Just finished my longest multi-day trip. Rode out from Shangri-La heading for Yading Nature Reserve in Sichuan. Lots of climbing every day — did three passes over 4000m — but also had some awesome 30+ km descents with mountain views all the way.
I camped about half the time, and stayed in local guesthouses the rest of the time — cheap enough and they offer nice food. The first two days were kind of wasted; I made it up to 4000m but got turned back by the forest service because the road was too snowy and damaged. That changed my plans a bit — once I made it to Yading, I took a bus back to Shangri-La and did some hiking around the reserve. Bus back to Shangri La after that.
Back in Shangri La, I stayed local and did a ride around the grasslands and the lake. Most of the roads were paved, with just a few dirt sections here and there.
No major issues though — no crashes, no mechanicals, no punctures. I took my Surly Bridge Club, set up with an Ortlieb Quick Rack on the back, Old Man Mountain/North St. panniers, a one-person tent, a Jack the Bike Rack, and the new Rekkiworks DX35. Frame bag is a ~4-year-old Blackburn and still holding up fine.
Hope you enjoy the pics!
by SLCTV88