When our cycling group decided on one final ride before summer’s end, we set our sights on Qingxu Cave—a natural arch listed in the Guinness World Records. The 40-kilometer route through Guizhou’s winding hills felt challenging but irresistible.
We set off at 7 a.m. through cornfields and small trails, full of energy. But soon, Yi Bo’s rear tire went flat. Not once, but four times over the course of the ride—a record in itself! Thanks to quick repairs by our skilled teammates, we kept moving.
When we finally arrived, the cave’s vast entrance awed us all. The natural bridge soared overhead like a massive dome, making us feel small beneath its scale. Inside, the cave was completely undeveloped—no lights, no pathways—just raw rock formations and a domed ceiling shaped by time. It felt wild and real, though clearly lacking tourist infrastructure.
After a simple lunch delayed by slow service, we began the 45-kilometer return under a blazing sun. Fatigue set in, and I began to lag behind on the climb over Dalong Mountain. But our group stayed together—strong riders like Li Tianlun and Yi Bo cycled ahead, then patiently waited, never letting anyone feel left behind. Yi Bo even dropped back to ride with me, offering quiet encouragement. A can of Red Bull helped push me through the last leg.
We rolled back into Huadu as streetlights flickered on, tired but fulfilled. Riding nearly 100 kilometers in a day tested our limits, but it also reminded us why we ride: for the challenge, the raw beauty, and the bond that forms when you help each other through.
