Ming Ge, a graduate of Shenzhen University, arrived in Paris after an 11,000-kilometer bike ride. He set off from Shenzhen at the end of February this year, passing through 11 countries over the span of five months.
Isn'tthisalso areflectionof Olympic spirit? The wonderful journey not only left Ming with precious memories but also inspired countless students to keep moving forward. "The decision to go to Paris was to fulfill my childhood dream of exploringthe world," he said.
Ming Ge on his bike ride
Preparations before departure were not something that could be done overnight. Ming has plenty of cycling experience, but he knew that what he was facing this time was a bigger challenge than ever before, so he underwent rigorous running and cycling training, and even participated in a marathon to test himself.
Ming Ge's cycling route
Ming Ge traveled through 11 countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, and France.
Ming Ge at the border crossing
Ming found that there were many foreigners riding this route, all of whom were cycling from countries like Switzerland and Italy to China and other parts of Asia. He told riders from other regions about Shenzhen, a very modern city, and invited them to visit there. Ming was fortunate to encounter a Chinese cyclist in Italy, sharing the same aspiration as Ming Ge's—the pursuit of witnessing the Paris Olympics.
Ming Ge watching the opening ceremony
Despite the heavy rain duringthe opening ceremony, Ming still watched until the end. "The atmosphere was very warm, and when I saw the Chinese team appear, I cheered excitedly for a long time," he said.
Ming Ge in Azerbaijan
The
first time his body reached its limit was when he cycled to
Azerbaijan. The relentless rain obscured his vision and rendered the
roads slick, making the entire cycling experience uncertain. Ming had
to contend with the riding risks posed by these natural
elements.
The tough journey enriched his life. Reflecting
on hismost difficult times, Ming lamented, "When you decide to do
something but feel it's hard to keep going, you can slow down a bit,
but it's best not to give up."
Editor | Zhang Xinyue, Monica, James
Photos | Dute News
