Category: Blog

  • Dirty Updates

    Dirty Updates

    Check out these photos and4 posts for the 2021 Dirty #1:

    Recap by Biketo.com
    A gravel recap
    Cycling China write up
    xGames post

    2021 Dirty #1 Results
    Sign up for the Dirty #2
    Many thanks to Specalized with all their support. Check out the Tanqi weekends and Diverge bikes
  • Easy(ier) Cycling Challenge

    Easy(ier) Cycling Challenge

    On the 24th of April we will be holding the first Somewhat Dirty Cycling Challenge aimed at people wanting to gain a taste of “gravel” or off road riding. Our Dirty Challenges are designed and are described as the toughest 1 day mixed surface cycling Challenges in the region with many of the participants not finishing. This “Somewhat” Dirty Challenge is suitable for newer and less endurance or experienced riders, is still a real challenge and lots of fun. 

    Somewhat Dirty Pigs (the easier one)

    • Date: April 24th 2021, 8am.
    • JR’s Intro: A little bit of everything for the less experienced adventure “gravel” rider.  At the end it will leave you wanting to explore more on your bike.  The route takes in the broken concrete of the river out of Sanyang and segment #1, followed by perfect tarmac towards Poshan.  Crossing the river you head up through segment #2 to the first real off road section and segment #3.  Segment #4 takes you to the highest point of the day and the ability to get a great view.  The downhill is fun but be very careful.  When you hit the main road there is segment #5 which rolls back the way you came.  Then relax until segment #6 which is the final stretch back to the homestay. 
    • Time: Depends on your level but assume 3h for fast rider and 6h to 8h for slow rider with some pushing. 
    • Level: Basic with strong fitness. You need to be confident braking downhill. You need stamina to spin uphill for more than an hour! If you’ve  just starting out on a bike this is not for you. Come up another time for one of our Tanqi Adventure Riding weekends.
    • Equipment: Gravel, Mountain Bike, Hybrids, Road bike with 32 or wider tires. MTB or flat shoes.
    • Sign up: Choose the Somewhat Dirty Basic or Full options at this link: https://www.wildhomestay.com/product/dirty1cork/

    The top of the main climb on the Somewhat Dirty. 

    Adventure bikes & Tanqi

    If you don’t have a suitable bike we might be able to provide you one through our Tanqi Adventure Riding program with Specalized. We have a great range of Diverage adventure gravel bikes and mountain bikes with gravel tires which are highly suited to the challenge.

    Just before the main downhill after the Pig Farm ClimbThe range of Tanqi Specalized Diverges. Fantastic carbon adventure bikes!

  • MotorCycling

    MotorCycling

    A few days of exploring our area by motorbike is great fun. Many years exploring the area by bicycle has meant we have found great local routes taking in the best scenery, windy roads and varied destinations. We are pleased to offer these routes to motorcylists along with a motorbike shed for storing and washing of your bikes while here. Use Wildhomestay as your base exploring the Huizhou area over a few days or a few visits.

    Motorcycle Rental

    We don’t rent motorcycles but we can put you in contact with people and shops in Hangzhou or Huangshan City (Tunxi) who do. The motorbike loops from there and back are epic and well-known. Valid license, safety gear, insurance, clothing etc a must.

    A Note on Safety

    Motorcycling is even more dangerous than cycling due to reaction times and the loss of traction. We have small roads with lots of tight corners! They are not busy but a donkey could be walking around a blind corner! Don’t race on the roads, there are tracks for that. Go to a track day! Take your time and be careful. Wear proper safety gear and we even ride with airbags, which are cheaper, more comfortable, and easier than replacing your bone with metal. Go extra slow or just go for a hike instead if it’s wet! Go slow at your own pace and skill level, enjoy the scenery, get lots of breaks, and be chilled!

    Routes In & Out

    From Hangzhou / East: Ah, so nice. Go direct (Gaode it S105), some places are a little boring but still ok and fastest route or go adjacent to that. We love motorcycling (and biking) on this route: Routes from / to Hangzhou – you will not regret it.

    From Qiandao Lake / South: Basically all routes from the south / Qiandao Hu direction to us are really good! Take in Damingshan on the way! Go via Linqi or Tuankou or Weiping or link them up. There are scenic rivers, old villages and epic mountain roads to deal with!

    From Tunxi / West: Wuyuan, Tunxi to Wildhomestay is amazing. Check out this cycle route (merchant trail) which is also very good with a motor!

    From Huangshan / Jixi, North: Take in the areas of Yixian, Jixi and the amazing north mountains. See below.

    Routes Around the Area

    Let us know your level, the amount of time and type of bike and we will point you in the right direction regarding routes. A few of the routes can be downloaded here. We have Coros GPS devices guests can borrow which also have the routes and are very good for adventure motorcycling!

    The North Loop

    A fantastic long day taking in 3 Hills. An unforgettable motoring experience!

    Optional Winds
    Great Views
    Winding roads and hills.

    Eastern Big One

    Take in the Botanical Climb (optional) and then motor around tankou hotsprings, and the south eastern accent of Qianniugang (Daming Shan – 1300m climb of twists!. Save it for a clear day or you will be in the clouds.

    Botanicals
    Qianniugang Daming in the parcial clouds

    Southern Lakes

    2 windy small climbs to start. Lunch on Qiandao lake and then the big climb up Qianniugang mountain or cut a bit short if you’ve been to the top before!

    Daming down!
    Route South

    Western River Villages

    Taking in 4 hill climbs. 1 area is quite steep which can be bypassed. Stunning views all over. Lunch in Shendu or Weiping.

    Windy Rivers

    If you have a adventure or off road bike and are interested in more mixed surface riding we can suggest various other routes. Steep concrete slopes, simple off-road. Not suitable for big road cruisers! We also have some great routes if your coming in from Huangshan / Wuyuan area. Come with a group of friends and we can also provide van support to take picnic stuff and help organise third party motorbike rental

  • Spring at the Homestay

    Spring at the Homestay

    Perfect time of year to be at the homestay. More info check out our wechat post.

  • F45 Wild Weekend May 21st

    F45 Wild Weekend May 21st

    Book the F45 Package & Rooms

    A really fun weekend with lots of outdoor events and activities. The F45 club has been coming to the homestay for 3 years now doing seasonal activities, building fitness and helping our environment.

    Exact details to be posted shortly but photos and itinerary from previous event: F45 Post!