Yunnan 2018 by the Riders

Ciao a tutti...I have decided to do something different...

Basically I have asked riders randomly their views & feedback about their experience at the Granfondo Yunnan 2019..

Tom in the last stage

Tom from London,United Kingdom.

A 30 hour trip to get there but the sun is shining and it’s nice and warm so all is good.  Had an evening and a lovely Italian meal in Hong Kong on the way.

Prologue.ITT.
We set off on the time trial – just 8km.  A beautiful rounding of a lake followed by about a mile climb at the end.  I start off quickly, too quickly – over take a couple of riders then hit the hill.  I make it up but slowly – my heart is about to explode.  I’m now overtaken.  17 minutes of full gas.  We finish at a temple at the top of a hill and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.  Back into town to shower, deposit the bikes and enjoy a mass meal at the prizegiving in the town square.

Day 2 – stage 1: 105km from Mangshi to the Myanmar border at Ruili.Border Ride
Never done this before.  The start is mad – we’re doing 50km/hr at the start.  Lots of jostling for position and wheels.  Where’s Stef?  Just stay on the wheel otherwise you’ll be spat out the back.  The first 5km takes 8 minutes, the first 60 takes 90.  Never ridden in such a fast peloton for so long.  Didn’t mean to – there’s a lot of stages ahead but I couldn’t help myself, it was such fun.  Hit a hill after 60kms so slowed down but completed the 105km in 3 hrs.  Felt cooked, but satisfied.

Day 3 – stage 2:  145km Rock & Ruili Ride
2 big climbs then a long bumpy section to the finish back at the border gate in Ruili.  Not as mad as yesterday but still left the start at full tempo.  The hills break the peloton up so we ride in smaller groups and manage to enjoy the scenery a bit more and stop to take a few pictures.  The route is lined with villagers who have been shouting encouragement for hours already, even before we get there but they are still going strong.  Lifts the spirits.  Stef has a dance with them at the drinks station.  A much more relaxed day and more beautiful weather.

Day 4 – rest day, transfer to Tengchong
Convoy of coaches and trucks with the bikes.  We’re the only traffic on the deserted motorways

Day 5 – stage 3:  The Queen Stage - Along Gaoligong
185kms and not much of it flat.  Weather forecast is for rain so we set off fully togged up.  Turns out not so bad but Stef feeling ill so turns back.  I carry on alone and the sun comes out.  I’m now wearing too much.  Concern at the start is about whether I can get to the half way point before the cut off time but end up managing it with ease.  Take some photos with the locals – they all seem to want their photo with me.  But I’m not a celebrity!  A long flat stretch on a high plateau surrounded by mountains followed by a big climb to 2000m then downhill all the way back into Tengchong.  Feeling fitter already.

Day 6 – rest day, transfer to Dali
Another convoy of coaches and recovery from the hard stage yesterday

Day 7 – stage 4: The Lake Ride
A flat 115km flat stage around Dali lake, set up for the non climbers.  Lots of anxiety beforehand about getting in the right group, staying with them and managing a 40km/hr + average speed.  Another full octane start and a bit edgy.  Lots more jostling for position and no-one wants to get left in the slow group.  15km in and we’re in a group that’s catching the one in front.  It’s a big group and I’m surrounded with riders.  We’re doing 45km/hr.  All of a sudden I find my wheels in a 2 inch gully between the 2 halves of a concrete road.  I hit the deck and skid to a halt.  Fortunately no one hits me but both wheels are now punctured and rims damaged.  Good job I don’t need brakes on this stage.  Fix the punctures but all the fast groups have gone, as has my fast time.  Now the pressure is off we take some photos of the lake and get the best one of the trip.  Stef guides me the 100kms back to the finish in Dali.

Need to lick my wounds, sample the famed Dali fish soup (v good) and buy some sandpaper to smooth off the rims so that I can use my brakes on the final mountain stage tomorrow.  Transfer to Lijiang.

