This article was produced in association with 3T.
With enviable patience, the Chinese photographer Shengyu Li set up his photographic equipment to capture the sky above Mount Xiannairi in Sichuan province in the winter of 2024. His goal? To capture the luminous trails of the stars above, using a long exposure. On 27 October, however, his plans were undone by an unexpected turn of events. High on the mountainside, the collapse of a serac – an enormous block of glacial ice, often bigger than a house – triggered an avalanche, which in turn triggered something unexpected. Li’s camera picked up a series of sudden flashes of blue light.
The illuminations were seemingly generated by friction during the fragmentation of the ice, and drew global attention, putting Sichuan in the spotlight. This fascinating phenomenon not only demonstrated the power of nature, but also drew the world’s attention to one of China’s wildest, most remote regions.
Sichuan, located in southwestern China, is a province with geographical and climatic characteristics that make it unique. The eastern part is distinguished by a fertile alluvial plain, where the humid subtropical climate creates ideal conditions for cultivating rice, tea, and spices – all products that define the province’s rich gastronomic identity. The west, by contrast, is dominated by imposing mountain ranges and deep valleys, marking the eastern boundary of the Tibetan Plateau. This rugged, sparsely-populated region is largely untouched, a haven for nature lovers that attracts explorers and adventurers to its unspoiled landscapes.
Of course, these things also make it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a challenge and an adventure on two wheels, as illustrated by the experience of Cynthia Carson, an American ultra-endurance rider and passionate bikepacker.
“The mountains of Sichuan offered us spectacular views and a sense of peace, even in their harshness. The ease of finding incredible food and connecting with locals in rural areas made the journey truly special,” says Carson. “I was reminded that every person has a deep bond with nature. Regardless of profession, age, language, or education, the natural environment enriches our lives in an irreplaceable way. It is a thread that unites us all.”
Carson found common ground with the people she met along the way. “The inhabitants of the smaller towns were enthusiastic about sharing their time with us, and the feeling was mutual,” she continues. “The urban areas were more hectic, leaving less room for interactions, except during meals. In the countryside, everyone working outdoors greeted us and smiled as we passed. As soon as we moved away from the busy roads, the hospitality became even warmer.”
Before heading to western Sichuan, Carson rode a section of the Tianfu Greenway in the city of Chengdu, a vast network of cycling and pedestrian routes that wind through parks, rivers, and lakes, all completely free from traffic.
“I had the opportunity to ride on a circuit closed to traffic, designed exclusively for cyclists. Every evening, riders gathered there to ride, race, or just socialise. It was fun to become part of the group and share laps, even without speaking the same language or communicating at all. The cycling culture in Chengdu surprised me with its vibrancy,” she says. “There were people with €15,000 bikes next to those who simply used them for daily life. The atmosphere was dynamic and truly inspiring.”
Federico Bassis, manager of the Reverb Hub store in Bergamo, was along for the adventure, and he observed first-hand how cycling culture is evolving in Chengdu, the region’s capital and one of China’s most populous cities.
“The city isn’t only a strategic point for exploring Sichuan, but it has also proven to be an important centre for the rapid development of a cycling culture,” says Bassis. “I had initially assumed there was only a market for products, without any real passion. Instead, I realised that there’s a desire to develop a culture inspired by the west, with an appetite for both performance cycling and social rides.”
A culture in transformation
On their journey, Carson and Bassis encountered a rapidly evolving cycling culture. They cycled for four days in Sichuan, immersed in its unspoiled landscapes, fully embracing the gravel spirit – exploring and connecting with the environment around them.
“About 200 kilometres from Chengdu, these fascinating mountainous territories open up, with very high altitudes,” explains Bassis. “This is one of the region’s most alluring aspects: mountains that would be hardly accessible in Europe, here connected by a well-developed road network. For this reason, we alternated between asphalt and dirt roads to find new gravel routes, allowing us to ride up to an altitude of 4,800 metres on the second day, along the Qionglai Mountains.”
