I was deeply touched. After eating two, I crouched by the roadside, gazing at the lengthy uphill stretch ahead, searching for motivation.

At that moment, a young couple in a car pulled over to buy oranges, and I suddenly had the idea of hitching a ride.

Although I felt somewhat uneasy about asking, as it meant I wouldn't complete my solo, around-the-lake ride, the looming deadline left me no other option.

Cautiously, I inquired if the couple could give me a lift through the challenging hilly section. They readily agreed, and used tape to secure my bicycle in the trunk.

I sat in the back seat, and they even offered me bread and water. I learned that they were from Suzhou, Jiangsu province, and had driven to Qiandaohu town for a weekend getaway.

They also recommended that I visit Suzhou for an around-the-lake ride of Taihu, China's third-largest freshwater lake.

After they had driven me a good 10 km, I bade them farewell and continued my journey.