Riding into the Wind: A Beginner’s Cycling Transformation Around Chongming Island

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From 43km to 200km: Discover how a group of beginners conquered a Chongming Island cycling loop. Learn route tips, gear advice, and the transformative power of long-distance cycling. Start your own journey today.

Introduction: The Moment You Can’t Stop

Some things, once you start them, you simply can’t stop. Cycling is one of those things.

In the spring of 2020, a group of friends who originally just wanted to “ride around a bit” went from a 43-kilometer trip watching planes take off and land near Hongqiao Airport to a full 200-kilometer loop around Chongming Island. This isn’t some professional cyclist’s heroic feat—it’s the story of ordinary people leveling up. There’s sweat, night riding, the risk of flat tires, and the healing power of a bowl of wonton soup from a roadside stall.

If you’ve ever had that thought—maybe I should try a long-distance ride too—then this article might just be your starting point.

[Link: Beginner cycling tips for long-distance rides]

From 43km to 200km: The Evolution of a Beginner

Let’s start with our “track record.” Nothing earth-shattering, but every step counted:

March 22, 2020: First ride, 43km, watching planes at Hongqiao. My legs were sore for three days.
April 5, 2020: Second ride, 80km, from Huqingping Highway to Zhujiajiao. Started thinking cycling might actually be fun.
May 1, 2020: Third ride, another 80km, from Malu to Baoshan Paotaiwan Wetland Park. This time, I didn’t collapse afterward.
May 21–22, 2020: Fourth ride, 200km! We completed a full loop around Chongming Island.

Yes, cycling is addictive. When you realize you’ve gone from 43km to 200km, the sense of achievement hits harder than any fitness tracker milestone.

[Link: How to build cycling endurance gradually]

The Crew: A Beginner’s Cycling Team Like No Other

Let me introduce our wonderfully eccentric team. Special thanks to our resident artist, Jingjing, who captured our vibe perfectly in a hand-drawn group portrait. As one of our teammates put it: “A mother hen leading a bunch of chicks.” Couldn’t be more accurate.

The Big Boss Leader – Yong

The soul of our team. He can hit speeds over 40 km/h but always hangs back at the rear to keep everyone together. With him around, you never worry about getting lost or left behind.

The Crazy Racer – Dali

Like Popeye after a can of spinach. Day one, he was unstoppable, leading the pack. Unfortunately, day two brought his knees to their knees—impulse is a cruel master.

The Post-00s “Old Driver” – Pang

Insists he’s a post-2000s generation “old” driver, piloting the support vehicle. Without him, our luggage and watermelon would’ve had nowhere to go.

The Cadence Machine – Panda

Endless leg power, with a cadence like a video on double speed. A natural-born athlete with both explosive speed and endurance—rides like he’s motorized.

The Burst of Energy – Jingjing

The fastest improver. On day two, she hit 36 km/h and was immediately elevated to legend status. She’s also our visual chronicler—all the hand-drawn illustrations in this article are hers.

The Overconfident “Queen” – Xiaobin

That’s me, the author. Full of bravado before the ride, then obediently bringing up the rear on day two. Blamed it on the bike not being properly adjusted… yeah, excuses are my specialty.

[Link: How to choose the right cycling group for your skill level]

A Spontaneous Plan Born Over Hotpot

We’re an incredibly laid-back group. Ideas about cycling come and go in an instant. This Chongming Island loop was hatched over a hotpot dinner—from the first spark of an idea to the decision to go, it took about as long as Yong’s cigarette break outside.

Spontaneous, go-with-the-flow, full of surprises.

Chongming Island Cycling Route: How to Draw the Loop

As casual as we are, with Yong in charge, we never truly go off the rails. Before setting out, we had a basic plan:

Start and End Point: Xinhe Town — Xinzhong Road Tuancheng Highway (support vehicle parking)
Two-Day Route: Evenly split. Day one: 104km. Day two: 96km. Total: 200km.
Accommodation: Hanghang Farm Stay (Hongqiao Village, Jianshe Town, near Dongping Forest Park). Found on the fly, no advance booking.

Pro tip: If you’re planning a Chongming Island cycling trip, consider booking accommodation in advance during peak seasons. The island’s farm stays fill up quickly.

[Link: Best cycling routes around Shanghai for beginners]

The Ferry Adventure: Arriving on the Island

We planned to leave the bike shop at 8:30 a.m., but after delays—test rides, refueling, prep—we didn’t actually set off until nearly 11 a.m. Originally, we wanted to take the land route, but the GPS had other ideas. By the time we realized, we were already on the road to the ferry.

Laughing and joking, we didn’t mind.

We caught the noon ferry and arrived at the South Gate around 1 p.m., grabbed a quick KFC, then rushed to Xinhe Town. We parked near Xinzhong Road Tuancheng Highway, changed clothes, adjusted our bikes, and at 3 p.m., the island loop officially began.

[Link: How to take your bike on a ferry – a complete guide]

Shock! First Hour: 30+ km/h

In May, Chongming Island is bursting with greenery. The roads are like paintings.

