My dear's biking in Beijing adventures

[crazycanuck]

My dear left the other day to work for a month in Beijing. (In july he spent 5 weeks in Wuhan/Beijing but didn't have a bike with him. That's not a bad thing though.... From the hotel he stayed at in Wuhan to the place he was doing blah blah stuff was about 1 1/2hr drive...) He has an Ipod Touch thing with the mandarin speaking application..dunno if they have anything bike related on it..

Last night he bought a really really cheap bike(equivalent of$50 australian) to commute to work. I have no idea how long the thing will last but since it was I couldn't wait for his first biking in Beijing story & today I received an email with pics about his adventure....
The email went like this...

" It was great to get out last night and to ride to work this morning - where I had even more entertainment.

The chain broke.

And, while I was literally standing there on the side of the road trying not to laugh when a man appeared out of no where, and despite the fact the he spoke no English and my Mandarin is limited to "Thank You" our conversation went something like this.


M) Ah good morning sir I see you have a problem, if you follow me I will be able to assist.

I) why thank you sir.
(At his "Workshop")

M) I see the chain is broken - but it is a rubbish chain - may I offer you a new improved chain.
I) I agree entirely - Please replace it sir.
M) And while your here, let me make it so these rubbish brakes actually do some thing and add some lube to your chain.
I) again sir, I agree , please do.
M) There you go, have a nice day
I) and thank you sir.


And I was on my way to work.
with a smile on my face.

Here are the three pics he included.

[bmccasland]

Bless the bike mechanic!

[Pika]

I love that! I can just imagine the conversation!!
So cool he is able to bike there! I would never had the nerve.

[Biciclista]

LOVE IT! keep these stories coming!!

[malkin]

I love the gloss for the conversation!

[shootingstar]

Great little story, CC. Glad he's somehow enjoying himself. He'll get loads of memories from this work stint.

[crazycanuck]

My dear found a better/reliable bike & picked it up last night. A Dahon folding bike of some sort & will purchase a bike bag before he leaves. So, if he has to venture to Adelaide or wherever, he can bike in that city.

He mentioned that he arrived at work yesterday with the thought "hey, i'm biking in beijing"...

He even has his helmet cam with him!

[Biciclista]

we have Dahons too they are great bikes!! Do keep us posted.