Serk Cycling Beijing
Beijing is one of Asia's best kept cycling secrets. Mountains on three sides of the city trap Beijing's notorious air, but drive over the first mountain range and cycling heaven awaits—so too does better air and blue skies. Out here, high above the city, lies thousands of kilometres of quiet, snaking mountain roads to rival the best cycling destinations in the world.
Don't believe us? Come and give it a go. We promise you'll be totally blown away!
We've been riding these roads for 10 years and this 3-day trip explores the best Beijing has to offer. Expect stunning scenery, big climbs, adventurous back roads and of course, coffee stops and some great local restaurants.
Day 1.
Friday : Hong Kong - Beijing
We'll pick you up from the airport and transport you directly to a homestay in the mountains. We'll stop for lunch on the way for your first taste of authentic mainland food.
After unpacking bikes we'll head off for an afternoon ride through the mighty Bai He Valley. Perfect tarmac forever, a few cracker climbs thrown in for good measure and 20km of riding along a road strewn out of a cliff face. Today is going to blow your mind - who would ever have thought that such perfect cycling terrain exists so close to Beijing. All those switchbacks and jaw dropping vistas will have built up a thirst and an appetite like no other. To end the day we roll into the Kempinski Hotel Yanqi lake (thats right a Kempinski out in the Beijing mountains!) and park our bikes in the beer garden. You can guess what comes next.
Once you've had your fill we'll drive you back to the homestay for some well deserved rest.
(For those flying in Friday night this will be a transfer day, real riding starts on Saturday!)
Day 2.
Saturday : Beauty and the Beast
Up early for a Serk breakfast (oats / smoothies / fresh fruit and coffee) before rolling out for another cracker day. We pass over two major climbs - Sihai and Dongbei kou which are virtually car free early morning. Highlight of the day will be our mid morning stop on The Great Wall - a quick coffee, walk on the wall and selfie feast before heading back on the bikes for steady roll back into central Beijing. You'll marvel at how close great cycling is to the city as we quickly roll from the 6th ring road into the city. You'll also get a great opportunity to see the underbelly of the city as we weave our way through the back streets and shortcuts. Tonight we stay at a central hotel in the city.
Day 3.
The Beijing Stelvio
107km of pure road cycling bliss - this will be a day to remember. The Beijing Stelvio is a real stunner. 20km climb to start the day followed by a 10km descent, another 20km climb and descent and one final gorgeous climb and roll back to our support vehicle. The vegetation and topography in this area of Beijing is predominantly karst mountains and scenery is reminiscent of Guilin. Your Instagram feed is going to explode.
We'll have you back to downtown Beijing by mid afternoon in time for a quick lunch / shower / bike pack and evening flight back to Hong Kong.
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