Day 8 – stage 5:  The Sky Ride
100km mountain stage with an early 400m climb to 2800m, a 30km descent down to the valley floor at 1700m and then a 30km climb to 3250m.  A stunning day all the way, glorious sunshine all day but the air is thin so on the downhills in the shade a little chilly.  The final 30km took 3hrs of 6-7% pretty much all the way.  Towards the end we were rewarded with views of snowy mountain tops which made it all worthwhile.  A small downhill to the finish and to be greeted with a beer at the finish line was a sweet ending.

Buses back down the mountain to Lijiang.  Everyone a bit relieved to have finished and celebrated with a big party and more familiar western food.  Then a couple of beers and pack to go home

Day 9 – Homeward bound
Early start to get to the airport, stop over in Shanghai for another amazing Italian meal and arrive back in LHR 6am Monday morning to a lovely autumn day.

What better way to end?

Next on the list are... 

Tom from the Netherlands/Beijing

“The Yunnan Gran Fondo is a great cycling event where over 7-day of riding you will build new friendships, experience beautiful and varied routes, diverse cultures and great food. All while cycling on 100% closed roads!” 

Out for dinner.

Berwick from New Zealand /Beijing

Six of us cycling friends based out of Beijing, China, all traveled together to participate in the "Colourful Yunnan Grandfondo 2019".  As we got closer to the starting point the plane collected more and more cyclists all heading in the same direction. We were amazed that the plane could fit in all of the bike boxes!

The first stage was a short and fast ITT of 8.2 kms with a hill top finish next to a monastery.  What a welcome to Yunnan!  The following 5 stages were all longer rides travelling through the hills of Yunnan.  The last stage culminated in a 30km, 2000m climb with a mountain top finish. Fantastic.

Through all of the 650 kms and 8840 m,  we rode we were all amazed at the huge turnout from all of the villages we rode through. Many dancing troupes, all dressed out in local nationality dress, greeted us with chants of "Jiayou Jiayou" and powered us on our way.  All ages from toddlers to grandparents joined in as well, with thousands of smiles and waves as we passed by.

We all had a great time in Yunnan. Riding closed roads with great organisation made the whole event a fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable time. Dining along the route, sampling the famous local food all added to the experience.

If you ever get the chance to participate in the Yunnan Grandfondo take it!  It is a beautiful part of China, full of character and wonderful landscapes.  The roads are fantastic and the whole event is a "cycling must do".

Berwick S., A New Zealander based in Beijing

Sun Tan Lines just for stage.

David from Slovenia /Taiwan/Shanghai

Yunnan granfondo was my best event that I have attended in 2018. For my opinion it is one of the best organized cycling events worldwide, with great stages, diverse terrain, lots of climbing, amazing scenery and phenomenal people. It is great for everyone, for those who race for good results and for those who just want to go easy and enjoy scenery. 

Nicole from Shanghai

Yunnan Granfondo is awesome! It takes place in a very unique region of China with beautiful landscapes, colourful culture and friendly people. All the roads are closed to normal traffic for the tour, logistics couldn´t be better. Cycling through many small villages, the villagers cheer and dance for the cyclists and create a special atmosphere.You can ride it as a race and push it as hard as you can or just take it a bit easier, stop a few times for pictures, a deep breath and to absorb the atmosphere. But be warned, the Queen´s stage is 185 km long and has a total gain of almost 3000 m altitude, which is not exactly a piece of cake and only recommended for experienced cyclists.I had a great time at this year´s Yunnan Granfondo and hope I can come back next year!

More will follow in the next few days & if you like to join in the Granfondo Yunnan 2019 please email us at ride@saddledrunk.com 

Local dinner in Mangshi

2018 Granfondo Yunnan...Part 2

Ni Hao again from the amazing Yunnan and as promised we continue to report back from the 2018 edition of the Granfondo Yunnan organised by Beijing based company Nordic Ways.

Part of the Old Town of Teng Chong.

Nearly 1000 riders arrived here the day before the stage in Teng Chong.

