Hong Kong on wheels: a different kind of exploration via vintage bicycles
- sinjahaag
- 12. Juli
- 4 Min. Lesezeit
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Common Sense HSK: vintage bicycle rent & culture tours through urban areas
Coming to Hong Kong, there was one thing I was looking forward to: meeting an old friend of mine with whom I had studied roughly four months abroad in Puebla, Mexico back in the days, Stephanie. An inspiring and kind person, fluent in English and full of zest for action, running a bike shop, together with her partner, next to her daily job in the outskirts of Hong Kong. We had been invited to join their bike shop studio and living museum "Common Sense HSK", prior to going on a culture bike ride through the rural and peacefully located villages of Hung Shui Kai & Tuen Mun. A perfect contrast to the busy city life of downtown Hong Kong which will offer you vast views upon old narrow streets, green areas, riversides and local urban life, paired with geographical and historical knowledge from a tour guide growing up in the area. An ideal chance to get to know the inherent parts of Hong Kong, bold, plain, natural, without luxurious shopping miles, mass crowds and tourism.
The small, charming studio offers fantastic antiques and lots of vintage bikes from both Japan and England that are being worked on, repaired and even upgraded in functionality or outer looks. Creative workshops, love to detail and art flow together here with heart and soul. A magical place that attracts lots of curious people.
The vintage bike studio is run by its two lovely owners, Stephanie and Cheong. Culture bike rides are being offered in both English and Cantonese. The minimum amount of people to book a tour (appointment required) is two. Stephanie, who will be your tour guide, will ensure for everyone to feel safe, doing her utmost in providing the best possible experience for everyone joining!
What to expect on a Culture Bike Ride?
The culture bike ride combines several stops to discover along your path. Based on the weather, fitness level and duration of the group, tour spots might vary. There is no fixed route to stick to, rather you can decide how much- and what- you'd like to incorporate into your bicycle exploration trip. Different choices can be seen on the illustrated map on the right-hand side photo.
Stephanie will make regular breaks to tell you more about the area and villages you are surpassing, checking in on your overall wellbeing (especially in the summer when it can get unbearably hot!) and interest points.
As for us, we firstly drove along a paved road, passing narrow streets, old walls and houses until we reached a charming old fishing village, where we had a wonderfully fresh and home-cooked lunch (see address in caption below)* whilst sitting together with a group of elderly men offering even more food and drinks to us: oyster pancakes, rice, fresh prawns and melt-in-the-mouth fish. The restaurant was small and old, equipped with smaller tables covered in plastic tablecloths; yet it had a very warming and welcoming atmosphere I truly enjoyed. And the owner of the house ensured for us to be well looked after.
With happily round tummies, we then took a stroll through the fish market, tasted local sweets, bought some snacks and drank freshly brewed tea. All vendors were accommodating and kind. We took a short break along the way before finally heading to the Tang Ancestral Hall, constructed by the Tang Clan, in Ha Tsuen Shi, YuengLong District. Afterwards, we headed back to the vintage shop where we had some more water and talks with people on-site A very well-spent afternoon I recommend considering!
*Restaurant address: 1 Lau Fau Shan Main St, Lau Fau Shan, Hongkong
When, where and how to book a bike tour?
Store opening hours are every weekend, Saturdays and Sundays, including public holidays.
Bike rentals and/or tours require an appointment, for which you can easily send a request via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commonsensehsk/
If you do not intend to rent a bike or tour, you can also simply incorporate a quick stop to take a look into the charming world of antiques inside, meet Stephanie and Cheong.
Vintage Bike Tour Booking
At least 2 persons ($500 p.P.)
4 persons ($450 p.P.)
5 persons + can receive a 95% discount on the overall tour fee
A bike tour info package can be viewed on the Common Sense HK Instagram page; for the time being, only a Chinese version is available: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IHfCVws0Qs7HpvyMHSnox88cZIw-aLZA/view?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadwv83pNDPiHrf_oKGbXTD3SDjDSm1X8uozNWyquah53G48kMf4UyEvqat7Ng_aem_udecm_N9lDLuCGqhPpSC3g
Practical Information
Address: Hongkong, Hung Shui Kiu, Tan Kwai Tsuen Rd, 1號, Lai Hung Garden Block 2, 正門對面地下20E
How to get there: the easiest way is ask Stephanie via Instagram request, as she will be able to tell you which public transport to take to get there as fast as possible. It might atake you between 30min - 1hr, as located in the more rural areas of Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Saturdays & Sundays, public holidays
Admission: for free (only entering the studio); tour: 2 persons ($500/ person); 4 persons ($450/person); 5 persons + (95% discount)
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