adventure

Exploring Shanghai’s Vanishing Longtangs

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.

Gear Review: Ortlieb Gravel Pack

by Johnny Isaak ·

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…

Travelogue: Go Your Own Way

by Johnny Isaak ·

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.

Travelogue: Xiapu Sunset

by Johnny Isaak ·

The sun is setting on the shrimp ponds of Xiapu, Fujian. Local farmers have called it a day and retired for the evening. The water is still, the landscape quiet. Miles of riding remains before sleep will come tonight.

Riding into the night has a magic all its own. Catching the final rays as the light fades to gray and then to dark gives one pause for a bit of thought and reflection.

Ride to Za Pu: Adventure by the Sea

by Johnny Isaak ·

The great thing about China is an adventure is always near. As the longest continuous civilization on the face of the earth, there is always someplace to go, something to see. It was time to let the spirit run and see what there was to see. Destination: the coastal fishing village of Za Pu in Zhejiang province on the north shore of Hangzhou Bay.

After kissing my wife and daughter on the cheek, I pedaled my bike out the compound gate and down the street in a southerly direction. Gradually the concrete, steel, and glass of Shanghai fell away behind me. Traffic congestion easied and the riding became more relaxed. I considered the importance of time, our most precious resource. When the opportunity presents itself, ride.

Mia Rides: Double Century Adventure to Tai Lake

by Johnny Isaak ·

“Do you want to ride? It’s a long way, close to 100 miles of cycling two days in a row. Are you really up for it?” Mia nodded her head confidently. “Dad,” I want to ride. “I can make it.” Give your children a taste of adventure and they will rise to the challenge.

Our family was traveling out to a small cottage on Sanshan Dao, a small island on Tai Lake, for Golden Week to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival and the Chinese National Day. The holiday would consist of a simple family dinner of local fare, a little exploring on the island, followed by a night mahjong for those game. The next morning, we’d all return to Shanghai for a final family dinner in the city.

Keeping the Rohloff Hub Topped Off

by Johnny Isaak ·

Maintaining the oil at the right level in your Rohloff Hub is essential to keeping the hub in good working order and will prevent damage the drive’s internal components due to a lack of lubrication. Here’s are a couple of tips you may be interested in that I use to keep my Speed Hub operating smoothly over the long-haul.

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