Qingming Weekend Cycling Extravaganza
Spring has well and truly arrived and the Qing Ming long weekend (April 2,3,4th) is the perfect opportunity to get out of the city. We’ve got a long weekend of awesome cycling and merrymaking lined up. Clip in quickly as places are strictly limited.
For those that can’t make the whole weekend we will also offer a regular Serk Weekend ride on Sunday April 3.
Day 1. Saturday April 2. Night Ride 90km
Depart Serk at 4.30pm for a fun group ride all the way to Tom’s mountain retreat. We will stop along the way for a light dinner in Huairou before switching on the lights and riding up the hill into the darkness. We have a new on bike sound system to accompany us on the ride – Karaoke anyone ?
On arrival enjoy a hot shower, post ride snacks and drinks. We’ll gather around the wood fire and enjoy the usual post ride yarns well into the evening.
Day 2. Sunday April 3. 180km or 100km
Sleep in and then enjoy the Shannon special breakfast. Scrambled eggs and bacon, coffee and his Secret Oats that we promise will help you ride like a crazy man/woman all day long.
We will start riding around mid morning.
The planned ride is a stunner and takes in some of our favourite roads in Beijing. A shorter 80 or 100km ride is also possible if you prefer. Quite a bit of climbing awaits and we will travel through three districts – Huairou, Yanqing and Miyun. The highlight will be the spectacular S310 road high up above the Baihe River. After 180km and nearly 3000m of climbing we will end up at the Paulaner Brauhaus Kempinski Hotel in Yanqi Lake for a very German dinner, beer and high fives. Post dinner you can ride the 20km back to Tom’s house or Liman can drive you back in the Serk Merc.
If you prefer to return to Beijing on Sunday night we can organise transport to get you back after dinner.
Tonight is the Tour of Flanders night and we will have a live feed projected on the wall. More cycling and more beer. Just what you asked for.
Day 3. Monday April 4. 90km or 140km OPTIONAL
After the efforts of the previous day and the excitement of the Tour of Flanders you deserve a good sleep in. Breakfast will be at a reasonable hour and we will depart mid morning for our final ride back to the city. The long way is 140km or the short version is 90km. Have a big bowl of the Secret Oats before you leave and 140km will fly by.
Logistics.
Night Ride – Saturday
16.30 Meet at Serk. We will ride together as a group to Huairou. You can leave a bag with supplies for the weekend in the Serk Merc and it will be transported up to Tom’s place while we ride. Please note you need to bring your own sheets, pillow case and towel.
For safety its essential that you have strong lights for the night ride. We have bright front LED light (800 lumen) for 200 RMB and a bright rear LED light for the rear – 380 RMB. During the night ride we will ride together in a tight group for safety and security in case of attack by boogie monsters.
18.30 Arrive Huairou for a light dinner
20.30 Arrive at Tom’s place. Post ride snacks and drinks
Return to Beijing – Sunday night (by van) or Monday morning by bike.
Liman will drive the Serk Merc back to Beijing on Monday morning with our gear. There will be some space in the van if you’d prefer not to ride back.
Accomodation.
Max number of guests is 9. Rooms are dorm style. There are 2 double beds, 2 bunk beds, and 3 single beds. Couples have preference for the double beds. The other beds are assigned on first come first served basis.
Cost.
2 nights – Saturday and Sunday
800 RMB
Includes;
3 organised rides
2 nights accomodation
2 breakfasts – Bacon & eggs, oats, Arabica Roasters drip coffee
2 x post ride snacks – Cheese, crackers, fruit, chinese snacks
Drinks for the whole weekend – Local beer, coffee, soft drinks and fruit juice
Transport of your luggage and transport during the weekend
Does not include;
Light dinner in Huairou on Saturday night
Dinner and drinks on Sunday night at Paulaner Brauhaus
1 night – Saturday
400 RMB + 350 RMB for transport back to Beijing (or use a ride pass)
Includes;
2 organised rides
1 nights accomodation
1 breakfasts – Bacon & eggs, oats, Arabica Roasters drip coffee
1 x post ride snacks – Cheese, crackers, fruit, chinese snacks
Drinks for the whole weekend – Local beer, coffee, soft drinks and fruit juice
Transport of your luggage and transport during the weekend
Does not include;
Light dinner in Huairou on Saturday night
Dinner and drinks on Sunday night at Paulaner Brauhaus
Limited to 9 guests.
Sign up Here.
Sign up for the ride here.