China

Life in fast lane

By Tang Yue (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-04 10:15

Dubbed China's Dakar Rally, Tour de Taklimakan, has attracted some female drivers and motorcylists to enjoy the extremes of toughness and speed

HAMI, Xinjiang - During the average working week, Su Yanli is no different from the millions of female office workers in Beijing.

Women's motorcyclist Lu Min of the Xinyuan International motor team starts at the first leg of Tour de Taklimakan Desert in Hami, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, last Saturday. Photo Provided for China Daily

However, at the weekend the 24-year-old accountant takes a ride on the wild side.

While many city girls spend their time in shopping malls or watching soap operas, Sun puts on her helmet and motor-racing outfit and chases fellow racers throughout the remote suburbs.

"I enjoy the high speed and the sound when you rev the engine, it is so cool. You can leave all your troubles behind. Nothing can stop you from moving ahead," Su told China Daily.

"Chinese people always think motorbikes only belong to boys and girls should learn a musical instrument or have some 'quiet hobbies'. That is totally biased. Those things are too boring to me. I like extreme sports and motoring is my favorite," said Su, who started racing three years ago.

The Tour de Taklimakan is her first serious competition, however Su surprised her rivals and herself by winning the first leg of the HT 5.4 group on Sunday to become the first rider to don the golden helmet.

"I really didn't have any expectations for this race. I am an amateur, just driving for fun, trying my best to finish every leg," Su said. "But the victory proved that we girls can really make it."

Lu Min is the only other woman among the 44 riders in this year's Tour de Taklimakan's motorcycling. She is also the only female professional in the event and the third in the rally's five-year history.

The long-haired 23-year-old looks like a girl-next-door but she is all grit and determination when it comes to racing.

"My parents think it's too dangerous for a girl to ride a motorcycle, let alone race competitively. I'm not fear-proof but I just love the feeling of flying and they have finally become supportive," Lu said, showing off bruises on her arms and legs due to injuries.

Lu started racing in 2005 and decided to turn professional last year.

"A lot of girls want leisurely work; sitting in an office every day. I think I can do that in my 40s when it's impossible for me to enjoy racing at that age. I want to do something really exciting while I am still young," Lu said.

"I also know a lot of girls are interested in motorsports but they are afraid. I hope they can be encouraged by me and at least have a try."