“Why do we do it? We get to see some amazing places, we love riding our bikes, and when you do something that is difficult, beyond what is considered to be normal, there is an incredible sense of achievement and self-fulfilment.”
In the article, Brendan Mason, an Australian-born long-term Beijing resident, discusses the city’s transformation into a haven for cyclists. The scenic and pollution-free countryside surrounding Beijing offers a cyclist’s dream, with wide, empty roads and lush landscapes. Mason shares, “Beijing has probably the most beautiful roads in the world for cycling; there are roads that no one drives on and it is a planned city, so the roads are nice and wide.”
Despite a recent accident that required Brendan to be airlifted to a hospital, Mason’s passion for cycling remains undeterred. He often embarks on grueling rides along the Great Wall or ventures into the rural hinterlands. Reflecting on the terrain, Mason notes, “The roads in the mountains are made of black velvet, they are absolutely beautiful for bike riding, and in Beijing the hills are never too far away.”
Mason is part of a dedicated group of ultra-riders who undertake challenging rides that push the limits of endurance. He describes the experience: “We leave the city on Saturday morning and come back on Sunday night. The aim is to see if you can ride 500km or 600km non-stop, with a short power nap propped against a tree.” He eloquently captures the essence of ultra-cycling, saying, “Why do we do it? We get to see some amazing places, we love riding our bikes, and when you do something that is difficult, beyond what is considered to be normal, there is an incredible sense of achievement and self-fulfilment.”
At Orcoda, we are inspired by Brendan Mason’s passion for cycling and his leadership. His dedication to pushing boundaries and achieving excellence reflects the values we uphold in our organization.
Orcoda is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility, particularly regarding environmental sustainability. We actively discuss and implement strategies within our Board of Directors to enhance our environmental impact. Our software significantly reduces the carbon emissions of our clients by optimising their vehicle fleets.
We also invest in the local communities where we operate. For the past three years, Orcoda has proudly sponsored the Mansfield Tour, a cycling event in Mt Buller. This sponsorship supports the local community, particularly where we operate ride-share during the busy ski seasons. Brendan Mason’s passion for cycling aligns perfectly with our commitment to environmental sustainability and community support, reinforcing our dedication to making a positive impact both locally and globally.
