Which is more expensive? Asphalt or concrete? The logic would be: Whichever is more expensive provides the bigger kickbacks.

Andy, I am hoping that this series of three rides ranks up there among your most memorable in China, and all the more so having been done (two out of three) solo and in the space of just a few days. I'd like to think that if I once again lived full time in Beijing I'd be out there doing it like you, day in and day out, methodical but relaxed, soaking it all in. But then I remember how rare those gorgeous sunny days can be. But just about anything beats being trapped in Shanghai.

thanks so much for these brilliant reports and pix!

cheers