Hello, I would like a Sichuan-Tibet cycling guide, email: 758876391qq@.com

We have just successfully completed the entire ride on the Southern Sichuan-Tibet Line. Before traveling, I referred to a large number of riders’ riding logs and strategies, but also found that, firstly, the road conditions and schedules along the way had changed somewhat, and secondly, most riders generally hitched rides more or less halfway and rarely explained. , resulting in discrepancies between the actual situation encountered during the entire ride and the guide, and unexpected difficulties may be encountered.

We have a backup vehicle. Except for the tool spare parts, first aid medicines, warm clothes, food and water that must be carried on the road, the rest of the items are placed on the backup vehicle to minimize the load. The Sichuan-Tibet Line is not a "dervish-style line" that requires frugality, nor is it a patent for adventurers. Rather, it is a charming, spirit- and will-testing line that many riders of different types and ages can choose. As long as you have a strong will, a healthy body, and enough time, you can realize your dreams.

The actual riding schedule is now detailed here for the reference of riders who plan to ride the Sichuan-Tibet Southern Line, so that they can be prepared and successfully complete the entire ride.

1. Reference kilometers: 2195KM (actual riding mileage, to the Potala Palace in Lhasa)

Chengdu City—147KM—Ya’an City—89KM—Xingou Village—104KM --Kangding County—74KM—Xinduqiao Town—77KM—Yajiang County—53KM—119 Daoban—89KM—Litang County—176KM—Batang County—47KM—Rirong Hot Spring, Zhubalong Town, Tibet—61KM—Mang Kang County—50KM—Zhuka Town—40KM—Dengba Village—73KM—Zogong County—107KM—Bangda Township—98KM—Basu County—92KM—Ranwu—132KM—Bomi Town—93KM— Tongmai Town - 76KM - Lulang Town - 72KM - Nyingchi Bayi Town - 133KM - Gongbu Jiangda - 103KM - Songduo Township - 188KM - Potala Palace in Lhasa

2. Schedule and strategy (The daily itinerary is the actual riding mileage)

D1 Chengdu City--Ya'an City (147KM)

Starting from Yongfeng Overpass, passing through Shuangliu, Xinjin, Qionglai, Mingshan to Ya'an . The 77KM from Chengdu to Qionglai is basically a flat road; the approximately 70KM section from Qionglai to Ya'an is an undulating road in hilly areas, and many sections are under road construction. Since the journey is relatively long that day, be sure to distribute your energy evenly and avoid excessive exertion.

The business hotels in Ya'an are all good, but the bathroom facilities in the guest rooms of Ya'an Hotel are very outdated.

D2 Ya'an City--Xingou Village, Tianquan County 89KM

Ya'an (590M)--Feixian Town (620M) 17KM---Tianquan (760) 21KM-- Xingou Village (1450M) 47KM. The hike is mainly uphill, and the slopes are quite steep in some places, making the entire trip quite physically demanding.

Accommodation in Xingou Village is relatively convenient and cheap, but the conditions are average. Riders with backup vehicles can choose Linjiang Hotel, which has backyard parking.

D3 Xingou Village - Kangding County 103KM over Erlang Mountain (to the tunnel entrance, about 2200 meters above sea level)

Xingou Village (1450M) - Erlang Mountain Tunnel Entrance (2200M )19KM--Luding (1340) 31KM--Kangding (2560M) 53KM.

Go uphill for 19 kilometers through Xingou Village to the tunnel entrance of Erlang Mountain, and then go downhill to Luding. The 24KM from Luding to Wasigou is mainly gentle uphill, and the last 25KM is a continuous steep uphill. The whole trip is quite physically demanding, so it’s best to start before 8 o’clock in the morning.

There are many accommodations in Kangding, you can choose according to your own situation.

D4 Rest in Kangding

It is necessary to rest for a day in Kangding. From here you will truly enter the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The first three days of the journey are not easy. You can make adaptive adjustments to your physical and mental state, pre-adapt to the plateau climate, and make appropriate additions to the items you carry. If you don’t rest in Kangding, in most cases, you will feel strongly unaccustomed to plateau riding in the next few days.

D5 Kangding County----Xinduqiao Town (77KM) Crossing Zheduo Mountain (4298 meters above sea level)

Kangding---Zheduotang Village (3300M) 16KM --Zheduoshan Pass (4298M) 20KM--Xinduqiao (3460M) 43KM.