The logistic of Nordic Ways have been amazing especially to move around so many riders including bikes. Jade & her team have made our transfers smooth with great communication & collaboration.

Riders were able to travel in busses and bicycles were travelling well packed in the SF Express Trucks.

The entourage of riders at the service station.

As true 101% Belgian, Kris van de Velde, race director of the event has brought to the plate for the riders an amazing 185km with a total ascent of nearly 2600 metres where included all kind of terrains.

Kris selected the route to give the riders great memories enabling them to race & ride along cobble stones, gravels section, road sections along the volcanos and amazing little villages

A bit of landslide happen recently but riders were still able to ride through.

Some of the riders were tamed by this stage that on completion this was vanished by the euphoric state & joy of accomplishment.Unfortunately due to unhealthy body state I had to return to the start just after only 30Km.Please see route file here.

Along the route stage 3

The sceneries enrolee were speechless.

The day after we travelled to Dali to do the “Lake Ride” at an elevation of 1975 metres sea level and good training practice for all of the riders living at sea level.

Certainly as soon as the start shot gun was fired the pace was hard & we were all gasping for air,but after a while it was all back to the normal riveting hard. Unfortunately we had tactic to get Tom in the top 20 of his age group,but at km 18 at a speed of over 45km/h he was pushed into the concrete trail making him flying on the side of the road with just few bruises & 2 punctured tyres.

After admiring his crash I stopped and helped him out,he was in a bit of shocked but we had amazing views to cheer him up.After that the peloton was gone and for us there was only left to ride around the lake.

Temple in the middle of the Erhai Lake.

In the evening Mark & Zhang took us out to try a local cuisine which included of an amazing fish soup ideal for our bodies.

Zhang our new friend..A great cyclist & great helper with his language skills.

Ciao for now from Lijiang & if you want more info visit the event page here…

to be continued…….

SD

Granfondo Yunnan 2018...Part 1..

Ni Hao !

Ciao & Welcome to China in the beautiful & colourful Yunnan area.

A view of Mangshi from the Temple.

For me is the second time attending the lovely Granfondo Yunnan thanks to the great relationship with Niclas Hellqvist & Kris Van de Velde from Nordic Ways.

We(Tom & I) arrived from London on Friday in the local town of Manghsi where Kris picked us up from the airport to go to the hotel followed with a lovely catch up chat to inform me of all the new changes are in place this year edition since 3 years ago when i have last attended.

The Start Line!!

The Saturday,which I was supposed to be home due to wife’s birthday, I was instead a prepping the bikes and get few bits & pieces(cit A.P) sorted before the 8.5KM Prologue (Individual Climb Time Trial) in the afternoon.

As expected knowing the great qualities of Kris to pick and choose for his events only the best routes, that in the afternoon we were going to have a go at something peculiar & stunning.

The start was by the side of a lake next to a dam,then we had to race around the perimeter of this lake with some “mangia e bevi” before hitting a nice 1.1 Km tree covered climb with 8% average incline finishing at the top by the entrance of a temple. Some of the serious boys here racing for the prizes made it in a stunning pace.

Saturday night local dinner in Mangshi Square

Stage 1, on Sunday was the so called “ Border Ride” ,105km race to the town of Ruili coasting along the border with Myanmar(Burma) and finishing at the border check point. Due to the location & altitude the climate is tropical, where trees,plants & flower grow freely all year round to enable us to experience an enrich sceneries with plenty of colours & smells.

Lunch Stop.

After the stage some of us went together for lunch to an amazing restaurant.The groups of us was a mix of 14 riders from 4 continents and 13 nationalities.Taking part at Nordic ways events are always great experience,because thanks to our passion of cycling individuals from different origins comes together for the sport.

Dinner time.

Stage 2,on Monday we start & finished from the border check point routing us through the city of Ruili before hitting only after 9km from the start a nice 16Km climb with an average of 5% with peaks up to 10%. The ascent was pretty via little villages & nature before reaching the peak and throwing us descending into a false plain with a misty & foggy atmosphere. Followed by that we had at km 56 a climb for 10KM with an average of 6% before riveting in a serious of roller coasting hills taking us back to the finish line…

Tom being chased.

