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Chongqing News

The “Knights” of the Mountain City brave mountain fires

2022-08-26 14:32:15

CHONGQING (CQNWES) -- Several mountain fires have been reported in mountain areas in Chongqing. Among social forces that came for rescue and relief efforts, a team of motorcyclists drew people’s attention.

Those vigorous young men, who had enjoyed their joyous cycling trips in the city before, were busy running about in the mountains, covered with dirt. Though their great curly hair was sweaty, their arms with cool tattoos were tanned, and their fashionable backpacks were replaced with bamboo baskets, they have became known as the “knights” (riders) of the Mountain City.

Carrying bamboo baskets on the back, those motorcyclists rode on the narrow and steep mountain road. (Photo provided by the interviewee)
Carrying bamboo baskets on the back, those motorcyclists rode on the narrow and steep mountain road. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

A mountain fire broke out in Beibei District on the evening of August 21. The mountain road is so narrow and steep that makes it difficult for cars to deliver materials on the mountain. It is accessible only by motorcycle.

Groups of motorcyclists drove far into the night after they learned that motorcycles were needed. 27-year-old Li Xin is one of them, the head of a motorcycling club in Beibei. Members of the club are born after 1995 or 2000, and the youngest one is only 19 years old.

“I’m a native of Beibei and living in Beibei, so I’m very familiar with the roads here. If I don’t go, who will?” Burning with righteous ardour, Li Xin immediately led the members to go up the mountain for rescue and relief efforts.

Firefighters were having a tough battle on the mountain, while piles of supplies waited to be delivered, which included mineral water, beverages, watermelons, fire extinguishers, chain saws, etc. bought by citizens.

Many motorcyclists spontaneously came to the scene to help transport materials on the evening of the 21st. (Photo provided by the interviewee)
Many motorcyclists spontaneously came to the scene to help transport materials on the evening of the 21st. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

With heavy goods and materials on the back, they gunned the motorcycle through the mountain road, leaving no time for a rest.

From departure to the destination, the trip covered about 3 or 4km. It’s not easy to ride on a mountain road; instead, it’s much more dangerous than the usual cross-country trips. In the darkness, they encouraged each other and no body felt scared.

After reaching the mountain, they needed to walk around 3 or 4km to send goods and materials to the fire point. They didn’t remember how many times they went back and forth. After fighting all night, Li Xin and his partners went down the hill wearily next morning and took a short break. Very soon, they rushed back to the mountain to offer help.

On the 22nd, Li Xin found that more and more people came by motorcycle, but the motorcycle models were different. There were professional off-road motorcycles, family scooters and motorcycles for food delivery. “There may be thousands of riders coming to help us. It seems that all the people nearby who can drive motorcycles have come.” Li Xin sighed.

“I’ll deliver the rice.” “I deliver water.” “Give me the bread!” Although they were strangers to each other, they quickly cooperated in perfect unison.

Very soon, motorcyclists ran between the material receiving point and the fire site to deliver fire extinguishers, cold water and hot lunch that were greatly needed for the firefighters. The motorcyclists carried goods and materials when going up the mountains, and transported next rescue crew when going downhill.

Most of these riders are very young. Some had curly hair, some wore tight vests, some had tattoos on their arms, some wore sunglasses but carried bamboo baskets used by local farmers, and some wore no hats but towels. “Prince of Watermelon”, “Longmazi”, they called each other their net names.

A young motorcyclist fell out for a distance when his motorcycle overturned. After he was held up, he didn’t care about the dirt on his body, and continued to riding up the mountain. This moment was photographed and have touched many netizens deeply. Li Xin didn't know about this and said, “We’re all busy transporting goods and materials. There’s no time for video clips on Tik Tok!”

Except for a short rest and nucleic acid tests, Li Xin and his partners spent almost all of their time on the mountain from the evening of the 21st to the afternoon of the 24th. They poured water from the pipes on themselves if they felt too hot, and slept on the boxes when they were sleepy. Many people have fallen down and torn the skin from their legs.

The WeChat moments of a motorcyclist’s wife. (Photo provided by the interviewee)
The WeChat moments of a motorcyclist’s wife. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

The motorcyclists running up the mountain every day made their family members heat ache, but they felt more proud of them and shown understanding. “I couldn't help crying when I saw the holes and blood stains on your sweaty pants. All the people who have worked hard are ordinary but great,” the wife of a rider said in her WeChat Moments. “Dear, you are the best! You worked overnight and came home at 7 o'clock in the morning. Now you have went back to the mountain. The veterans are also awesome! Come on,” the wife of another rider said.

Many riders fell and got hurt. (Photo provided by the interviewee)
Many riders fell and got hurt. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

On the afternoon of the 24th, the fire got worst and made it far more difficult to transport materials. “Our off-road motorcycles have crashed several times, and the road is only accessible by professional four-wheel mountain off-road motorcycles can go up to the mountain. Now we’ve got some Loncin off-road motorcycles, but I’m not sure if they can make it successfully.” Li Xin told the reporter that he and dozens of partners still stayed on the mountain to offer as much assistance as they can, even if they can’t ride a motorcycle.

“What do you think when you are praised as real ‘knights’?”

Li Xin said, “I hope people can gain a better understanding of our motorcyclists, who are only a small minority. As long as we are needed, we will not hesitate to offer help!” (Translated by Cai Xinyu, Fathom Language Limited)

Editor:Jiang Yiwei