China Seen from a Bicycle

-> This lecture will be in Norwegian!

The speaker, Lasse, has been on a "journey" to China three times before – first during the Cultural Revolution in the 1970s, and he cycled the "Long March" in 1998. Now, he had to return because it’s clear that both a political and economic revolution has taken place in the last 15 years.

Nothing felt more natural than to take up the bicycle again. Seven Norwegian cyclists, organized through Bike Asia, cycled for two weeks through the minority areas in southern China in the summer of 2024. Their focus wasn’t just on the road, but also on the social, cultural, and political conditions. It gave a completely unique insight into an important part of today’s China, providing a stark contrast to how the country is portrayed in Norway. No one is objective, but the cyclists have had a close, honest, and direct experience they are eager to share. So, come along!

A bit about Lasse: Civil engineer in chemistry from NTH in 1968, part of the writer’s collective for the "Jarragak" revue, served on the Cultural Committee, became president of the Norwegian Student Union in 1969, later switched to medicine, finished medical school in 1979. He was a professional speed skater, participating in the 1972 Sapporo Olympics and setting world records in sprinting in 1973. Later, he embarked on many cycling projects "around the world," including Tibet – Iran – the Caucasus – Bolivia – Peru – Bhutan – Cuba – and China.

Lasse Efskind - www.efskind.com

Doors: 18:30

Entrance: Glass entrance