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]

Vets can conquer it in an hour. Rookies require twice as long.

"There are plenty of nice routes in the country and mountains around Beijing," says Italian cyclist Etienne Philippe.

The Beijing Peloton group to which the 39-year-old belongs organizes mountain rides every Saturday.

He prefers Pinggu's tough terrain and sublime scenery.

"And you can buy peaches after riding in the right season," he says.

Philippe says it's a different way to discover Beijing.

"I've been places even my Chinese wife didn't know," Philippe says.

Eco-tourists are discovering it's an eco-friendly means to visit eco-tourism destinations.

"I think I can help to reduce pollution a bit," Philippe says.

Qian's club hosts 6.3-km night-cycling trips that trace Beijing Olympic Park's perimeter on Tuesdays.

It's a way members test and build strength.

The club's Thursday-night rides fly from the North Third Ring to Wangfujing's St. Joseph's Church.

Roughly 45 members gather at either event.

Qian says most members are 20-45 and enter the sport to get in shape.

Then they get hooked.

"Cycling totally exposes you to nature, unlike driving, and offers pride and satisfaction when you overcome challenges," Qian says.

Hobbyists also generate camaraderie.

"They share life and biking experiences while cycling," Qian says.

Indeed, Philippe says.

"The best experience was riding with other people, often from different countries, and making new friend," he says.

Tomb Sweeping Festival－while a holiday memorializing the dead－is a peak time to see the world reincarnate, to come to life, as flowers erupt into full bloom from ankle-high plants to towering treetops.

Duan is planning routes based on blossoms next month.

He vividly recalls the peach-bloom ocean he biked through in Pinggu's Dahuashan town last spring.

"Pink and white peach flowers covered the mountains. It was like cycling through a picture."