Introductions - Want to ride in China

Long term thinker about long distance cycling, but too scared of traffic.

Now working in China and wanting to see more of it.

Seriously thinking of a DIY recumbent, ( if I can find a good wielder). Recumbents are virtually unheard of over here , like having more than 1 gear was 20 years ago, ( and the load carrrying bikes still don't have more than 1, life is cheap here, and employers cynical about extra costs).

Current bike? only the Heavy Clunky shopper provided by the school.( Single gear, currently without a bell or front brake).

Fitness level? Good when walking, need to work on it on a bike

welcome to bike in zhejiang!

You know the cycling scene is some parts of China---People getting in one anothers' ways deliberately; sixty passenger busses physically brushing you aside as they pass, or bumping as the case may be. It would be advisable to sprout eyes on all four sides of your head in the big cities. Caution is the watchword, but you can cross the country cycling without mishap by being aware and circumspect.

An idea that has been pressing for sometime now is the possibility of cycling eastern China to western Europe, which for me would close a long standing gap that would complete an around-the-world bicycling odyssey.

Those heavy, one-speed untilty bikes they use in the PRC will last your lifetime and then some. Would I choose to transcon on one? Nope. Though I am sure it has been done, why have a baloney sandwich at a steak dinner? China has plenty of good touring machines.