And the celebrations begin

We kicked off Year of the Horse celebrations last night with another Factory Five ride. They promised free beer and snacks at the end of a short bike ride so, obviously, I lifted my temporary ban on the Tuesday night rides (crowds and cold weather had kept me away).

Taking off at 9:00 p.m., we rode swiftly through the city, hitting all of the major tourist spots: through the Former French Concession (our neighborhood) to Yuyuan Garden, from the Bund to Nanjing Pedestrian Street. Back at the bike shop, we were greeted with cans of beer, bins of chips, and a hong bao. 

Hong boa ("bow," as in "take a bow") literally means red envelope and is a Chinese New Year tradition, although you also see them at weddings, graduations, and other major life events. Filled with money of varying amounts, New Year hong boas are usually bestowed upon young children and employees, housekeepers, and nannies.  

Last night, one hong bao holder won a new bike. I wasn't as lucky, but I did come home 

$1 richer. 

Recognize two people in the last photo, bottom right corner?