The 140-kilometer lakeside track weaves over idyllic settings, around the lake, through mountainous terrain, towns and villages, giving riders the chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Qiandao Lake area. [Photo by Xing Wen/China Daily]

I was thirsty, and beginning to feel hot.

I made the choice to dismount and push my bike up the incline, which helped relieve the discomfort in my buttocks, and gave my thigh muscles a good stretch.

However, this approach was time-consuming, and I grew concerned that I might not reach the bike shop in time to meet the deadline.

At around 105 km, I passed by an elderly woman selling oranges by the roadside. I thought it would be a good idea to buy some to quench my thirst.

Perhaps it was because of her innate kindness, or my disheveled appearance from pushing the bike, the woman declined my money, and encouraged me to help myself, saying that the oranges were all from her own trees.