Yangcheng Lake Bike Trip

The weekend getaway from Shanghai was fun! Completing about 30 km on bike in total Saturday, Mike and I easily found our way to the beautiful Fairmont Yangcheng Lake (thank you, Google Maps). We had been worried about bringing our bikes onto the train, but apparently, it's no big deal (though you do get stared at a lot). We had taken the train from Shanghai to Suzhou (riding the bikes from home to the train station, and from the station to the hotel), and looking back, we should have stayed on our bikes the whole way (it's not that far and we wouldn't have had to adhere to the train's schedule). Next time ('cause there will be a next time, I think).  

After checking in (to our upgraded suite!), we checked out the grounds, and later ate at the hotel's restaurant, which sources its food from its organic farm.  

The next morning was the ride (race, for some) around the lake (another 40 km). Here we are at the starting line (and before Mike left me in the dust):

The BBQ was awesome, but eating ribs in the extreme heat and humidity took away from the enjoyment of the meal. Regardless, it was a lovely end to another China bike adventure.

P.S. As if 70ish kilometers weren't enough over the weekend, Mike and I joined the crew again last night for a Tuesday night ride, which was neither short nor mellow. I'm tired. 

Zhoumo kuaile!

We're off on an adventure this weekend! Mike and I will help inaugurate a new 42-kilometer bike path along Yangcheng Lake outside of Suzhou on Sunday. The event is sponsored in part by our favorite bike guys (Factory Five), and proceeds from participants support Yan'an earthquake relief efforts. 

As if the event couldn't get any cooler, the ride will be followed by a "Game of Thrones-level feast," an Argentine Asado-style BBQ. I'm not even sure what that means -- apparently there's a three-meter long pit involved -- but I think I'm gonna like it. Especially since the meal will be concocted by some of Shanghai's most famous chefs (Austin Hu from Madison, Brad Turley from Goga, and Hamish Pollitt from M on the Bund; Madison and Goga -- which is short for Golden Gate, btw -- are two of my favorites here and remind me of eateries back home in LA and SF). Profits from the BBQ will go to the The Good Earth Project (remember them from our Chongming bike trip?). 

Suzhou is a quick train ride away, and Mike and I are getting there unsupervised and on our own a day early to check out the city. I think this leg of the trip will be the adventure part... Wish us luck!