Over 400 cyclists ride riverside greenway in Lanshan district

More than 400 cycling enthusiasts set off from a plaza under the Beijing Road Bridge on the west bank of the Yihe River in Lanshan district, Linyi, East China's Shandong province, on the morning of Oct 7 for an 18-kilometer ride along the riverside greenway.

The event, the Lanshan leg of the 2026 Linyi "Red Journey · Yimeng Cycling" series and the 16th Lanshan District National Fitness Games cycling competition, was hosted by the Shandong Provincial Cycling Association, the Linyi sports bureau, the Linyi sports federation and the Lanshan district government, and organized by the district's education and sports bureau, the district sports federation and the Linyi Cycling Association.

The route follows what organizers describe as Linyi's most scenic cycling greenway, starting from the plaza south of the Beijing Road Bridge, passing Mingxiu Forest and the Nanjing Road Bridge, and turning back at Changchun Road. The flat, spacious path is separated from motor traffic and lined with river views and trees.

Competitors arrived early to check brakes, adjust tires and prepare their gear, while cycling enthusiasts exchanged tips and encouraged one another. Many families took part, with children wearing small helmets and waiting eagerly to start. Spectators lined the greenway to record the event on their phones.

"This was my first cycling competition. I finished in 36 minutes and felt great," said a participant surnamed Liu, who has been cycling for five or six years. "Cycling is not just a sport, it is a good way to relax. It builds your fitness and releases pressure. I hope there will be more events like this — I will sign up again."

Song Zhenyu, 10, completed the ride accompanied by his father. Starting on a balance bike at age four and progressing to a small mountain bike and now a professional road bike, he has become a regular at cycling events. "Cycling is really fun, the competition is great, and this event is excellent," he said at the finish line.

According to Ying Honglei, vice-president of the Linyi Cycling Association, registration was brisk, with more than 400 riders signing up. The event offered team, individual and parent-child categories to suit enthusiasts of different ages and skill levels. Organizers said it enriched residents' holiday sports and cultural life, promoted a green, low-carbon and healthy lifestyle, and encouraged more people to take up cycling and outdoor sports.

Editor：韩蒙蒙