国内英语新闻:Across China: China's female motorcyclists seek speed and freedom on the road

CHENGDU, March 12 (Xinhua) -- On a dirt track in Chengdu, a rider on a dark green 800cc motorbike speeds through the sand and dust, launching from small hills and racing forward.

There is often a moment of surprise when the helmet comes off and bystanders realize they have been watching a woman.

Miao Zi, 30, is one of the few women in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, to ride heavy-duty motorcycles.X The 1.6-meter-tall cyclist has loved motorcycles since she was a child, but only started to pursue her passion in 2012.

"At first, I wanted to ride a motorcycle for commuting because it is really cool," said Miao.

Miao's first motorcycle was a 70cc bike that she learned to ride in no time at all.

"My friends and family did not support me because they thought it was not safe for a woman to ride a motorcycle," said Miao.

Miao did not give up. She practised for a long time to earn her license to ride a motorcycle on the streets.

Since then, she has bought increasingly powerful motorcycles and traveled throughout Sichuan province on the back of them.

"Riding a motorcycle is not just for commuting, but a way to relieve my stress," said Miao.

Miao is always going somewhere on two wheels. Last November, she rode 400-kilometers round trip to visit a mountain. She said the destination is not the most important part of a motorcycling trip. For her, it is all about the feeling she gets on the road.

"Riding equals freedom, adventure, and inner peace," Miao said. "I feel I own the whole world when I ride on the streets."

Miao said that even though riding is traditionally considered an endeavor dominated by men, more and more women are taking an interest in the bikes.

There were only six female riders on a motorcyclist team in Chengdu in 2012, but now the number of women exceeds 300.

"Even though women are still the minority, it looks like we are growing at a steady rate," said Miao.

For Li Xi, riding a motorcycle is an outlet for work pressure. Li, 25, is the mother of a two-year-old, in addition to working at a state-owned company and running a cultural communication company.

"Riding a motorcycle helps me pull myself from my busy life, let it all out and enjoy inner peace," said Li.

She also spends a lot time practicing motocross racing, which requires great strength.

"There are always some men who say that this sport is not for women," Li said. "It makes me so mad, so I want to prove them wrong."

Miao said she has gained more respect and awe for motorcycles since her friends have gotten into accidents in recent years. Miao said she will never give up motorcycling, although she knows it carries great risks.

"In today's society, women are constantly pressured to be skinner, healthier and younger. Motorcycling does not bring pressure, just enjoyment," said Miao.