14-Jul-2008 -- This is the fifth out of 23 confluences that I visited on my bicycle trip to the North-East of China. The story starts from 40°N 117°E.

Coming from 41°N 120°E I spent the night in Cháoyáng (朝阳), a city located 80 km south-east of this confluence point. I got up at 4:00 am and started cycling at 4:50 am. After crossing over a little mountain pass, I reached Sìjiāzǐ (四家子镇) and a little later the village Línjiādì (林家地乡). Here, I had a whole watermelon – these great fruits are abundant at this season. Now it was another 10km to go, but ahead was only a big white nothingness on my map. So I simply stayed on the road, hoping for some little tracks that would take me to the confluence.

Indeed, at a remaining distance of 3.5 km, a little road let me come closer to my goal. The track winded up a beautiful mountain pass with great views and I recommend hiking this track. I simply stayed on it – still being prepared to have a hike of a couple hours. But, to my surprise, the track almost directly hit the confluence point (it just missed it by 25 m). So, the capture of this confluence turned out to be easy. Located in the flat alluvial soil of a valley ground, I could bring the bike directly to the point, pushing it 25 m through a poplar forest.

I continued the track towards the north, until it hit the next road again. Here, the actual problem started, since this road was under construction and closed for traffic.

Finally, I reached Áohànqí (敖汉旗), where I had a feast of a lunch. The owner of the restaurant was overwhelmed by my stories about my biking trip, that he would not let go his grip for 5 minutes, when leave-taking. After I had left Aohanqi towards Nàimànqí (奈曼旗) for about 5 km, he and his friends caught up with me by car, in order to offer me a ride. Only after I had kindly refused a couple times, they gave up. I explained to them, that my goal was to cycle and that I never take other means of transportation than the bicycle. However, another 10 km later, they returned again – this time with a reporter team from a local TV station. Right at the spot, I gave an interview for them.

I spent the night in Nàimànqí (奈曼旗) arriving there just at dusk.

CP Visit Details:

• Distance to an asphalt road: 3.5 km
• Distance to a road: 25 m
• Distance to a track: 25 m
• Distance of parking the bike: 0 m
• Distance to houses: 1.4 km
• Time starting the hike: 11:30 a.m.
• Time at the CP: 11:30 a.m.
• Riding time (distance) from Jianchang: 4:59 hours (79.2 km)
• Measured height: 871 m
• Minimal distance according to GPS: 0 m
• Position accuracy at the CP: 4 m
• Topography: hilly, in a valley.
• Vegetation: young poplar trees, mushrooms, corn field in 50m distance
• Weather: hazy, 25° C (felt temperature)
• Description of the CP: In the south-eastern part of Inner Mongolia on a high plateau. In a mountainous, sparsely populated area. Right in the middle of a valley next to a little road.
• Given Name: The TV Interview Confluence

Story continues at 43°N 121°E.