Joy and the art of cycling

Zhang gives a public lecture at Fang Suo Commune in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. [Photo/China Daily]

"Bad Guy", a fixed gear, has the magic to renew Zhang's youth. When he races against cars on Bad Guy, he feels like a street kid.

"Mr Maugham", on the other hand, slows down the busy businessman. On sunny days, he loves to go out for a walk in Beijing with Mr Maugham, which is an Abici bike with a classic silhouette, he says.

For Zhang, a bicycle has become "a world full of freedom and happiness". He enjoys chatting with cycling enthusiasts over a cup of tea deep into the night. Many are crazier than he is about the world of bicycles, he adds.

"I can't understand those people who are never passionate about something and set their life aims at making more money, buying bigger houses and owning more power," Zhang says.

"You won't know how to love the world until you are truly in love with something."

Zhang had never gone out of Fengxiang county until he left home for Beijing for college at the age of 18. The country boy didn't know that bicycle would carry him to explore the vast world 20 years later.

The unconventional man chose cycling as his method of global travel because it was "distinctive".

It was difficult to find a shop selling professional bicycles in China back in 2007, he recalls. But today Zhang believes that cycling represents a good lifestyle for the public, especially young people.

Bicycle is actually the most sensible transportation tool in a modern city because it is economical, convenient and environmental friendly, Zhang says.

"Nowadays many young people are under pressure to save money to buy cars and houses. By choosing cycling, young people are able to reduce their desire for material wealth," he says. "They can thus live free with more time and money to enjoy life by means such as reading, traveling and watching plays."

Or by simply pedaling on.

In 2007, having bid goodbye to the French hunter, Zhang cycled leisurely in the rain, singing songs about rainy days and mimicking quacks of the ducks that he met on the way.