230May 22, 2024, marks the 31st International Day for Biological Diversity, at 11:11 AM, in a camping site, a group of outdoor enthusiasts watched a motorcycle with simple equipment depart for the distance. A brave 50-year-old rider embarked on a 165-day low-carbon journey filled with unknowns.
This was the launch ceremony for explorer Zhao Zijian's electric motorcycle world tour - China leg. The choice of 11:11 AM for the departure was symbolic, representing the creation of "four ones" for this ride.
- Riding an electric motorcycle over the longest distance: The total expected riding distance is over 25,000 kilometers, reaching more than 99 destinations.
- Challenging the greatest altitude difference: The electric motorcycle will reach the highest-altitude city, pushing the limits of riding.
- Breaking the record for the farthest distance ridden in 24 hours: Circumnavigating Hainan Island in 24 hours, enjoying the vast sea and coconut groves.
- Creating one world record for the lowest carbon footprint: Enjoying the gifts of nature while maintaining respect. Over 165 days of riding, resources will be used efficiently to create the lowest carbon footprint.
He will start from Beijing and head north, sequentially arriving at Changbai Mountain Tianchi, Hulunbuir Grassland, Seawall Green City, then crossing the Gobi Desert to Golmud, traversing the Hexi Corridor, delving into the Tibetan Plateau and the vast grasslands of Xinjiang... Finally returning to Beijing, reaching more than 99 unique destinations along the way, completing a green and vibrant motorcycle tour of China, witnessing the vastness and beauty of the country, and demonstrating his love and respect for nature through action.
In the summer of 2019, it was a particularly memorable and profound experience for him while he was in Sweden. He personally experienced unprecedented 35-degree temperatures and witnessed glaciers melting under the scorching sun. This made him deeply realize that climate change is really so close to us. Having worked in the tourism industry for years, he wondered why tourism couldn't be done in an extremely low-carbon manner. For this, he prepared for four years.
From January to March 2024, Zhao Zijian successfully completed the first leg of his electric motorcycle world tour (European leg) - the Ice-Breaking Action. In the harsh winter of Europe, he rode solo and uninterrupted for 39 days, crossing three major mountain ranges, from Stockholm to Zagreb, from Rome to Milan, passing through Sweden, Poland, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Vatican City, Monaco, France, and 13 other countries and 39 cities.
Whenever the motorcycle's battery was running low, he had to stop, take off his gloves, and push the bike with stiff fingers to find a suitable charging spot. The scarcity and uncertainty of charging stations added to his difficulties. Sometimes, he had to wait for hours at gas stations until the motorcycle was fully charged before continuing. Nighttime riding brought even greater challenges, as he had to navigate the darkness and cold, relying on dim lights to illuminate the short stretch ahead while constantly checking the rearview mirror for approaching vehicles.
Despite numerous challenges, Zhao Zijian never gave up on his adventure. In the face of skepticism from foreign media, he always proved that Chinese people can also excel in environmental protection and low-carbon living through his actions.
Two months later, Zhao Zijian returned to his familiar homeland with full enthusiasm and firm determination, preparing to embark on a new chapter of his electric motorcycle world tour - the China leg. This time, with the strong support of friends, he aimed to make the journey even more low-carbon.
He chose a more energy-efficient electric motorcycle as his mode of transportation to ensure maximum energy conservation during long-distance riding. At the same time, he opted for a more low-carbon lifestyle. In terms of dining, he consumed local ingredients to avoid carbon emissions from long-distance transportation and excessive packaging; for accommodation, he camped with his own tent; even the daily necessities in his luggage were sourced from sustainable products within the Low-Carbon Heroes program, such as biodegradable garbage bags, shampoo bars made from coffee grounds, and carbon-neutral umbrellas...
Notably, this journey will be supported by Carbonstop, which will calculate the carbon emissions throughout, including the motorcycle's energy consumption and all aspects of food, accommodation, and travel. After the 165-day trip, Carbonstop will publish the complete carbon footprint of the journey.
Zhao once said: “I am just an ordinary person and a wild man, not worthy of everyone's attention. I don't do media accounts; I have neither interest nor time. I only share some safety updates and things suitable for my friends on WeChat. If anyone follows my challenge, it is an honor, but I hope more people will follow the official accounts of my partners: Ge Wu, International Green Film Week, Carbonstop, and TANG CAMPING CLUB. They have more influence, and paying attention to them means more people will care about nature and outdoor life, which is also caring about me.”
Zhao Zijian's electric motorcycle world tour proves that regardless of where we are, who we are, or what we do, we can all take our own low-carbon actions. This journey across thousands of mountains and rivers is not only a physical crossing but also a spiritual cleansing.
"This era needs heroism and the courage to overcome carbon emissions."
In challenges, freedom is gained; in freedom, nature is embraced; in coexistence with nature, endless possibilities are discovered.