Starting from Kangding, it starts to go uphill steeply. About 5 kilometers away, the road is built all the way to the Zheduo Mountain pass. Motor vehicles are allowed to travel in one direction during a limited time. The road is rugged and requires more energy than usual. The entire 43km stretch from Zheduoshan Pass to Xinduqiao is a bad road, very dusty and quite bumpy, making it difficult to go fast. Therefore, it is not advisable to stay at Zheduoshan Pass for a long time.

There are many accommodations in Xinduqiao.

D6 Xinduqiao Town—Yajiang County (77KM) Crossing Gaoershan Mountain (4412m above sea level)

Xinduqiao—Gaoersi Mountain Pass (4412M) 22KM---Yajiang (2600M)55KM.

It is about 20 kilometers from Xinduqiao to the Gaoersi Mountain Pass. The slope is relatively large and it is still relatively difficult. After passing the pass and going downhill for 2 kilometers, you will reach the undulating road on the plateau. The altitude is above 4000 meters. It is still quite slow due to lack of oxygen, so don't rush. Continue riding for about 6 kilometers and then reach the so-called second pass, which is a continuous downhill. The first 10 kilometers are steep downhill, and then it is a continuous downhill. The road is also relatively good, but you need to pay attention to control the speed and rhythm, safety first. , all the way down to Yajiang River.

There are many accommodations in Yajiang, and you can choose from hotels or family hotels.

D7 Yajiang County - Route 119 (53KM) over the Jianziwan Mountain (4659 meters above sea level)

Yajiang---Jianziwan Mountain Pass (4659M) 32KM---119 Daoban (4260M) 21KM.

The 32 kilometers from Yajiang to Jianziwan Pass has an elevation gain of about 2000M. Most of the road sections are continuous steep slopes, which are quite difficult. You need to prepare enough food and drinking water (there are basically no suitable supply points along the way), and it is difficult to go uphill. Pay attention to maintaining the best rhythm and especially have willpower. You need to get up early in the morning, preferably before 7:30. It is not advisable to stay for a long time after reaching the pass. The next 21 kilometers are on undulating roads on a plateau with an altitude of more than 4,000 meters. It is not easy, so you must hurry up.

Route 119 is relatively small. It is at a turning point on the side of the road. It is relatively hidden and can only be seen when you are approaching. Don’t miss it. Find the famous squad leader Lu here, he is very enthusiastic. If there are a lot of riders, you have to follow the arrangements of squad leader Lu. Generally, it is a common bunk, and the conditions are relatively difficult. Men and women live together, and there is no problem with eating. The altitude here is about 4,200 meters. Most people will have a certain degree of altitude sickness. Don't smoke, drink, or eat too much. It will be cold in the morning and evening, so be careful not to catch a cold. Don't drink too much water at night. The toilet is across the road outside Daoban, which is really inconvenient.

If you have a backup vehicle, you can buy some fresh vegetables in Yajiang and bring them to Daoban.

D8 Class 119—Litang County (89KM) Climbs Kazila Mountain (4718 meters above sea level) and five unnamed mountain tops above 4200 meters before and after

Class 119---- Kazila Mountain Pass (4718M) 30KM --- Kazila Mountain Radar Station 5KM -- Litang (4014M) 54KM.

Today’s journey is over 4,000 meters above sea level. It is a very hard day, so you must be mentally and physically prepared. Starting from Route 119, there is an uphill climb of several kilometers, and then there is a large ups and downs. To get to Litang, you have to climb at least 5 hills of 4200-4700 meters. You must not give up before reaching Litang. Willpower plays a decisive role. This section of the road is entirely asphalt and the altitude is above 4000M.

D9 Litang County-Batang County (176KM) Crossing Haizi Mountain (4616 meters above sea level)

Litang--the foot of Haizi Mountain (about 4300M) 74KM---Haizi Mountain pass (4685M) 11KM---Yidun Military Station (3630M) 18KM---Cola Township 10KM--Lala Mountain Tunnel entrance (3060M)--Batang (2550M) 35KM.

