Yu Chang Qing & Ines

share a passion.













A passion for artistic cycling. Together they practice at a parking lot close to the fixed-gear bikes and juggling shop that Ines runs (Dongcheng District, Beijing / www.natooke.com). Last week I was invited to come and see the tricks - or exercises - they practice together. Mind you, Mr Qing is 74 years old, but when you see them, it's like seeing two young atletes in their prime.



Mr Qing's family has always had a thing with artistic cycling. His grandfather and his father both had a talent for daring stunts on cycles. His father got so good at it that he was invited to perform at the American embassy, the place where he used to work. Trick cycling was an art in which the Qings excelled.
And then the cultural revolution happened. Qing Sr ended up with a plate around his neck saying: "I used to collaborate with foreigners", and Qing Jr was imprisoned. By the time he was released his father had died. For years he didn't touch the fixed-gear bike they had used for their acts. Until he stumbled upon Ines her shop, saw all the shiny frames and knew, here's someone like-minded.



That's when they met. Ines had come from Germany. She was fed up with all the air travelling that she as a corporate representative had to do. She asked her boss: "Wouldn't it make sense if I am living closer to the action, instead of flying to-and-fro all the time?" After some hesitations he agreed. It had to be Beijing - Ines would have chosen Taipei - something that worked out great as Ines found herself in the middle of a society that prides itself on being a cycle paradise when she decided to quit her job and start her 'cycle culture centre'.



Only that 'cycle paradise' that China once was, has changed into a asphalt arena where sedans and SUVs battle for each inch of space. I've tried cycling between the fourth and second ring road, and it's no joke. So all the more reason for Ines to go and revive some of that cycling spirit that the Chinese once felt.

A tiny spark was enough to bring Mr Qing right where he had to be after all that time. 'The great leap forwards' once crushed him, a young German girl in an Adidas tracksuit makes him feel brand new.



Mr Qing and Ines perform from time to time, and plan to start classes for Chinese children.

Meeting them was a true inspiration for me. Ines who went abroad and started her project. Mr Qing who is ready to start coaching, a way for him to pass on the art like his ancestors have done before him. The two of them light as a feather when they ride their bike.