The Qionglai Mountain range has peaks exceeding 6,000m, including the majestic Mount Siguniang (6,250m). On the second day of their trip, high-altitude roads took them to Ngawa, a place that offers a unique combination of wild landscapes and Tibetan culture.
“The mountainous landscape was incredible, and even riding the main road was an experience,” says Bassis. “But we wanted to push beyond, inspired by the essence of gravel: exploring off the beaten path. We decided to integrate the true bikepacking philosophy into our journey, carrying everything on our bikes.
“One of the things that struck me the most was the feeling of being face-to-face with the mountain, immersed in its extraordinary landscapes.”
Sun, an experienced local rider, joined Carson and Bassis on their journey. Though he had never ridden a gravel bike before, he proved to be a valuable travelling companion. His role was crucial – not only as a bridge to the local culture, but also because his perspective sparked interesting discussions about the world of gravel riding.
“This is one of the region’s most alluring aspects: mountains that would be hardly accessible in Europe, here connected by a well-developed road network” – Federico Bassis
“The riders who joined us told us that the area we were exploring is considered one of the most beautiful in all of China,” explains Carson. “People from all over the country come here to admire Sichuan’s mountains. For some, it was a long-held dream. Their stories made me appreciate the beauty of the place even more.
“The landscapes of Sichuan were breathtaking, boundless. In terms of grandeur, they surpassed anything I’d ever seen before. One of the most memorable moments was reaching 4,500 metres on a paved road. The main climbs were manageable, but getting to the small villages along the route was tough. In some sections, I had to push the bike, but the effort was rewarded by the views, interactions with locals, and the excellent food.”
During their trip, Carson and Bassis discovered how modern technology has greatly simplified daily life, even in the most rural areas.
To purchase a bottle of water, for example, all they had to do was scan a QR code and transfer the amount directly to the seller’s account, via an app that combines messaging and digital payments. At no point did they need cash. Even an elderly woman in a remote village was able to accept a quick, immediate payment via her mobile phone.
This modernity coexists with the region’s rural pace of life, and time seems to pass more slowly, leaving room for genuine connections.
“We travelled about a hundred kilometres a day, without the rush of having to arrive at a specific time,” says Bassis. “Every morning, we set out aiming for point B, but we were always open to surprises along the way. That relaxed, spontaneous approach was one of the best parts of our trip.
“Some gravel detours led us all the way onto a glacier, pedalling. For me, this was the high point. It was a return to exploration, without relying on maps, without knowing what we would find five minutes ahead, without knowing the exact point where the road would end. In Europe or North America, someone has already documented those places, with images and information. Here, you were free from those certainties, and that added a sense of adventure and authenticity.”
The intense flavours of local cuisine
In a new place, a traveller’s experience inevitably interleaves with the flavours of local cuisine, often featuring tastes that are far from familiar.
Sichuan cuisine, famous for its intense flavours, makes generous use of chilli peppers and Sichuan pepper, an ingredient that not only adds spiciness, but also creates a distinctive numbing sensation on the palate.
Mapo Tofu is a perfect example: tofu cubes are cooked in a spicy sauce made with ground meat, chilli peppers, and Sichuan pepper. Another signature dish is Kung Pao Chicken, featuring chicken pieces, peanuts, dried chillies, and a sweet-and-sour sauce.
“Being vegetarian can be a challenge, but I love spicy food,” says Carson. “Local riders helped me discover delicious tofu-based options, and I got to enjoy dishes served family-style. Aubergine and cabbage, often with red chillies, was a staple. But my favourite was Mapo Tofu – fantastic. And I won’t forget the red chilli-flavoured ice cream. That was a unique experience.”
Beforehand, the pair didn’t have a precise idea of what the weather would be like in late September, but it turned out to be mostly mild, except for cold mornings, close to zero. But considering the altitude, the conditions were favourable.
They mapped out a loop route of more than 400 kilometres, rich in landscape variations, starting and ending in Dujiangyan, a city famous for its ancient irrigation system, which dates back over 2,000 years and is still fully functional today.