Be sure to get up early in the morning and set off before seven o'clock! The ride from Litang to Haizishan is on the Litang Plateau. The average altitude is about 4,000 meters, with ups and downs. The general trend is to go up slowly. The first 74 kilometers are relatively easy, so ride as fast as possible. 12 kilometers after seeing the Haizi Mountain sign, it started to go uphill significantly. The slope is relatively large, there is almost no buffer, and there is a feeling of hypoxia. It is even more difficult when encountering headwinds.

Go to the pass and go down to 2 Haizi. You can take photos, but don’t stay too long. The road ahead is still long, so be sure to avoid walking at night. The road down the mountain is steep, so you need to control your speed and rhythm and pay attention to safety. On the way, you have to pass through Yidun Military Station, Cuo La Township, 6 tunnels and finally reach Batang. From the Haizi Mountain pass to about 20 kilometers away from Batang, it is all downhill and the speed is relatively fast. The 20 kilometers to Batang is an ups and downs section and takes about 1 and a half hours. There are many flying stone areas along the 45-kilometer stretch from Cuo La Township to Batang, so please pay attention to safety.

Many guides suggest that today’s journey be divided into two days, with accommodation in Cuola Township on the way. We don’t think this is the best plan. Everyone’s physical and mental abilities have basically adapted to plateau riding. As long as there are no injuries, you can reach Batang in one day. The key is to start early and avoid walking at night. The accommodation conditions in Cuola Township are very poor and not conducive to rest and recovery. Several elderly cyclists we met on the road came from Cuo La Township, and we regretted the result.

Accommodation in Batang is very convenient and you can choose flexibly.

D10 Batang County - Tibet Mangkang Rirong Hot Spring (47km KM)

Batang---Zhubalong (2500M) 35KM---Hot Spring Villa (2640M) 12KM.

You can take a nap today to recover your body. The road from Batang to Zhubalong in Sichuan goes downhill slowly along the Jinsha River on an asphalt road. After crossing the middle boundary of the Jinsha River Bridge, you enter Tibet. Both ends of the bridge are guarded by armed police, and photography is strictly prohibited. They are guarded by the Sichuan Armed Police and the Tibetan Armed Police respectively. The Tibetan one requires ID verification. After crossing the Jinsha River Bridge, we entered Haitonggou, a super bad road and a famous landslide area. It took us almost 2 hours to ride 12 kilometers.

About 12 kilometers after crossing the Jinsha River Bridge, you can see a hot spring villa on the lower right side of the road, which is Rirong Hot Spring. The boss is from Qionglai, Sichuan. The food and accommodation are good and there are natural hot springs (the bathroom faucet releases natural hot springs too!). The altitude here is not high, so you can take a comfortable hot spring bath without worrying about altitude sickness.

D11 Rirong Hot Spring--Mangkang County (61 kilometers) over Zongbala Mountain (4170 meters above sea level)

Rirong Hot Spring---Sidaoban (3170M) 24KM ---Haitong Military Station (3560M) 10KM---Zongbala Mountain (4170M) 18KM---Mangkang (3870M) 9KM.

The reason why the trip from Batang to Mangkang is divided into two days is because most of this section from the Jinsha River Bridge to the Zongbala Mountain Pass is a bad road, with obvious gentle uphill or upward slopes. Mountain roads are quite physically demanding and time consuming. Even if most cyclists set out before 7 a.m., they may not be able to reach Mangkang before dark, and the armed police guarding the bridge on this section of the road have repeatedly reminded not to drive at night (it is unsafe). Therefore, the best plan for the Batang to Mangkang schedule is to divide it into two days and stay in a hot spring halfway. Tibetan families or restaurants near Haitong Military Station can also be used as intermediate accommodation, but the conditions are much worse.

There are many places to stay in Mangkang County, so you can choose freely.

D12 Mangkang County - Rumei Town (50KM) Crossing Lawu Mountain (4383 meters above sea level)

Mangkang---Lawu Mountain Pass (4383M) 13KM-- - Bamboo Card (2640M) 37KM.

The pass from Mangkang to Lawu Mountain is mostly asphalt, which is relatively steep. The pass from the pass to Zhuka is basically downhill, which is also a bit steep. It is an all-dirt road. Be careful of rear wheel drift in corners. A few kilometers closer to the Lancang River, there is no vegetation on the mountain, the temperature is obviously higher, and the road is more dangerous.