Kris has been good to all of us participant giving us a rest day,so we could rest but also move from Ruili to Tengchong for the Queen’s stage(Stage 3) of the event with 185km with a total climb of 3000m.

Teng Chong at Sunset.

For now is Ciao & Arrivederci from Yunnan on Sunday the 11th of November part 2 will be published…

STAY TUNED TO BE CONTINUED……

SD

Final stage report Yunnan Gran Fondo

Final Battle-stage at Jade Mountain

The best stage was saved for the last with a splendid course laid out for all of the Gran Fondo participants, it was not the longest stage of the week but it was one with parcours that was packed with action, beginning in the quaint ancient village of Lijiang in front of a large crowd. The weather was fantastic with the skies impossibly blue and the centre-piece: The majestic snow-capped Jade Mountain rising into the sky, with its jagged peaks reaching upwards. It was a splendid climax to what was a brilliant week of racing in five different areas of Yunnan Province. Dali and Lijiang were by far the favorites with the Gran Fondo peloton. It is hoped that the 2015 edition will see more stages centered around the Dali and Lijiang areas, perhaps even as high up as the Shangrila region with its distinct Tibetan influence. 

Back to the racing. The GC battle was down to just two riders: John Cattrall (England) and Wei Kui (Specialized). Cattrall had the lead by a slim 45 seconds and would need to perform at the top of his game to beat a superior climber and ex-professional rider from the Specialized team. Further, Wei Kui had three team-mates at his disposal while Cattrall had zero. The battle at Jade Mountain unfolded with Wei Kui emerging victorious, but this was not decisive till the last five kilometers where he was able to dance away with ease from Cattrall to finish 7th for the stage, but more importantly finishing up to the base of Jade Mountain with 2minutes 15 seconds over the Englishman. This gave him the overall win at the inaugural Colorful Yunnan Gran Fondo by a convincing 1min30 seconds. 

Another big eye-opener was the incredible performance by 16-year old kid Lv Xianjing who simply powered away up the final slopes in a big gear to blow away the opposition. No one had an answer for this young teenager's, hailing from the high mountain villages of Yunnan,  turn of speed and in short time Xianjing who has never heard of the Tour de France, opened up a massive gap that would continue to increase all the way to the finish-line.  This young rider, who also won the mountain ITT, is definitely an emerging talent worthy of world-class and could be the next Chinese super-star. Stay tuned to Saddle Drunk to learn more about this special prodigy. 

Carruthers Perspective - How it unfolded

This was the last stage in what has been a big month of racing for me! My super-crazy-hectic month of racing began on October 13 when I did three stages of Poyang Lake, then over to do the Tour of Matabungkay and back to do the last three stages of Poyang Lake. I then raced two more Chinese races before jetting down to New Zealand to do the week-long 1000km Tour of Southland. I arrived at the Colorful Yunnan Gran Fondo already fatigued from my cycling adventures and this brought my total race days to 24 in just over a month! As you will have read from my previous reports about the Yunnan Gran Fondo, I had been plagued by bad luck that ultimately lead to the destruction of my high GC placing (the unfortunate but beautiful stage of Dali), I was determined to be rid of the bad luck and sign off my 2014 season with a good stage.

The parcours of this stage did not really suit me, featuring two laps containing a 6% 2.7km Temple Climb before racing up the 12km Jade Mountain climb.  However, I was still very active in the race in support of two riders. While lining up on the front row of the race, I was next to John Cattrall who was shivering quite violently, perhaps from a combination of the cool temperatures and nervousness? Cattrall knew that Wei Kui from Specialized could climb better than him and he would need to pull something extra special out of the bag to stay with the lighter rider. Cattrall asked me for help during the stage so I agreed to help to the best of my ability; this would mean sacrificing my own aspirations for the stage and focus on keeping Cattrall close to Wei Kui and sheltered from the wind as much as possible, at least for the first half of the race.

