As a motorcycle friendly mega-city in China, Chongqing is seeing motorcycle culture revving up into a vibrant lifestyle for many people of all ages.
The 20th China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition kicked off on November 12 in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, presenting a four-day feast for tens of thousands of riders.
The Chongqing International Expo Center in Liangjiang New Area has hosted four sessions of the China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition since 2019. (Photo/Chen Wensen)
Lu Miaomiao, a Chongqing local, keeps some necessities, a swimsuit, and a hammock in the storage compartment of her touring motorcycle. She is always ready to hit the road.
A motorcycle is a popular way of transport in the mountain city of Chongqing, especially in the early years when cars were less affordable. Lu bought her first motorcycle years ago for commuting before it became her biggest enthusiasm.
"A motorcycle takes me to places a car can't. I love swimming and fishing, and I can ride through forests and get straight to a riverside," Lu said she spends a lot of time on her motorcycle and has discovered a handful of secret spots with great views where she can enjoy some quality time.
Lu Miaomiao's motorcycle on a quiet forest path. (photo provided to iChongqing)
This 28-year-old girl loves touring on a motorcycle and has ridden as far as Alashan in Inner Mongolia, a dream destination of many riders. "Riding gets me close to nature, to feel the rain drops, the wind blowing in my hair, and the sun shining down on my face."
Robert M. Pirsig wrote in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance that when driving in a car, you see everything through a window as a passive observer. On a motorcycle, you're completely in contact with it all and get this overwhelming sense of being there, Lu added.
A deep scratch stands out on the windshield of her motorcycle, right next to the sticker of a pink-hair girl. It is a mark of her first rescue experience. When Chongqing combated mountain wildfires caused by extreme heat waves this summer, Lu was one of many motorcyclists who volunteered to deliver supplies to the firefighting front lines, where the path was too narrow for large vehicles.
Lu went to the spot at midnight when she heard motorcyclists were needed and used up two tanks of fuel running supplies up and down the mountain. "I found no reason not to go. I saw the 'motorcycle army' there trying their best to help, and it was courageous and loving," Lu said.
His fascination with motorcycles started in high school
The heroism displayed in the battle resonated in the city. Another rider Chen Yingjun, who owns a coffee shop, offered free coffee to firefighters and members of the "motorcycle army."
Chen came from Hangzhou and settled down in the city two years ago. "There was a time when I didn't quite fit in and wanted to go back to Hangzhou, where all my friends are. Chongqing's friendly attitude toward motorcycles was a compelling reason why I decided to stay and start my coffee shop. Plus, its complex layout of roads also excites a rider," Chen said.
Chen is always touched by drivers who fold the back-view mirror when stuck in traffic congestion and let him ride through a narrow path, "this is a trivial thing that could make your day," he added.
His fascination with motorcycles started in high school, "I watched a movie called A Moment of Romance, and there was a scene where the male character riding on an overpass with his girlfriend on the rear seat, that was so cool. I thought I've got to have one," Chen said.
He got the license and bought his motorcycle soon after his coffee shop started running, "I rarely drive my car now and always ride. As long as I am riding, I am carefree and under no pressure," Chen said.
Customers are likely to start conversations by asking if he rides as he placed three helmets on a shelf as decoration. "Some of them are riders themselves, so we start chatting and hanging out. I get to know more people and make friends," Chen said. The coffee shop is becoming a chill spot for riders, livening up the quiet neighborhood.
"It is always a great pleasure to meet kindred minds. I know a delivery man who delivers on a scooter during the day and rides his motorcycle for fun almost every night. I know a young rider who shares my enthusiasm for coffee, so I teach him how to brew. Motorcycle becomes my connection to the once-strange city and makes me feel I belong," Chen said.
Chen Yingjun with his motorcycle. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
(This article was written by Guo Shuyu, Liangjiang New Area Media Center)