The only suitable accommodation in Zhuka is the Hot Spring Villa (actually there is no hot spring), which is just to the right after crossing the Zhuka Bridge. The conditions of other inns are relatively poor.

D13 Rumei Town--Dengba Village (40KM) Cross Jueba Mountain (3918m above sea level)

Zhuka---Jiaoba Mountain Pass (3918M) 25KM--- Dengba Village (3470) 15KM.

The entire journey is on dirt roads. After breakfast, we left the hot spring villa and started climbing. The first 7 kilometers go up slowly along the Lancang River. After leaving the river, the winding mountain road begins, which is more difficult. The approximately 12 kilometers up the mountain are winding back and forth on one side of Jueba Mountain. After turning around the mountain, it stretches for about 5 kilometers to the pass. .

When you go down the mountain to Denba Village, you may encounter many Tibetan children along the way. Some are very polite, while others may forcefully ask for things. There is only one Meishan Sichuan restaurant in Dengba Village, owned by a Sichuanese, that provides room and board.

Many guides suggest that you can stay at Rongxu Military Station. Our support vehicle arrived at Rongxu Military Depot first and was told that we could no longer stay after receiving orders from our superiors. The main reason was that some riders had made a lot of false and negative publicity on the Internet based on their personal emotions after staying at Rongxu Military Depot in the past. Now, All military stations on the Sichuan-Tibet Line no longer accept riders. We immediately adjusted our plans and decided to stay in Denba Village. Other riders from all over the country who were with us that day also adjusted their schedules along with us.

D14 Dengba Village---Zogong County (73KM) Crossing Dongda Mountain (5008 meters above sea level)

Dengba Village---Rongxu Military Station (4100M) 14KM ---Dongda Mountain Pass (5008M) 26KM---Zuogong (3750M) 33KM.

Today’s climb is about 40 kilometers, and the slope is not very steep. However, because the 26-kilometer section from the Dongda Mountain Pass is ridden at an altitude of 4000-5000 meters, the feeling of hypoxia will be greater. It is becoming more and more obvious that you should pay attention to controlling your breathing rhythm. If you encounter headwinds or sudden changes in weather, the difficulties will be significantly increased. This should not be underestimated and you should be prepared. It’s a bit steep about 3 or 4 kilometers from the pass.

Dongda Mountain is the second highest mountain on the southern Sichuan-Tibet line. The weather is unpredictable and the temperature is relatively low. There are strong winds almost every afternoon, and it often rains and snows. You must prepare jackets and pants ( or raincoat) and enough food and water. Several relatively strong young people traveling with us this time all suffered from severe altitude sickness during the journey.

The road down the mountain from Dongda Mountain is not good. It is a gravel road, and there is often thick floating soil at the curves. The rear wheels can easily slip when the speed is high. You must pay attention to controlling the speed to ensure safety. About 10km away from Zuogong, the road becomes asphalt, and then it slides all the way to Zuogong (there are several small slopes in the middle).

Boarding and food are very convenient in Zuogong.

D15 Zuogong County----Bangda Village (110KM)

Zuogong---Tiantuo Town (4010M) 64KM---Bangda (4120M) 46KM.

The asphalt road is in relatively good condition. There are ups and downs all the way, and the general trend is upward.

Bangda is very convenient for food and accommodation.

D16 Bangda Village----Basu County (99KM) Crossing Yela Mountain (4618m above sea level)

Bangda--Yela Mountain Pass (4618M) 13KM --Nujiang Bridge (2740M) 48KM---Basu (3250M) 47KM.

After leaving Bangda, go uphill until you reach the pass, on the asphalt road. At 3KM downhill, the asphalt road ends and the bad road begins. There is thick floating soil, and the sky is full of dust after the car passes. It is easy to slip on the curve, so you must pay attention to control the speed to ensure safety. After going downhill for a while, you can see the famous "Seventy-two Bends of Nujiang River". This road is not ordinary. It has steep slopes and many sharp turns. The road surface is gravelly, dusty and bumpy. Be careful of a tire blowout. Go all the way down to the famous Nujiang Bridge.

About 12 kilometers across the Nujiang Bridge to Wada Village is a gravel road plus a washboard road. There are many flying stone areas, so be careful when passing. After that, all the way to Basu County there were asphalt roads, undulating roads, going up and down at times.

