Force cyclists make first expedition to Guangdong
Members of the Police Cycling Club (PCC) undertook their first cycling expedition to Guangdong Province's highest mountain, the 1,902-metre Nan Ling National Peak, in April.
The expedition was so successful and enjoyable that the PCC plans to cycle further into the Mainland later in the year.
On April 23, 17 PCC members set off from Hong Kong and drove across the Guangdong Province in a convoy of three vehicles carrying mountain bikes and spares to the Shu Au Resort in the Nan Ling National Park.
The following day, their initial plan to ascend the mountain was thwarted by a massive thunderstorm that left the general area flooded. Opting to ride over the border into Hunan Province passing through remote villages, breathtaking scenery and getting an excited welcome from the locals, the cyclists warmed up for the main event later in the day. With the storm over, the Nan Ling National Peak was ascended partly by vehicle and the final stage by bike, under testing conditions with the ground soaked and the temperature falling dramatically by 10 degrees from base to summit.
But the efforts were worth it, with the reward of stunning views from the Peak. Taylor Cheng, one of the first riders to reach the top observed: "The views from the Peak were awesome, taking in Guangdong and Hunan provinces. Never have I seen such a beautiful spot!"
After the necessary photograph session on the Peak, everyone descended the mountain in a high-speed ride on dirt tracks that took two hours, with the cyclists' technical skills put to the test in wet conditions, tight corners and debris on the route.
Sha Tin Divisional Commander Steve Wordsworth commented: "This was a demanding course, that required constant concentration, a high degree of technical skill and a good deal of courage, although all participants were expected to exercise extreme caution given the remoteness of the area." He dryly noted: "Only one person was injured, and that was me when I misjudged a log jump and fell off. Fortunately, I sustained only a cut knee and a bruised ego."
All 17 riders returned to Hong Kong exhausted and somewhat saddle sore, but with a real sense of achievement.
The Police Cycling Club conducts regular Wednesday night events on the less challenging cycle paths of Sha Tin with rides normally starting at 6 pm from Sha Tin Station. Anyone interested in this may contact James Chiu Po-chung, the OSSUC STDIV on 2694-6214.
