The faces behind five of the capital’s biking clubs. Road Biking

Name Trek Peloton

Who’s in the saddle? Tom Lanhove, founder

How did the club start? ‘I’m Belgian, so cycling is like an addiction for me. When I first arrived in Beijing, in 2005, I was cycling with Tri-Beijing, who were very focused on training. I’m more of a recreational cyclist and began cycling in the mountains around the city. Our club was officially founded in 2007 and we have had regular rides every weekend since.’

How do I join? ‘Email me (see below) to get on the mailing list, and then, each week, I’ll send out maps of the weekend routes. If you become a member, you will automatically have a place on the ride; if you’re a one-timer, I will email you on Friday and let you know if there is space. We have three different levels: A (advanced), B (intermediate) and C (beginners). I advise you to get a road bike (a reasonable one will set you back 4,000RMB) if you’re serious, but a mountain bike can also be used for the C group.’

When and where do you cycle? ‘We cycle every weekend, either around the city or we get a bus and head into the mountains around Beijing – Changping, Huairou, Pinggu, you name it – and start from there!’

What else? ‘We also arrange trips around and outside of China. In June, we’re going to Ulan Bator, where we also have a sister club.’

Price 2,000RMB joining fee, plus a nominal fee for transport at weekends. You can hire a bike from Trek for 100-200RMB per day.

Email tomlanhove@gmail.com or call 139 1028 0053 to get on the mailing list. Check out www.beijing.mongoliaprocycling.com for more details.

Motorcycle sidecars

Name CJ750 Sidecar Group

Who’s in the saddle? Bill Eng, member

How did the club start? ‘The club started in 1995. Back then, it didn’t even have a name; it was just a bunch of expats with sidecar bikes wanting to get out of the city. The club was named in 2000 and we have had regular outings ever since.’

How do I join? ‘Email to get on the mailing list; you will need a bike in good condition with a full gas tank. You can also rent bikes if you don’t own one, but following the ride protocol is a priority. We welcome two and three-wheelers and outings can vary from three to 40 bikes depending on the schedule and activity.’

When and where do you ride? ‘We have two or three-day outings every month. We are geared towards enjoying the countryside of Beijing, especially exploring different parts of the Great Wall. We normally have a destination and will stop to have a barbeque on the way.’

What else? ‘Every month, we have an overnight camping trip, normally near an undeveloped part of the Great Wall. We also have a party at the Iron Horse Saloon every month and a barbeque at our shop, where our bikers and collectors can display their bikes.’

Price There’s no joining fee; the club is free to all. For sidecars rentals from 500RMB a day as well as guided tours, visit www.sidecartravel.com.

Call Bill on 135 011 396 82 or email kickbill@gmail.com to get on the mailing list. Check out www.beijingsidecars.com for more information.

Fixed gear biking

Name Fixed Gear Bike Club

Who’s in the saddle? Ines Brunn, founder

How did the club start? ‘I had been involved in artistic cycling for many years. When I came to Beijing, I was looking for other “fixies” (people who ride bikes with only one single gear, meaning when the wheels turn, the pedals also turn) to ride with. Beijing is great for cycling in, and – after I met another enthusiast online – we started the club. We now have at least 70 active members.’

How do I join? ‘Sign up to the mailing list on our website and I will send out regular updates of our outings. We even have bikes to rent if you don’t own a fixed gear.’

When and where do you ride? ‘Fixed gear riding occurs in urban areas, so we usually ride around the city at night as it’s less busy. However, we’re riding more on the weekends now that it’s cold.’

Anything else? ‘We’ve got an indoor biking event on Tuesday 22. Everyone is welcome and there will be food and prizes!’

Price There’s no joining fee. Although you can join the rides on a conventional two-wheeler, you can pick up a fixed gear bike from 2,800RMB, or rent one from bike shop Natooke, for 50RMB per day.

Call 8402 6925 to get on the mailing list and check out www.natooke.com for more information.

Mountain biking

Name Beijing MOBsters

Who’s in the saddle? Patrick Dean, organiser

How did the club start? ‘The club was set up in 1999 in order to help bikers enjoy rides around the mountains near Beijing. I used to mountain bike before I came to Beijing. After finding out about Beijing MOBsters, I went along and have never looked back!’

How do I join? ‘In addition to becoming a member, we are also looking for people to lead the rides. Most of the regulars are busy with families, so we need more people to volunteer. Email us to get on the mailing list and to find out more about being a route leader.’

Where and when do you cycle? ‘We normally ride on Saturdays and go up into the mountains around Beijing.’

What else? ‘We’re looking to organise trips around China later on in the year. Our best ride so far was from Lijiang to Dechen, travelling across Yunnan province and passing through Shangri-la. It was an unforgettable experience and we hope to do something similar soon.’

Price The MOBsters are free to join, but charge around 200RMB for each ride.

Contact Patrick on 134 364 472 03 or email beijingmob@googlegroups.com for more details.

The motorcycle gang

Name Mad Dog Motorcycle Club

Who’s in the saddle? Michael Rick, member

How did the club start? ‘The club was founded in 1994 in the Philippines by an expat and a local Filipino. It has since expanded to other countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong, and it started up in Beijing in 2009. There were already a few of us riding in the city, and – although it’s a big commitment – we decided to start up the Mad Dogs here. We’ve currently got seven full members and several “prospects”.’

How do I join? ‘Check out our website and contact us through there to find out about outings. We don’t just ride Harleys, we also ride other two-wheelers such as motocross bikes. You will need your own bike, but it takes time to become a fully-fledged member. If you’re interested, you’ll first have to be a “hang-around” (it’s exactly how it sounds ­– you literally just hang around the gang!) before moving on to “prospect” level. Then, if you’re still interested, you have to get a Mad Dog tattoo before becoming a full member.’

When and where do you ride? ‘We ride a couple of times a week and we meet up at least once a week to discuss outings.’

Anything else? ‘We have at least one tour annually where we visit one of the other Mad Dog clubs around Asia.’

Price There’s no joining fee. But, for full members, there are annual dues – only revealed to the select few!