Food and accommodation are convenient in Basu County.

D17 Basu County----Ranwu Town (92KM)

Basu---Zhongsha Village (4120M) 53KM---Anjiula Mountain Pass (4618M) ( G318--3857) 14KM---Ranwu (3920M) (G318--3880) 25KM.

It is all asphalt, and the road is relatively easy to walk, with gentle slopes. The slope down the mountain is a bit steep. The few kilometers of road near Ranwu Town are narrow and there are flying rocks. However, a protection corridor has been built now, which is relatively safe. However, you should pass quickly during the rainy season. .The snow-capped mountains stretch continuously before approaching Anjiula Mountain. The pass is not obvious. There is a Haizi nearby, which is regarded as a landmark attraction near the pass.

Ranwu is a very beautiful place, with beautiful lakes, mountains and snow-capped mountains. From Ranwu, take the Rancha Highway and walk along the edge of Ranwu Lake. You can also go to see the ancient glaciers. Or Renlongpa Glacier.

Accommodation here is very convenient, but food is quite expensive. We chose the wooden house on the lake in Ping'an Hotel, which was quite comfortable.

D18 1 day of rest and play

You can consult the boss of the accommodation point, contact the local off-road vehicle, and choose Laigu Glacier, Laigu Village, Renlongba Glacier and other attractions. Some cyclists also choose to ride bicycles to visit around Ranwu Lake.

D19 Ranwu----Bomi (132KM)

Ranwu---Zhongba (3330M) 53KM---Songzong (3050M) 36KM---Bomi (2730M) 43KM.

This is the most enjoyable day since entering Tibet. Most of the roads are downhill, and you can see many snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and beautiful scenery along the way. From G318-3898 to 3932 kilometers, there is a 30-kilometer-long dirt road, which is quite rough. The rest are all asphalt roads, all the way down the Parong Zangbo River.

D20 Bomi County-Tongmai Town (93KM)

Bomi---Guxiang (2650M) 35KM---Tongmai (2070M) 58KM.

The road from Bomi to Pailong slowly goes down the Parlong Zangbo River, with some slight uphill slopes. It is an asphalt road all the way to Tongmai, with primeval forests on both sides of the road, and the scenery is very good. 35 kilometers out of Bomi is a famous mudslide area. Some roads have constant water flow all year round and are covered with stones.

We stayed at the "Donkey Inn", a courtyard-style inn run by Sichuanese. The female boss is very friendly and diligent. The room is very clean and it is very convenient to wash and cool clothes. You can't go to Lulang Hotel. The rooms are very expensive but there is no bathroom.

D22 Tongmai Town-Lulang Town (76KM)

Tongmai--Pailong (2120M) 17KM---Dongjiu (2530M) 26KM--Lulang (3400M) ) (4157) 33KM.

One kilometer after passing Tongmai, you will enter the bad road in Tongmai. This bad road is about 27KM. It goes upstream along the Parlong Zangbo River. It is quite BT. Some places are like off-road roads, up and down. The slope is steep. This section of the road is a famous landslide area with large landslides when it rains and minor landslides when it doesn’t rain.

Passing through the Tongmai Pailong natural barrier, after passing Pailong, it continues slowly up. After about 5 kilometers, it is an asphalt road to Lulang Town.

Lulang is very beautiful, a bit like the Swiss Alps. You can take more photos in the morning and evening when the light is good. The stone pot chicken there is very famous, known as native chicken, and costs an average of 200 yuan per pot. Tibetan chicken is more expensive, but we feel it is far inferior to the qualified ginkgo stewed chicken in Chengdu (what we ate did not feel like native chicken, the breast meat was white and rough) , the chicken essence tastes too strong, and it is divided into freshly killed and non-freshly killed (we don’t quite believe it). There are more accommodations here, and Lulang Hotel is pretty good.

D23 Lulang Town-Bayi Town (72KM) Crossing Sejila Mountain (4515 meters above sea level)

Lulang---Sejila Mountain Pass (4600M) 24KM ---Lingzhi County (3010M) 30KM---Bayi Town (3000M) 18KM.

