Chinese Believe It Or Nots

Fall 2001

Here in the south of China, creativity knows no boundaries, need is the mother of invention and the steamy heat clenches the deal. The many cars and trucks we see on the roads today are a relatively new development here in China. As a result most people are still adjusting to motorized traffic and learning about road safety. At this point in time, at least where we are located, just about anything your mom told you not to do on your bike is done on a daily basis. Helmets are often used as hood ornaments and sometimes people drive without their lights on at night to save their batteries. We have yet to see a light on a bicycle and the middle of the road seems to be the favored place to ride, day or night. Cyclists with or without a motor seem to be either fearless or oblivious or both to everyone else on the road, regardless of their size and the rate of speed they are traveling at. And you would get laughed out of town if you suggested anyone use a directional signal. The following items are actual examples of things Tim and I have seen being transported on a two wheeled vehicle.

1 a pool table

2 an extension ladder held by the passenger riding behind the driver

3 a 8 foot step ladder held by the driver

4 you plus 4 adult friends (do pick your friends wisely)

5 a bathtub

6 2 friends and 6 chicken coops

7 a family of 5 plus groceries

8 4 bales of hay

9 2-5 gallon bottles of water

10 propane tanks - the delivery vehicles are actually bicycles

11 a 50 gallon aquarium

12 tow your friend on a bicycle with your motorcycle

13 if your friend has a flat, give him a lift and he can hold the bike out to the side

14 let your friend walk and while you hold his bike out to the side and drive your motorcycle

15 beach umbrella

16 one enormous hog

17 a TV

18 a 2x8 that is 10' long

19 bags of Styrofoam measuring about 6' by 6'

20 a stuffed chair

21 your bike truck-garden; crates of fruits and vegetables, a table, and an umbrella

22 a 6' tree with root ball

23 a relaxed sidesaddle passenger that is not holding onto the driver and often holding an umbrella up for shade -- I kept seeing this done daily by women everywhere, so I tried it minus the umbrella. I’m sure Tim and I provided a big laugh for many that day. If you decide to try this, line up your masseuse first. It is easier said than done.

24 several flats of plants

25 saddle bags style crates full of vegetables that clear the ground by 3"

26 an award winning combo: full saddle bag crates, 6 chicken coops, 2 passengers

27 several gallons of paint and a ladder

28 a futon

29 a sheet of plywood

30 20' or so of pipe

31 3 large potted plants

32 a rounded pile of stuff that looked to be the driver's entire household belongings

33 a bundle of shrink wrapped pink and purple satin pillows measuring about 5' wide and 4' tall

34 9 chicken coops measuring about 5' wide and 5' tall

35 a traveling balloon salesman with a rack of balloons that extended 5' above the bike and a helium tank strapped on the back

36 a galvanized cooler probably for fresh fish 3' tall, 3' deep, and 5' wide