Fujian, great experience!
Great experience from my tour of xiamen to anxi, nanan and tong an. All in all I covered roughly 260 km over 4 days. FYI I did not plan for this ride.
Cycling in Fujian even during mid Sept can be very uncomfotable. The weather changes quickly from day to day. It can have very humid and hot one day and next few days shower and a drop in temp. I believe Oct month would be ideal for cycling tours in Fujian.
Weather is one issue the other is attire. I was wearing a normal collared T shirt. However I have discovered that the thin, cheap no collar cotton t-shirt is the best. It's thin and cool, light weight and dries in your room over night easily!
Shoes? When it rains, your shoes would weigh a ton, and how are you going to dry them? So you need a light weight slipper or the strapped sandle would be perfect. Weight is always a big consideration in tour like this.
Bicycle? Yes, a light weight, gears for climbing hills and right type of tyres would be ideal. In fact a good set of tyres is essential ! A hybrid or tour bike is best suited for tour like this. Lights, meter, light weight mudguard, LOCK are essential items. Hey my giant cost only around rm 500 !!
Bags and baskets? I had to wrap my rain coat and other stuff in plastic bags around the handle, real bloody cumbersome. Will be fantastic if I can have to carriers like pic below. I use my usual backpack, not a good idea for long distance cos your back sweats a lot.
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Light weight raincoat. I bought one in Anxi but never got round to use it ! Bloody burden carrying them round over 100km !
Dont forget a pair of good glove, a sunglass and a small camera. I also carry my small asus notebook with me.
Energy bar, saline solution and banana ! I usually stop by every oppotunity to chit chat with locals, eat a banana and rest for a while before riding again. I like to stop by bike shops cos then i have something in common to talk about and coversation can become more interesting.
A lifesaver repair kit and a good lightweight pump ! A spare tyre can be also useful.
I believe the key to enjoying a good tour in Fujian during Sept or even summer months is too be prepared for the heat and also the rain and at the same time keeping things light.. a hard balance? The catch is dont over plan else you will be stuck at the starting block !
Will update with more tips... Cheers!
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