is doable by any cyclist. Many couples or family take this path as their weekend outing then enjoy the mother nature before heading home with train, bus or riding.
Reach the campsite Jaraseom but was told all fully booked by locals. nearest town was Gapyeong where I could try my luck to find a proper place to stay a night. Or I could go to a city Chuncheon which is not so far from here which will have more choices. First try to look around the town found out they only have one motel. Decided to just rest here while waiting for my buddy to meet me next day.

End of day one.

Entrance to bike path, a tunnel underneath the expressway. 

 Inside the tunnel, the only way to take shot of myself during solo ride was relying on something reflective.

 Slightly behind schedule but the sky looks great and I reckon a good day to ride, indeed was a good day.

Taking a break for breakfast at a convenient store nearby to Hangang River Park.

You can many park along the river, this particular one has a track for children to play.

My first certification stamping station. Got myself the passport of Korea Four Rivers Bike Path which you could collect the stamping along the river bike path. In the end of the ride you could get a certificate.

This is one good example of share the road I found here, two way bike path with a one way car path.

Bunker not one but almost 20 of these along the river facing north, sounds like second or how many line of defense toward south.

Gloomy skies, makes me worry.

 This bike path is not one off project but on going re-surface and re-route was carry one to improve the area along the path.

 Make use of an old rail track for bike was good idea, keeping the historical part of the country while making good use of it.

 Railway tunnel turned into bike path, if not because of this tunnel cyclist would have to climb the hill to cross.

 The tunnel was complete with sufficient lighting as well as signage good for both cyclist and pedestrian. It is all about discipline thus I don't see any problem of sharing the tunnel.

 Another certification booth, hope I could at least complete one full route.

 Not sure what I meant but need this for my own record to know where I have been. This place is an intersection where you will find a big place to hangout with a bike café to enjoy the scenery with a cuppa.

 This certification booth was at the same place mentioned above.

 Not sure what I can find ahead of the path and found this café serving food with the picture and English word that will ease my ordering. The view from the table was good but too bad they don't allow me to sit outside.

Spicy squids with steam rice…side dish is free with any meal which is common in Korean eatery.

Another tunnel, I love these tunnels along the bike path. It reminds me how adventurous I am battling with big trucks carrying sands and pebbles in the tunnel during tour in Taiwan.

Rows of camper and families with the young children playing.

Bike rack available at most of the rest area.

Still plenty of time to kill, I took another long break under shady place.

Another stretch of path where you can enjoy nice view.

I am actually travel light, but the pannier look bulky due to the jacket and clothing for cooler night.

The rail track, the river, the camper…and myself.

A newly open bike café which is no way accessible by other who is not cycling on the bike path.

Relax a while at bike cafe enjoying my latte and the snack a local cyclist gave me.

Certification at my day 1 final destination.

Bike path even include some of the bridge with proper railing protecting the cyclist.

A nice scenery of the rail track bridge with Jaraseom at the back.

Korea is a hilly place and many nice hill and mountain to explore, would like to try trekking in Korea in future.

My room from the only motel in town, nothing much to complaint because I don't have other choice.

My dinner at a Chinese restaurant recommended by the motel owner, my first visit and last as well.

Actual ride route on day 1 with elevation profile and speed graph against distance.

Ride detail from my Garmin Edge 800.