Although the weekend had been in planning since August, a last minute affair ended up being an eye-opener in the hills of Zhejiang, leaving us all wanting more.
Leaving Shanghai on the road, we made our way past the HQP and made it to Ningbo just before midnight.
Although Jeffrey Reed had invited Shanghai riders to Ningbo before, we never took him up on the offer. After pancakes and coffee, Jeff drove us out for about an hour just outside of Ninghai to Huangtan.
It wasn’t long until we were climbing. Roads were nice and it didn’t take long for the climbing to start. A 400 metre climb around 4-6% was followed by a 500m climb at 4%- within the first 40km.
We were unsure how to continue and decided to head partway up the hill and then turn back so we returned to the van before nightfall. Unsure what is ahead, because the pavement ended. We were really in the interior of Zhejiang. Phillipe, being the most Chinese looking of us was asked by a local hiker to take a photo of Justin and Jeffrey.
The rain started on our final descent, and it was back to the van, before returning to Ningbo for peanuts and beer. Had supper at Uncle Bruce’s. Tasty burgers and then hit Dragonfly for a massage. Lao Wai Tan is worth checking out. Not far from many hotels. Very loud clubs though.
Sunday was cold and wet. After some hesitation, we were glad that Phillippe and Jeffrey made the call for us to make the trip.
A 400m climb at 5% was fine in the rain, but it was a little cold on the descent. It was worth it though as we started cycling through valleys and along a reservoir with a lovely new path beside it.
We were greeted with some broken concrete on the return leg, once we returned to the flat, but there are worse things in the world.
There were plenty of options to cycle on day 2 and Ningbo is definitely worth a return trip.
Phillipes Photos
JJ Photos
Again a special thanks for Jeff and his wife going out of their way to look after us so well and Phillipe for driving.
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