Members of the Beijing-based Qibiantianxia (Cycling All Over the World) Club participate in different cycling events in Beijing. Membership has grown from a few to about 4,000 since 2013.[Photo/China Daily]

Indeed, suburban mountains are sheened with a green that occasionally crackles with flowers after the ice thaws. Leaves shimmer colors as they rain from trees before the ecosphere refreezes.

Mountains frame three sides of Beijing. The most popular cycling routes are in western and northern areas outside the Sixth Ring Road.

Top districts include Mentougou, Fangshan, Changping, Yanqing, Huairou, Miyun and Pinggu.

Cyclists snap photos, camp and picnic along the way.

"We especially love spiraling up well-paved mountains," Qian says.

Most of Qian's outings are daylong trips.

He arranges activities for newbies and vets.

Beginners' routes run under 100 kilometers round-trip from downtown to nearby suburbs' scenic spots.

Experienced cyclists' courses extend to outer suburbs and max out around 300 km.

Many cyclists are pedaling through Yanqing to enjoy the district's leisurely urban parks and challenging mountainous countryside.

"Although the peak flower period (early April) hasn't yet arrived, we're fully booked until July," says Gu Jianfeng, who works at a Yanqing bike-rental business.

The district's Baili Landscape Gallery features paved, tree-lined paths.

The Guihe Ecological Corridor streaks about 70 km through Yanqing. Longqing Gorge, and the 7-km Shixia lane that passes the Badaling Great Wall, National Forest Park and Wild Animal World are top spots.

The difficulty of Fangshan district's tilting 20-km Hongjing Road, about 100 km from downtown, has made it a popular leg for the hardcore.

"There are many tortuous mountain roads and hairpin turns," Qian says.

"It's a thrilling experience."

It's a stamina test through verdant countryside.

Miaofeng Mountain's sheer 21-km roadway to the alp's apex is another place for road warriors seeking upward battles.