The urban cycle

Asiad Daily goes in search of some local flavor with a 50km bike ride

At the Hangzhou Asian Games that unfolded a month ago, my role as a reporter kept me perpetually on the move.

Each day was a whirlwind, shuttling between the media village, the bustling Main Media Centre and a myriad of competition venues.

My daily routine was a relentless cycle of watching the action, conducting interviews, crafting articles and grabbing whatever moments I could for rest.

The reliable media shuttle was my faithful companion, racing me between these key locations.

Back then, although being busy, I often felt ensconced within a bubble where everyone was amicable, and warm smiles and greetings from the dedicated volunteers were ubiquitous.

Individuals from a wide array of cultural backgrounds were brought together by a shared interest in sports.

The electric atmosphere at the arenas ensured that, as an ardent sports lover, I enjoyed a perpetual wave of excitement and a daily sense of fulfillment.

During the Asian Games, I rarely found the time, nor did the idea ever cross my mind, to venture outside of this immersive bubble and explore Hangzhou, the host city.

However, as the ongoing Hangzhou Asian Para Games progress, perhaps due to the relatively fewer events, which allows for a less hectic schedule, or due to the alluring combination of the gentle breeze, the delightful scent of osmanthus flowers and the warm autumn sunlight beckoning from outside, I felt a strong urge to truly explore this city.