Sports

The glitz of the 2008 Olympics may be long gone, but Beijing still brings in some world-class athletic competitions. Professional cycling is one sport that continues to benefit from the city’s sports infrastructure. From 13-15 January 2012, Beijing will host the UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics at the Laoshan Velodrome. I had a blast during the 2008 Olympics, but I’m looking especially forward to the World Cup Classics because I actually know one of the athletes from the USA, Dean Tracy.

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Dulwich College Beijing recently hosted the grand opening of their Dulwich Legend Sports Dome. The pressurized “bubble” dome allows for an extension of the school’s vast sports offerings, with the added benefit of being immune to weather issues (winter cold, summer heat, rain, or less than ideal air quality). Measuring 34 by 48 meters, it’s large enough to accommodate many sports activities at one time and is already being used at the campus.

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Fall is the perfect time for a brisk country hike and Beijing is surrounded by natural reserves and mountains, and any hiker, no matter how experienced or fit, is sure to find something that fits.

Fenghuang Ling (Phoenix Mountain) Nature Park Regarded as a “green lung” for the capital, Fenghuang Ling is also known as the “little Huangshan.” The park covers 15 square kilometers and has jagged peaks, vast forests and springs. It’s an ideal place for autumn fruit tasting, and also offers sights including numerous ruins and Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian sites. RMB 25 (Apr 1-Oct 31), RMB 15 (Nov 1-Mar 31). RMB 13 (ages over 60), free (ages over 70, children under 1.2m tall). Daily 6am-6pm. Fenghuang Ling Nature Park. Inside Xishan Nongchang, 19 Fenghuang Ling Lu, Sujiatuo Zhen, Haidian District. (6245 5933/6245 9492) 凤凰岭风景区, 海淀区苏家坨镇凤凰岭路19号（西山农场内） Bus: Take Bus 346 from Summer Palace directly to Fenghuang Ling Nature Park. Approx distance: 33km

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Well, I’m a mom. Immediately, I beckoned for helmets, knee pads, wrist and elbow protectors and a ton of “be careful” comments worthy of a ridiculously paranoid guardian. I kept thinking that their first time out this season might result in wobbly knees and a bit of needed balance practice. I know that my insistence on safety is warranted, but I felt the need to justify it. “You’ll be careful, but what about the drivers who don’t see you?” Or, “It only takes one bad fall …”

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It’s winter. It’s cold. And it better be worthwhile if you’re trudging outside.

So trust me when I say Heyrobics is worth that trip.

Heyrobics is a group fitness class that created by Swedish Johan Holmsäter in 1978. His two sons, Linus and Hampus Holmsäter brought Heyrobics to Beijing last summer, offering free classes in Chaoyang Park. The duo currently runs these classes indoors at Chaoyang Gymnasium for RMB 20 (a fee that covers the cost of the venue).

Still wondering what Heyrobics is? Enticing me to join, my friend described it to me as: “Two Swedish brothers, Linus and Hampus, both in pink shorts jumping around for an hour, both with a smile.”

This past weekend, I sought to verify that description at a Heyrobics session. Swedes? Check. Pink shorts? Check. Jumping? Check. Smiles? Check.

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In the increasingly competitive world of kids’ sports, elite teams such as travel or club teams can place extreme demands on both a family’s time and money. With extensive travel for tournaments and competitions and an expected year-round commitment, these teams can leave little time for other sports, relaxation or family. On top of the stress on the family’s time together, an elite sports team can cost into four figures annually. Faced with this choice, more and more parents are reacting against the pressure put on their kids and deciding that other things come first.

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With the commencement of the World Cup in South Africa, fans have found creative ways to support their favorite teams. Zany examples include an aquarium in Japan that uses colored fish to play out soccer matches and an enthusiastic German website that recreates matches using Lego pieces and stop motion animation.

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The post Olympic ice hockey excitement has placed ice hockey on the radar. But rest assured, you don’t have to be in Canada to participate in the hockey frenzy. The Sports Beijing Imperial Guard Hockey Club will host an  International Ice Hockey Tournament from April 1 to April  4. Eighteen of the best youth hockey players - local and international - will compete for the Cup. This four-day event features three age divisions, with teams hailing from Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Harbin. The hockey action will take place the Hokay Ice Rink in Gaobeidian. Admission is FREE.

Visit the website for more information, or email Philip Ho, the tournament director philipbeijing@me.com