Soon after passing Lulang, we started to go uphill steeply, all the way to the pass of Sejila Mountain. The weather on the mountain is changeable, so you need to bring protective clothing. The scenery along the way is better, and if you are lucky, you can see Namjagbarwa Mountain. The slope down from the pass to Linzhi County is quite steep, and most of the curves are sharp, so be sure to pay attention to safety. The journey from Linzhi to Bayi Town goes up the Niyang River, which is relatively flat and the scenery along the way is beautiful.

Bayi is the second largest city in Tibet. It seems to be mostly Han people, relatively prosperous, and there is no problem with food and accommodation.

D24 Bayi Town--Gongbujiangda County (133KM)

Bayi Town--Gongbujiangda County (3430M) 133KM.

Today’s journey has been gently ups and downs, and the overall trend is that the altitude is rising. Now you should be fully accustomed to the Southern Sichuan-Tibet Line, and this trip will become easier.

Gongbu Jiangda County is not big, but Shenghu Hotel and Huaneng Rehabilitation Hotel are pretty good.

D25 Gongbujiangda County--Songduo Village (103KM)

Gongbujiangda County---Jinda Town (3670M) 43KM---Songduo Village (4300M) 60KM.

The hike is mainly uphill, with the first half of the trail going up gently along the Niyang River. There are many restaurants in Songduo owned by Sichuan people. Their main customers are passing tourist buses and self-driving cars. The conditions are not bad, but the prices are quite expensive. However, the accommodation conditions here are not good. They are the simplest ones, with single beds or bunk beds. The sanitary conditions are poor. Several people, regardless of gender, sleep in the same room. There is no dedicated bathroom, and most of them cannot wash their faces or brush their teeth. Local restaurants or small supermarkets basically provide this service.

There is "Songduo Hot Spring" 2 kilometers away from Songduo Village. It is purely natural and costs 5 yuan per person. You can take a hot spring bath here, which is quite comfortable, but the altitude of Songdo has reached 4,300 meters. You should be careful not to soak in the hot spring for more than 5 minutes and take a bath for more than 10 minutes. Movement and breathing should not be too large, as it will be a bit uncomfortable. If you have any reaction, you must come up immediately, sit aside and adjust your breathing to avoid altitude sickness.

D26 Songduo Village--Potala Palace in Lhasa (188KM)

Songduo Village---Milashan Pass (5013M) 28KM--Riduo (4380M) 25KM---Mozhu Gongkar (3820M) 58KM---Dazi (3700M) 47KM---Lhasa Potala Palace (3650M) 30KM.

Some strategies divide the last day of the journey into two days. Our actual actions prove that this is completely unnecessary. The final journey will make you feel irritable for no reason, so it’s better to use the final sprint to soothe yourself!

It is best to get up at 5 o'clock in the morning and set off at 6 o'clock. The entire journey is on asphalt. The first 20 kilometers are gentle and effortless, and the steep slopes begin at G318--4479 kilometers. Although the altitude is approaching 5,000 meters, I have basically adapted to plateau riding, and it is not as difficult as I imagined. Today’s journey is the longest day. Don’t stay at the pass for too long. Leave your time to Lhasa. Most of the road from the pass to Lhasa is downhill or gentle downhill, undulating, but it is not as easy as imagined. You need to replenish food and drinking water in time. Fortunately, you can buy it on the way.

When seeing the Lhasa River Bridge and the Potala Palace in the distance, everyone will have their own mood and thoughts. Be sure to take a photo in front of the Potala Palace Square!

At this moment, the cycling journey on the Southern Sichuan-Tibet Line is over, treat yourself well...

3. Other matters

1. About bicycles Preparation

The southern Sichuan-Tibet line has high mountains and long roads, many bad roads, and many turns and steep slopes, so mountain bikes are most suitable.

The most suitable tires are 1.95-inch tires. Although 1.75-inch or thinner tires have less resistance, they are easily punctured by gravel. Narrow tires account for the majority of those with multiple punctures along the way (my glory The earth won the title of fetal god 6 times, and 5 times he was punctured by gravel). In addition, the stability of 1.95-inch tires on bad roads is better than narrow tires.

Be sure to prepare enough tire repair kits, which are both lightweight and practical. If multiple people are setting off, one person should bring a spare tire.

