One Couple, Two Wheeled Adventure Around The Middle Kingdom: A Journey of a Lifetime

Imagine embarking on a thrilling and unforgettable adventure with your loved one, pedaling through picturesque landscapes, immersing yourselves in vibrant cultures, and creating lifelong memories. This is precisely what Elliot and Lily did as they embarked on a remarkable bicycling journey around the Middle Kingdom.

China, brimming with rich history, diverse landscapes, and ancient traditions, proved to be the perfect backdrop for their epic expedition. For twelve months, this daring couple traversed the vast plains, climbed towering mountains, and soaked in the bustling energy of both ancient cities and quaint villages.

Breaking Barriers: The Decision to Explore China on Bicycles

Traveling by bicycle was a conscious choice for Elliot and Lily. Not only did it provide them with a unique perspective, enabling them to fully immerse themselves in the country's diverse tapestry, but it also allowed them to forge closer connections with the locals along the way.

The Great Ride of China: One couple's two-wheeled adventure around the Middle Kingdom

by Buck Perley(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
Paperback	:	158 pages
Item Weight	:	1.99 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 1.13 x 9.21 inches
File size	:	5035 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	433 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Hardcover	:	522 pages

FREE

The Middle Kingdom, as China is often called, offers a multifaceted experience. From the modern metropolis of Shanghai to the ethereal beauty of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, every region holds its own allure. By pedaling on two wheels, Elliot and Lily were able to delve deeper into the heart of China, uncovering hidden gems that most tourists would overlook.

The Journey Begins: An Adventure Fueled by Passion and Determination

Equipped with sturdy bicycles, a thirst for adventure, and an unyielding spirit, the couple set off from Beijing, their journey taking them through the mesmerizing landscapes of northern China. As they pedaled along the Great Wall of China, their excitement grew, propelling them forward.

The stunning natural beauty of Jiuzhaigou Valley and the mystical aura of Zhangye Danxia Landform left Elliot and Lily in awe. These awe-inspiring sights, coupled with the warmth and genuine hospitality of the locals they encountered, served as the driving force behind their resolve to keep pedaling.

Not without challenges, the couple encountered rugged terrains, unpredictable weather, and occasional language barriers. However, each obstacle only made them more determined to conquer adversity and fully embrace this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Discovering the Gems of the Middle Kingdom: Exploring Hidden Treasures

Every turn of the pedal revealed a new vista and an opportunity for discovery. From the mesmerizing karst peaks of Guilin to the ancient wonders of Xi'an, Elliot and Lily marveled at the breadth and depth of China's cultural and natural heritage.

Chengdu, the vibrant capital city of Sichuan Province, greeted them with its mouth-watering cuisine and adorable giant pandas. Here, they indulged in spicy Sichuan hotpot and witnessed the conservation efforts dedicated to protecting these beloved creatures.

Venturing further south, the couple found themselves engulfed by the magical landscapes of Yunnan Province. The idyllic town of Lijiang, immersed in ancient Naxi culture, left an indelible mark on their hearts. Yunnan's breathtaking rice terraces in Yuanyang and the mystical beauty of Tiger Leaping Gorge further heightened their sense of wonder and adventure.

A Journey of Cultural Immersion: Connecting with the Local Communities

One of the most rewarding aspects of their adventure was the opportunity to connect with the diverse local communities scattered across the Middle Kingdom. From engaging in conversations with friendly street vendors in bustling markets to joining traditional festivities in remote villages, their bicycle journey became a gateway to authentic cultural experiences.

Elliot and Lily were welcomed into the homes of welcoming families who generously shared their traditions, customs, and delectable regional cuisines. Through simple conversations, they gained profound insights into the country's intricate tapestry and the lives of the people who call it home.

Challenges and Triumphs: A Test of Endurance

While the journey was undoubtedly filled with unforgettable highs, it was not without its share of challenges. Elliot and Lily encountered adverse weather conditions, navigating treacherous mountain passes and enduring blistering heat and freezing temperatures alike.

Language barriers presented another hurdle, yet the couple's determination to overcome these obstacles allowed them to forge connections and build lasting friendships with locals who showed them the true spirit of resilience.

Their bicycles became a symbol of endurance, resilience, and unity, serving as a tangible reminder of their strength throughout their enthralling journey.

The End of the Journey: Reflecting on a Transformational Experience

As the couple's tires eventually rolled back into Beijing, completing their monumental expedition, Elliot and Lily were forever changed. Their adventure had not only tested their physical limits but also shaped their perspective and understanding of the world.

The Middle Kingdom had unveiled its secrets to them, leaving them with an insatiable hunger for exploration, a profound appreciation for the connections forged with complete strangers, and an enduring love for the diverse landscapes that had unfolded beneath their wheels.

Elliot and Lily's incredible journey around the Middle Kingdom serves as a reminder that adventure, love, and the thirst to embrace the unknown can lead to transformative experiences. As they demonstrated, sometimes all it takes is two wheels and an unyielding spirit to unlock the hidden treasures that lie within the heart of a nation.

The Great Ride of China: One couple's two-wheeled adventure around the Middle Kingdom

by Buck Perley(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
Paperback	:	158 pages
Item Weight	:	1.99 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 1.13 x 9.21 inches
File size	:	5035 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	433 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Hardcover	:	522 pages

FREE

The Great Ride of China is the story of Buck Perley and Amy Mathieson’s 21,000-mile, record-breaking trip around one of the world’s oldest and most diverse countries. What started out as an idea for a month long road trip, became a journey that took the couple from the grass plains of Inner Mongolia to the deserts of Xinjiang and up to the Rooftop of the World in the Himalayas.

As the story follows Buck and Amy, two foreigners fluent in Mandarin, through all 33 provinces of Mainland China, the reader will have an opportunity to not just learn about the challenges they encountered along the road, but also about a country in transition. Experiences that include 20-mile traffic jams in the center of coal country, visits to cities whose histories span millennia, and a chat with a resident of a cave dwelling equipped with satellite TV offer a unique view into a country that today is often heard of but rarely understood.