BUY NO RHINO: Nihau, Kicking Off In China

Whenever we told anybody before our trip we would ride through China, people were really shocked. “What, two girls by yourself? Isn’t that dangerous?” “China, oh no!” So it went on. Needless to say, we were a little nervous and intimidated about number one, getting into this country, and number two, cycling through it.

But, so far, so good! We were positively surprised crossing the border from Macau into China Mainland; it was no problem at all. We even wore all our Buy No Rhino branded kit. Nobody even bothered. (So no, we did not get thrown behind bars, like some friends predicted. At least not until now… J.)

The first week of our journey we spent in Hong Kong where we assembled our bikes and visited four schools, educating the kids on what is happening in South Africa to our rhinos and informing them about the Rhino Art project which they can take part in. The children’s responses were amazing; they were so enthusiastic and inquisitive about our trip, loved seeing our bikes and some finished their rhino art paintings by the very next day.

After getting our last minute shopping list done, we took a ferry from Hong Kong to Macau, which seems to be the Las Vegas of China. Glitzy, opulent gambling hotels everywhere. From there we cycled across into China. Today, only after our 4th day on our bikes our routine has adjusted. Our new clock is the kilometres showing on our speedometers.

The day starts with finding breakfast, which in China is generally the same as lunch and dinner, namely noodles with prawns, chicken or pork; slightly less spicy for the morning meal. We then pack our bags and set off for the day. After the first 20km we have a little snack, 10-15km further we stop for lunch. In the late afternoon, clocking in about another 20km we look for a hotel. So far we are averaging 15km/hr, covering between 50-60km a day. Once our bodies have adjusted to riding everyday we can push the kilometres a little harder.

The roads in China have been really great. The drivers have also been super considerate, most of them hooting once or twice when they approach us from the back, then generally doing a large swerve around us (even on the highway where we passed large signs saying “No bikes”…). Obviously every once in a while you get some idiot that comes screaming past you with only a few centimetres to spare. In this case holding your line is key – just don’t start a speed wobble. And if all fails, pull into the bushes.

I still have to get used to the sound of these huge buses and trucks approaching me. It sounds like they will steam roll right over me. At the beginning I would get so scared that I just wanted to throw myself into the side ditch. But I am learning that generally there is ample space between us. It is just a matter of getting used to cycling on busy Chinese highways. This is where our brilliant little side mirror comes in handy. I can really recommend this to others wanting to do some touring, as you can see exactly what is approaching.

People have been really great too. Everyone is super friendly. Most cannot speak any English, but Vicky brought a great picture book, which comes in handy. For example for our dinners we point to all the veggies and any foods that are green in the book and hope for the best. Please no more rice and weird animals! The people get very excited when we enjoy their food and their faces light up when we give them our thumbs up.

Click here to read all the blogs from the Buy No Rhino Expedition

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