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Journey for Olympic bid
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Shao Jingfeng
SHAANXI farmer Men Xiaojun looks no different from other ordinary folk in northern China, with a sunburnt face and humble smile. One can even hardly tell the original colour of the jacket he wears thanks to years of wear and tear.
But he is somewhat different than most, having been a farmer, a porter, and a businessman. Now he is committed to a mission, which he considers more important than his other jobs: riding a homemade motorcycle along the entire length of China's border to collect 10,000 signatures to support Beijing's bid for the 2008 Olympic Games.
He is so involved that he bought a lucky license number for his little vehicle: 2008, a deed which cost him 20,000 yuan. He said with pride that there is only one such number in Shaanxi Province. The white cloth he brought with him, which he uses for collecting signatures, is also 2.008 metres long and wide.
"The whole trip may cost me about 100,000 yuan," Men noted. He told Shenzhen Daily that he used to transport fruits from his hometown to sell in southern cities like Shenzhen and each deal took about one month to complete and netted him profits of about 3,000 to 4,000 yuan.
His journey began from his hometown in April 12. Before he arrived in Shenzhen in late April, he had toured major cities along the northern and eastern border. "I'll try to arrive in Beijing before July 13."
"Along the way, some enterprises offered me financial help, but I declined, I just want to finish the journey with my own effort," Men said firmly.
Men claimed that he is fully prepared for any difficulties and dangers along the way, including hundreds of miles of unpopulated areas and forests haunted by wild animals. "I have checked out these areas before," he said with confidence.
The farmer has had the Olympic dream before. The night eight years ago when China found out it lost its bid to host the 2000 Olympic Games to Sydney, Men couldn't sleep. "I should do something this time," he stressed.
Men said he is grateful to the many strangers on the way who have offered him help and friendship. "I have made a lot of friends," he said happily.
When talking about his family, the farmer who began to support himself at the age of 14, beamed with happiness and pride: "My wife is pretty and capable, I call her every other day during the tour. And my children are very proud of me."
And so his long journey continues, while far away the outcome of Beijing's -- and Men's -- efforts is being decided.
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