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Biking Across China to Help People 
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2005-09-07 16:31:53
CRIENGLISH.com
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Only in this 20's, American Brad Weinberg is passionate about helping people with mental disabilities. He never stops doing charity work, even when he's away from his own country.
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About The Trip
C: Your route from Shanghai to Urumqi was inspired by NPR's Rob Gifford's trek across China. I heard his reports and he seemed to meet very interesting people on the road. Did you also meet lots of amazing people, in addition to those helping you with the autism campaign?
BW: Yes, I met Rob in Urumqi and we had a great talk. We met loads of interesting people. That's what I love about the trip: just passing small villages, hearing about someone's story, and meeting all kinds of people. We met a group of construction workers the other night and learned they were working 14 hours a day but only making 25 RMB. They are having a hard life out there. At the same time you see people from these little villages earning very little, but they are so happy. It makes you wonder how important some of the things you value really are.
C: What was the toughest night?
BW: There were many places where we didn't have any hotels to stay. There was one night when we didn't bike as fast as we planned, so we had to bike until 10:30 at night. We eventually found a toll gate where there were some stores, and we slept at the back of one of the stores. It was cold, windy and miserable, but when you're in the middle of the desert, that's all that you can get. We figured it out together.
C: How many people ended up biking with you?
BW: Overall we had probably 20 people bike with us. There were cyclists from all over the world.
C: You passed cities like Xi'an where there are some famous tourist sites. Did you manage to check them out?
BW: We went to Dunhuang and saw the Terracotta Warriors. But other than that we didn't really see many tourist sites.
C: Do you regret that now?
F: A little bit (Smiles).
C: Is this the first time you have done charity work in China?
BW: This is my first time. But I had been doing charity work for a while in the US.
F: This is my first time, too.
What's Next?
C: Are you planning another charity activity?
BW: I'm not thinking about that right now. Actually, I'm going back to America pretty soon to start medical school. I'm going be a doctor. I'd like to work with kids with developmental disabilities.
C: If our listeners want to be involved in helping autistic kids, what can they do?
BW: There is an incredible organization in Beijing called Stars and Rain. Just give them a call and find out how you can help. An amazing woman, Tian Huiping, founded it, and it will be inspiring for anyone to hear her story. Get involved! Get out there and help people.
To learn more about the Bike Across China trip, you can log on to their website. You can also check out our special coverage on the autism in China.
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Producer:Duan
Lei 
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