Johnny Isaak | Adventure Cyclist
A compendium of adventure cycling chronicles, travel lore, tips, techniques, and tactics for the adventure cycling perplexed.
The angry, pulsating brown water thundering past mere feet away resonated at my very core. At narrowest point of Leaping Tiger Gorge, the full force of the Jinsha Jiang or “Golden Sanded River” coursed past me in a naked display of raw aggression. I had never seen such power or stood in such close proximity to so much unbridled energy. The raging power and fury of the Jinsha resonated on a primal level.
Tracing routes on Ancient Tea Horse Road southward to Xishuangbanna, we continued to transit through the incredibly diverse Yunnan landscape, some of the best China has to offer.
Across the bridge on our way to Jinghong, I was able to glimpse the last vestiges of light marking the conclusion of a wonderful day. Mid bridge, I stopped to take a picture. Straddling my bicycle on the empty span, I made this image capturing the final rays of sunlight fading to gray.
Not only are bicycles great for long-distance travel, but they are also excellent vehicles for getting under local cultural strata as well.
Clear days and mild fall temperatures bring pleasant riding weather. Itching to get out a bit, I was up in the morning and out into Shanghai my bike seeing what there is to see.
This morning’s destination: one or more of Shanghai’s longtangs or “lane houses” in the hopes of getting a peek into the city’s quintessential yesteryears that are all too rapidly fading away.
In a city like Shanghai, adventure is only a short ride away.
Up before the dawn, getting ready to go. The house is quiet, my family sleeps. Rising in the darkness to hit the road early. Down a cup of hot coffee and dress in warm clothes. Out the door and up the street to meet the day.
Laboring over the pedals, generating speed. Off the road and onto a dirt path. Frost coated gravel crunching under my wheels. Crisp autumn air biting my cheeks and stinging in my throat.
I looked up and turned my head toward the east. Fire in the sky, glowing orange, and yellow, a burning ember. Camera in hand, I straddle the bike and make a picture, capture the moment. Nevada sunrises are among the best I’ve seen.
I recently nabbed a pair of Ortlieb’s Gravel Pack panniers to replace a pair of front Ortlieb Roller Plus panniers I’ve been running on the rear of my Divide for the past couple of years.
Still, with years of life remaining in the Roller Plus panniers, they’ve found a new home on the rear rack of my wife’s touring bike. Ever since last summer’s cycling trip to Hokkaido, she’s adopted then as her own and I’m sure they will give her with many years of trouble-free service.
Here’s my initial take on the new bikepacking lineup offer from Ortlieb…
Breaking snow on an early winter morning. Pedaling in near silence. Not a sound save for my panting breath and the snow crunching under my wheels. Still air. Not a single leaf rustling or a snowflake falling. Not another soul to be found. I have the ride to myself. The emptiness, the silence moves me as I pedal on. Times like these are special. They’re moments for adventure, small opportunities while living life in the normal world.
Destination: Anhui province and the misty mountains of Huangshan or Yellow Mountain. In China, adventure is always near. Hopping a high-speed train with your bike in a bag will take you southwest to the city of Jinhua, which is located in the middle of mountainous Zhejiang province. From there, it’s a couple of days ride to the Huangshan national park on twisty mountain roads that transit some of the most stunning scenery to be found in China.
Continual travel is a way to keep the dream alive. Time on this rock is limited and everyday reality has a nasty way of interfering with one’s dreams if you’re not careful. Seems the wolf is always at the door. Big adventures in New Zealand and central Asia are still on the distant horizon. Shorter adventures must fill the gaps in between. The close proximity and easy access to the emerald mountains of Anhui offer the perfect adventure fix.