Before departure, you must go to a professional car dealership to inspect your vehicle. If the bicycle has been used for a long time or is a second-hand bicycle, it is best to replace the entire bicycle cable and chain; be sure to check and adjust the rim wire. We have seen several cases along the way where we had to hitchhike or give up riding on the Sichuan-Tibet line due to simple failures such as broken steel wires that could not be replaced, burst tires, broken chains, broken bicycle cables, etc.

In Litang, Mangkang, Bayi and Gongbujiangka, we all saw bicycle shops or repair stalls.

2. About personal equipment

The weather in high-altitude areas is changeable and extreme weather occurs from time to time. It is difficult to guard against it. You must bring jackets and pants, high-top hiking shoes or mountaineering shoes (in simple terms , police raincoats and rain pants must be equipped), and other items such as fleece jackets and sweat-wicking shirts are appropriately equipped. The versatile headscarf is the best tool for sun protection and dust protection, so bring a few more.

Bring an extra towel and put it on the pillow when the accommodation conditions are poor to avoid psychological effects on sleep. You can also turn your coat inside out and cover it on the pillow.

When cycling on the Sichuan-Tibet line, it is generally difficult to find a suitable restaurant along the way. If you have a backup vehicle, you can buy 1-2 thermos bottles and prepare boiled water and Deyi instant meals (the instant meals we received on the way were given by the pastor). It is very convenient, hygienic, delicious and timely. We only have 4 It is not an easy meal to eat at noon.

3. Road safety

Don’t worry about the security situation. We did not feel unsafe along the way, but we need to pay attention to the following:

Batang County to Mangkang There are some Tibetan children along the county who are more accustomed to asking for things or even forcing things rudely. Under normal circumstances, you don't need to pay attention to them. Just say "Tashi Dele" and pass quickly. Don't get into trouble with them.

Avoid walking at night. If it cannot be avoided, be sure to work together in a group, and be sure to equip your car with headlights and taillights before traveling.

You must control your speed when grading on bad roads and steep slopes. You must not go too fast. You must slow down on curves. Otherwise, an accident may be a big accident!

If you are too sleepy, you would rather sleep on the roadside for a while than force yourself to ride a bicycle. We ourselves know that falling asleep while riding a bicycle is very dangerous. On the day we arrived in Lhasa, we saw a fellow cyclist falling miserably on the downhill road because he fell asleep.

If you encounter a dog bite, don’t panic. Just speed up and pass on the downhill road. On the uphill road, you can get out of the car and put the car in front. Don’t deliberately scare the dog. Generally, the dog will leave on its own initiative. Never hit the dog, otherwise the owner will not let you go.

4. Regarding physical fitness and mental preparation

Those who do not insist on physical exercise or do not have targeted physical exercise at least 2 months before departure, it is best to think twice. Otherwise it will be difficult to ride the entire distance. If you are determined to ride the Sichuan-Tibet Line, you must do as much physical exercise as possible for this trip. There are many ambitious people on the initial section of the Sichuan-Tibet Line, but there are only a few who can actually ride the entire journey without taking a ride.

We met many cyclists, especially young cyclists, along the way. Most of them had taken rides on the way or were regular rides. There are four reasons: first, lack of willpower, and wanting to hitchhike when encountering a difficult uphill climb; second, lack of physical exercise and physical preparation for the trip, either in daily life or for this trip, and being more prepared than capable; third, injuries. Fourth, there was insufficient pre-departure planning. The actual situation on the way was too different from what was expected, so we were unable to adapt and gave up our efforts.

There are two types of people who can persist in cycling for the whole journey: first, there are mostly middle-aged or elderly cyclists who have clear goals, strong will, and are well prepared; second, they are those who can persist in physical exercise or outdoor sports, and young people Basically fall into this category, and middle-aged and elderly riders also fall into this category.

If you decide to travel along the Sichuan-Tibet Line, you must do physical exercise and insist on running and cycling exercises with a certain intensity for at least 2 months. In preparation for my trip to the Sichuan-Tibet line, I started training for 3,000-5,000-meter runs twice a week five months in advance. I also insisted on long-distance cycling of about 100 kilometers every weekend and one hour of fast cycling every Wednesday night. Fellow riders Feidao and Huajiao have never stopped exercising with a large amount of exercise.

5. Lhasa bicycle consignment

There are many bicycle shops on Beijing Middle Road, all of which can package and consign bicycles on their behalf, which is very convenient.