When the gun went, the Mongolians went on the attack immediately, like they always do but it was back together after they made an error at the round-about. The usual counter-attacks flew up the road one after the other, but nothing was allowed to go. I was riding on the wheel of Wei Kui for the majority of the time with John right behind me. A few times he would lose my wheel as the attacks would string out the field and I would find him and pull him back to the front. Sometimes it was not always necessary to be behind Wei Kui.

About 5kms before the Temple climb, there was a dangerous breakaway of about 8 riders and I took it on myself to bridge the gap with John in tow, it took several minutes but I made the catch and coming into the climb I was on the wheel of Wei Kui. When the road pitched upwards, Wei Kui rose out of the saddle and accelerated hard. I followed immediately and John was still right with me as we motored up the climb - however, within the first 1km my legs had exploded, perhaps due to the altitude; I was no longer able to sustain power and it was up to John to look after himself from here on. In a blown state, I managed to get over the climb about 30 seconds in arrears and managed to get with some other riders to rotate hard to catch the front group 10 minutes later. But not without some drama from some of the Chinese riders who refused to contribute evenly to the collective effort of the chase group. I recovered somewhat in the front group and was able to survive longer with the front group up the climb before getting dropped yet again just after the half-way point. I caught up with Shannon Bufton who was 5th on GC and was clearly not having a good day. He was struggling on the climb that I gave him a quick push and then helped pull him back to the main group right as the 12km climb begun. I had worked extremely hard to make the catch yet again after the Temple climb that I was already well into the red-zone as we climbed towards the 3,000m mark. With about 7km to go, the front group surged forward, most likely the attack from the young wonder-boy Lv Xianjing, which broke up the front group into pieces. I was already out the back when this happened. I was climbing solo for quite some time, before a group of three Chinese riders caught me with 3km to go. It was weird, I was riding steady tempo and they would have been riding faster in order to catch me. When they made the catch, they slowed down. I don't know why but thats what they did and the pace was slower than the pace I was riding at on my own. When I pulled to the front, they all slotted behind me. Clearly they wanted a draft and easy ride to the top. I swung wide and forced them to do the pace-setting; they responded and the pace went up. But soon they slowed down again, obviously watching for the foreigner (me) who was barely clinging on at the back. I had enough of this cat and mouse games with 1km to go, so I attacked. As I went by, I yelled some Chinese words that obviously riled them up. One of them yelled at me as he charged ahead with vigor. I wonder how come he was not expending this energy earlier? My surge forward was short-lasting, at this altitude I notice that my attacks are shorter and it takes longer for me to recover. So I rode the last kilometer up Jade Mountain with heavy lead legs with absolutely no acceleration left at all.  At least I gave my all and made the Chinese riders fight hard. It was truly an epic end to an epic week of racing in Yunnan. 

With the finish up at over 3000m, the wind was icy cold and it was important to get down the mountain before we got too cold. It was a splendid downhill run all the way back to the city of Lijiang. I did not want to leave this region, it was so beautifully majestic with the jagged peaks of Jade Mountain as the center-piece and the numerous rolling hills unfurling out across the horizon. This region is what many cyclists would die for to have the opportunity to ride in; we had only barely scratched the surface with the 82km raced from Lijiang to Jade Mountain, there are plenty of other roads and other vistas waiting to be explored. It is the collective hope of the peloton that the Yunnan Gran Fondo 2015 edition will see more stages held in the Lijiang region.   It is also the bicycle tourist dream region, do consider adding Yunnan to your cycling destination bucket list whether its for the 2015 Colorful Gran Fondo or if you are embarking on your own organized adventure!

Visit the official website: www.granfondochina.com and also "like" the page www.facebook.com/asiacyclingnews .

Thank You very much for your help during the week Daniel,we wish you merry Xmas to you and your family.

SaddleDrunk Team