“Dujiangyan welcomed us with a large red flag behind the statue in the centre of the square. In 2019, an earthquake devastated Sichuan, and that large flag covers the remaining rubble. Today, it symbolises rebirth and reconstruction. The areas we travelled through were full of lakes, rivers, and a surprising variety of landscapes,” says Bassis. “In just a few kilometres, we transitioned from one environment to another, and time seemed to slow down, allowing us to savour every moment of the journey.
“Near Jiajin, we stopped to help about 15 men struggling to repair a motorbike using basic tools – they’re probably still working on it! Without realising it, we had immersed ourselves in their world.”
In an increasingly fast-paced world, Sichuan offered not just a cycling adventure but a wealth of experiences: the value of slowness, human connection, and the ability to overcome language barriers through simple gestures and glances.
“I gained a new perspective on the beauty of a slower pace of life,” says Carson. “The inhabitants of those rural areas reminded me of the peace and serenity that nature offers. It’s an important lesson: slow down, stop, and appreciate what’s around us, or else we risk missing something.
“In rural areas, people were curious about us. Some asked about our bikes – one even tried Federico’s. A man invited us into his home, offering us water while we chatted with the help of his son and a translation app. Another special moment was with a woman cleaning garlic. She showed me every step of her work, and even though we couldn’t communicate with words, we shared a unique moment thanks to a simple clove of garlic, still covered in dirt.”
Exploring a place means, above all, connecting with those who inhabit it: cycling makes travel a deeper and more human experience, going beyond mere passage.
“In just a few kilometres, we transitioned from one environment to another, and time seemed to slow down, allowing us to savour every moment of the journey” – Federico Bassis
3T EXTREMA & RACEMAX ITALIA
The 3T Exploro has been a game-changer in the gravel cycling world, with an innovative design and versatile performance.
Designed to combine on-road speed with off-road reliability, it has proven itself on even the most demanding routes, particularly on technical mountain descents. And wind tunnel tests have confirmed its aerodynamic effectiveness in difficult conditions, redefining what’s possible for a gravel bike.
The Italian brand has expanded its range of exploration bikes, introducing new models like the Racemax Italia, designed to combine aerodynamics and versatility, and optimised for tyres between 35 and 42mm. It was used by Cynthia Carson and ride companion Sun on this trip with 40mm tyres.
Alongside it, the Extrema Italia, designed with demanding adventures and extreme competition in mind, promises speed, even on the roughest terrain. While it is optimised for 55-61mm tyres, it is also compatible with narrower tyres. Federico Bassis opted for a setup with 50mm tyres.
The success of 3T’s latest offerings has been helped by the brand’s decision to bring its carbon frame production back to Italy, to a facility near Bergamo.
Using proprietary filament-winding technology and the RTM process (Resin Transfer Moulding), they can now handcraft high-quality gravel frames tailored for specific needs. Their factory’s machinery, developed in-house, allows for custom configurations for 1X, 2X, mechanical, or electronic transmissions. And the frames’ designs include internal cable routing, improving aero efficiency while also providing that clean, tidy aesthetic that we all appreciate these days.
Among 3T’s many innovations, the More Integrale system allows you to adjust the height of the head tube without having to mess with the brake lines, offering riders flexible ergonomic set-ups to suit conditions. And the More handlebar stem, which is compatible with both Sram and Shimano electronic groupsets (1X and 2X) or mechanical groupsets (1X), simplifies maintenance and transport thanks to the fact you can remove it without disconnecting the brakes.
“My 3T Racemax Italia handled the gravel descents well, but some climbs were too challenging for my legs, forcing me to push the bike in some sections. But these challenges, though tough, made the adventure even more exciting,” says Cynthia Carson.
“On rough terrain, the 50mm tyres I’d mounted provided security, comfort and riding pleasure. And on the paved sections, the bike’s low weight and excellent stiffness were essential for covering ground quickly, in search of more gravel routes,” adds Federico Bassis, highlighting the bike’s perfect balance of adventurous spirit and performance.