Riding through the shade of trees, wind on your face—it satisfies both the eyes and the body. The roads are wide, the air is fresh, traffic is light, and traffic lights are few. After an hour, we checked our tracking app—we’d somehow averaged over 30 km/h without even realizing it. That was our best performance yet, and it boosted our confidence immensely.

After more than an hour on straight, open roads, we turned into the countryside. Farmland, houses, narrow paths, streams… The pastoral scenery was pure bliss.

[Link: Best time of year for cycling in Chongming Island]

An Endless Battle: Fighting the Wind at the Estuary

The sky began to darken. The roads were empty. It was just the six of us cycling through the world. That feeling of a once-in-a-lifetime encounter? Absolutely incredible.

We had just reached the estuary. The sea wind howled.

This was the most unforgettable stretch: a straight road along the coast, wind so strong it felt like the bike was drifting. Dali, Panda, and I took turns breaking the wind—bodies low, eyes locked on the rear tire of the rider ahead, keeping a one-meter distance. The road stretched endlessly into the distance. It felt like we’d been riding for a century, just the three of us battling the elements.

Finally, we hit a turn, and the brutal stretch was over. The memory is so vivid that even now, the sound of the wind feels real.

We celebrated with a handstand. Applause would be appropriate here.

Keep Riding in the Dark: Chongming Night Cycling Survival Tips

After the estuary, we entered narrow village roads. Glancing back, the sunset painted the sky in shades of pink—dreamlike.

But beauty belongs only to the daytime.

When darkness fully set in, so thick you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face, I wanted to scream at the sky: Where are the streetlights on Chongming?

We started late in the afternoon; none of us expected to ride so long in the dark. No headlamps, no streetlights—we relied on the faint glow of our phones to navigate. The concrete roads slowly turned into gravel (many roads on Chongming are under construction), and to avoid flat tires, we had to get off and push. The countryside paths were so quiet there wasn’t even the sound of insects—an unsettling silence.

Tired and hungry, our energy levels plummeted. Following the GPS to find our lodging, we hit a dead end. Turn back, recalculate…

But despite the exhaustion, our spirits stayed high. We chattered away, complaining about the rough roads and lack of lights while debating what to eat for dinner. By 8:30 p.m., barbecue, beer, hotpot—all the classics were on the table. We’re a food-obsessed team, and the thought of a meal (even imaginary) gave us the strength to push another 30+ km/h.

[Link: Essential night cycling gear for safety]

The Colored Lights That Saved Us in the Dark

What rescued us from the pitch-black night was a flickering string of colorful lights, glowing brightly in the darkness.

We thought it was a farm stay. When we knocked, the owner said it was a restaurant, not a hotel. The kitchen staff had already gone home, and he was enjoying his own “local time” with peanuts and liquor, planning to close up soon. Little did he expect a group of unexpected guests.

He was incredibly kind. He said he knew a nearby guesthouse and could help us arrange it. He also had some wontons in the kitchen that he could whip up for us.

Like starving wolves, we ordered wontons, peanuts, cold chicken, and cold noodles. That meal was pure magic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chongming Island Cycling

1. Is Chongming Island suitable for beginner cyclists?

Absolutely. The island’s roads are mostly flat, traffic is light, and the scenery is beautiful. Our group went from 43km to 200km in just two months. Start with shorter rides and build up gradually.

2. What’s the best time of year to cycle around Chongming Island?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable temperatures and stunning scenery. Avoid summer afternoons when heat and humidity can be intense.

3. How many days do you need to cycle around Chongming Island?

Most cyclists complete the loop in two days, covering about 100km per day. This allows time for breaks, sightseeing, and enjoying local food. Experienced riders can do it in one long day.

4. What gear do I need for a Chongming cycling trip?

Essential gear includes: a well-maintained bike, helmet, repair kit (spare tubes, pump, tire levers), lights for night riding, water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and a GPS or map app. A support vehicle is helpful for luggage.

5. Are there places to eat and stay along the route?

Yes. Chongming Island has numerous farm stays, guesthouses, and local restaurants. However, during peak seasons, booking in advance is recommended. Many rural roads have limited services, so carry snacks and water.

Your Cycling Transformation Starts Now

Our journey from 43km to 200km wasn’t about being professional athletes. It was about showing up, riding together, and discovering that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I could never do that”—remember, we started exactly where you are now. One ride at a time. One pedal stroke at a time.

Ready to start your own cycling transformation?

Plan your first ride: Choose a flat, scenic route near your home. Aim for 20-30km.
Find a riding buddy or group: Cycling with others keeps you motivated and safe.
Set a goal: Maybe it’s 50km. Maybe it’s 100km. Maybe it’s a full Chongming loop.
Invest in basic gear: A reliable bike, helmet, and repair kit are all you need to start.

The wind is waiting. The road is calling. Your transformation begins with that first pedal stroke.

[Link: Beginner cycling training plan – 8 weeks to 100km]

What’s your cycling goal? Share it in the comments below, and let’s ride together.