I woke up early in Mao County (茂县) and had a warm meal before heading out for another day of cycling. I had lunch there and packed some egg fried rice for later, knowing that food options might be limited on the way.
⛈️ Rain, Tunnels & Road Safety Awareness
The road ahead was challenging, with rain, steep climbs, and more tunnels. As I rode, I saw a group of police officers and volunteers gathered at one spot.
🎥 They were filming a road safety awareness video!
🚲 They included me in the video and reminded me to always ride on the right side.
😊 They were very friendly and seemed excited to see a foreigner cycling in their area.
☪️ A Strong Muslim Influence – No Pork, Only Beef
As I continued riding, I noticed something interesting—there were many Muslims in this region.
🕌 I saw mosques and people wearing traditional Muslim attire.
🥩 I was searching for pork, but I quickly realized that the restaurants only served beef and lamb, which are more common in Muslim communities.
🍛 The food had different flavors compared to other Chinese regions, with more spices and flatbreads instead of the usual rice dishes.
This area has a mix of Han Chinese, Tibetans, and Hui Muslims, making it a unique cultural intersection where different traditions and lifestyles blend together.
❄️ Snowfall on the Road! 🌨️
After 3 PM, the temperature dropped, and suddenly, it started snowing!
💙 I loved seeing the snow, and it made the landscape look magical.
😣 But it also made cycling difficult—the roads became slippery, and I couldn't ride fast.
🏔️ The high-altitude regions of Sichuan often get snow in winter, and I was now truly feeling the shift in climate as I moved closer to Tibetan areas.
🏕️ Police Helped Me Again – Invited for Dinner!
As night fell, I needed to find shelter. Fortunately, I came across a police booth where the officers allowed me to set up my tent nearby.
🍽️ They even invited me for dinner!
🥤 They gave me Red Bull and a beer—a small but kind gesture that showed their hospitality.
🔥 After a long day of cold, rain, and snow, I finally rested peacefully, surrounded by the kindness of the local people.
Stay tuned as I continue my journey deeper into the Tibetan plateau! 🚴♂️❄️
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