Riding in Beijing
 

Hi,

I'm moving to Beijing this summer and am wondering if anyone know of any local clubs, not any elite / pro but more on a serious exercise level? Been riding for about a year and don't want to stop now... any expats that ride bikes in and around Beijing?

Good luck not passing out. Better invest in a gas mask.

I rode around Beijing for about 2 weeks a few years ago. It was February, and although it was dry, the temperatures were a bit cold. At some point, I went from the center (Tiannamen), headed East to the Outer ring (at the time - the number may have grown by now), back across heading East to the OTHER side of the Outer Ring, and then back to the center. By the time I finished, my lungs were burning more than I'd ever felt in my life, and I was sick for about two days afterwards. Killer.

While riding I did not spot any roadie-type groups, most people were riding around on heavy-duty (and very heavy) beaters. Occasionally a MTB of some low-end caliber, but nothing great. There are more cars now than cyclists overall, which is annoying - but overall, cycling traffic is great.

I have doubts you'll find any roadies within the inner rings... perhaps there are a few ex-pats (they have their own section of the city, near all the embassies) that have formed some small clubs or groups, but I have my doubts. You may end up with better luck finding groups in the North, where there is a growing population of very suburban-type dwellings, smoother roads with less traffic (comparatively), and more likelihood to be interested in cycling for purely roadie interests.

Good luck!