National Day Cycling Diary – Including WeChat – The Lame-Legged Female Cyclist Explores Northwestern Fujian Day 3 & Day 4
October 4 and October 5, Zhouning – Gutian 180km – Fuzhou 130km, total 310km (two-day total spending: 415 yuan)
Because the two days were quite rushed and there weren't many stories or photos along the way, I'm combining the travel notes for both days:
Last night before bed I set an alarm especially. Xiao Zhang said he had to be at the bridal shop by 7 to serve as the bride's escort, so I got up at 6:30.
Rarely waking early, I had breakfast and walked through Zhouning's streets – last night's lively night market was now serene and elegant, the river cutting through it clean and clear.
From the bridge I saw an egret, quietly bathing in the morning light.
At 1:30 pm, we left the bridal shop and took my cousin (the bride) from the county town to her home. Last night it was too late to see the roadside scenery – layered green peaks, towering mountains, and from the mountaintop, a vast open sky and expansive clouds... (using every four-character idiom I could think of).
We rested for a while at the Xianquan service point, with sunlight shining down on the spring. With good weather, your mood is bound to be great.
But then... I learned that the wedding banquet was after 5 pm. Since I was still haunted by the shadow of nearly sleeping on the street the day before, my booked hotel room couldn't be canceled, so I had to miss the feast.
Yesterday, on the provincial road, one of my license plate screws fell off. Worried about potential issues with the tires or the bike, I went to a repair shop to have them checked, and everything was normal before I set off.
Taking a detour from the small roads – goodbye, Zhouning!
I set off close to 3 pm and reached Baishuiyang around 4 pm, too late to go into the scenic area. A typical guy's photography skills – I can't even complain.
With that awkward expression, there's nothing I can do.
Passing through Pingnan, I saw a statue of Gan Guobao – the pride of Pingnan people. From an imperial bodyguard to the governor of Taiwan, he fought in ten provinces throughout his life, repeatedly earning military merits, skilled in both literature and martial arts – a pillar of the nation. Such an idol deserves people's reverence!
After passing Pingnan, we met a fellow cyclist on the roadside heading to Xiamen. Although we all planned to stay in Gutian that night, he hurried ahead, and Xiao Zhang followed. This older brother was different in character from the Nanping cyclist – with the Nanping guy we rode slowly, stopping and playing along the way.
Passing by my hometown, Jixiang, because they kept rushing and missed many views, I was a bit frustrated and told Xiao Zhang: "Ride slowly and enjoy the scenery; if the brother is in a hurry, let him go ahead."
By the time we reached Cuiping Lake, it was already getting dark. We caught the tail end of the sunset clouds, adding a touch of mystery to the dark purple lake surface.
After arriving in the county town, we parted ways with the Xiamen brother and checked into different hotels. Once settled, we went out searching for the long-missed flavors of my hometown.
The best "box noodles" – I had to have a bowl no matter what, mixed with garlic and vinegar. This flavor sent my soul to heaven!
Beef slips and fish soup – ordered one of each, generous portions. Be sure to add some pepper and vinegar! Out-of-town friends visiting Gutian, don't miss this! (I forgot to bring my phone when I went out, so the guy's photography skills are what you see.)
Stuffed full, I went around the streets looking for Gutian-style fried noodles and grass root soup. The flavors of home aren't necessarily exquisite, but they evoke nostalgia. Like the guang bing my dad loves, or the bamboo shoots my mom adores.
The fresh noodles for fried noodles are similar to udon, with simple sides: always cabbage and pork, plus a bit of celery for garnish. Xiao Zhang thinks it's perfect with Shaxian chili sauce, but I insist the original taste is best.
Grass root soup – a magical existence that outsiders might not be able to handle. Dark black soup with a rabbit leg (bunnies are so cute, tastes great!), paired with a bowl of fried noodles. Free refills on the soup after finishing.
After eating and drinking our fill, we returned to the hotel and checked out the gym.
Played two games of pool with Xiao Zhang, each winning one, and I beat him by one ball.
This day's ride wasn't long, and I wasn't tired. My head was full of anticipation for reaching Gutian county and tasting hometown flavors. Because the food was so good, I forgave Xiao Zhang for his terrible photos. I'm really easygoing.
A little daily summary:
1. After experiencing bad road conditions, always thoroughly check your bike before riding again.
2. Don't force yourself to ride with incompatible riding buddies, haha.
Total spending: 415 yuan – Food 78 + Accommodation 272 + Gas 65.
The final day back to Fuzhou. A fellow cyclist was getting married, and I had to attend the evening banquet. Gutian – Fuzhou 130 km.
Woke up and opened the curtains – the weather was not friendly.
I wanted to eat at the east bus station in Gutian: guo bian with fried dough sticks, stone-ground soy milk, large sesame balls... Passing through the first floor, the self-service breakfast was still available, with fried dough sticks and soy milk, so I didn't go out searching. Since I often go back to my hometown, missing out on that wasn't a regret. No phone, no photos, just rambling here.
Happy overcast day – actually saw schools of fish in the lake, but couldn't catch any.
In the photos Xiao Zhang took, as long as my face wasn't in them, they were beautiful.
Shuikou town – let loose!
Come back to Gutian when I have time – goodbye for now!
Here's the Shuikou hydroelectric station without water flowing – spectacular.
This older brother was riding a 125cc scooter. He had just come back from Tibet. Compared to the Bombardier I saw passing by, I envied him more. I can't afford a Bombardier, so whatever, but I also could ride to Tibet – yet I lack the courage!
On the bike were all his luggage from the Tibet trip.
And so, the four consecutive days of cycling came to an end:
Final day's spending: 0 yuan.
In Big Fish & Begonia, there's a line:
"Our life is very short – we will eventually lose it – so why not be bold: love someone, climb a mountain, chase a dream."
"Take a long ride on a bike," haha!
Travel notes directory:
1. DAY 3 – October 4: Zhouning to Gutian
2. DAY 4 – October 5: Gutian to Fuzhou
3. Summary of 4 days, 660 km
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