Had grand plans to circle the entire 2nd Ring Road today—until I realized it’d take 30 minutes just to reach the starting point. Mission aborted. [facepalm]
The ride itself was pleasant though—passed the Song Qingling International Exchange Center, Military Museum, Yuyuantan Middle School, and caught glimpses of CCTV Headquarters.
There’s this childish thrill when overtaking others, especially e-bikes (“How the tables have turned!” [fox grin]). Pro tip: Once you pick up speed, even those classic “28-inch bar” bikes ride surprisingly smooth. Road bikes? Pure wind-in-your-hair freedom.
Beijing Blues
The air quality remains… temperamental. Always check the AQI before heading out—light pollution means reconsider (though as a visitor, sometimes you just roll with it).
My relationship with this city is complicated. Childhood memories of smog-choked school days and sidewalk smokers left me with chronic rhinitis and resentment (though fading). Twelve years here gave me both trauma and treasured memories—nostalgic foods, childhood haunts, reunions with old friends.
This visit brought mixed feelings: joy at rediscovering familiar streets, frustration at inevitable sniffles and pollution headaches. Saw only two old friends this time—everyone’s scattered now, chasing dreams. To them: onward and upward. We’ll meet at the summit.
Haidian Cycling Survival Guide
TLDR: Stay alert like a meerkat on espresso.
Watch for:
• Delivery bikes parked like they own the sidewalk
• Cars creeping into bike lanes (shoulder-check constantly)
• Those raised bike lane markers—they’ll catapult your phone (mine nearly flew 8 times, see Pic8)
• The occasional wrong-way cyclist (usually texting)
• Four-lane crossings (pray to the traffic gods)
PS: I never do this, but… maybe wear a helmet?
—— Chen’s Scribbles, Hour of Hai, April 2024
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