In a city that offers many healthy cycling choices for both seasoned athlete and weekend warrior to enjoy green scenery between visiting areas of significant historical heritage via the bike-friendly infrastructure, one of the most active and inclusive clubs is Cycling Nanjing.
Giving the community an opportunity to explore their city, participate in a healthy form of transportation and communicate across several mediums, in Cycling Nanjing, expats and local athletes can share their passion for cycling, unobstructed by any barrier of language.
Most of the club’s rides start at or before sunrise. As the crowd of cyclists gather, excitement builds in anticipation of the efforts ahead. The sound of a buzzing free-wheel approaches, and after eyes adjust from staring into the approaching headlight, another friendly face is recognised and acknowledged with high fives and friendly banter. New members and visitors are always warmly welcomed in the same way.
At the designated time, the group sets off. As the peloton forms, friendly conversations begin. After the designated route is completed, cyclists often gather to share more talk about bikes, life or work, over a cup of coffee. There can’t be any better start to the day than this.
Cycling Nanjing is a completely free, local, voluntary club that has evolved over the years into a welcoming group of passionate riders. Using WeChat and Strava, Cycling Nanjing organises rides for different levels of fitness and experience. They advertise skill-specific rides which focus on the practice of safe and effective cycling technique, and promote inclusive rides allowing cyclists of all ages and abilities to join the fun.
Members are encouraged to participate with as little or as much time and effort as they feel comfortable, whether that be direct participation in rides or through the practice of sustainable, leave-no-trace, cycling behaviour.
Sunday-family rides, early-weekday-morning cycling clinics and weekend-endurance rides are all intended to connect one another, and help members become better, happier and healthier cyclists. This volunteer opt-in club helps to encourage its members to shop local, with efforts made to share contact information of local bike shops, to ensure equipment and repair options are available for upcoming and current members. And the patronage of local restaurants is also promoted!
As a community-focused club, members enjoy learning new skills. Bicycle repair is a deterrent for many hesitant to join and overcoming this obstacle by educating on proper bicycle maintenance has turned prospective members into active contributors.
Also important to the future of the cycling community is the development of the club’s youngest riders. Children enjoy their time on the organised rides, where they can socialise, practice new skills and learn to overcome struggles in a supportive environment.
Cycling Nanjing is unique because of the breadth of its membership; the diversity of the participants proves that this sustainable and healthy lifestyle transcends age, culture and language.
Connect with Cycling Nanjing on Instagram: Cycling_Nanjing
