Renowned American producer joins Taiwan’s "Unaging Riders" in chasing dreams

Written/Compiled and Reported by Li Xinyi, MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network

 

Do you remember those Taiwanese "Unaging Riders," with an average age of 81, who traveled around the island on motorcycles? Their youthful spirit touched the hearts of people in Taiwan and also moved Peter Starr, editor of the renowned American motorcycle magazine (Motorcyclist) and producer at Discovery Channel. Starr not only visited the "Unaging Riders" in Taiwan but also gathered 10 elderly American motorcycle enthusiasts to join him on a motorcycle trip across Taiwan. Starting today (the 16th), this group of American "Unaging Riders" will set their dreams in motion in Taichung, and over the next four days, they will ride motorcycles to explore places such as Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, Taroko Gorge, and Hualien.

In 2007, the Hong Dao Senior Welfare Foundation helped 17 seniors with an average age of 81 complete a 13-day motorcycle ride around the island. In 2010, their passionate dream-chasing journey was made into a commercial that garnered over a million views online—and among those viewers was Peter Starr, editor of a renowned American motorcycle magazine and producer at the Discovery Channel. Upon learning of Starr’s strong interest in Taiwan’s "unaging spirit," the Tourism Bureau’s Los Angeles office suggested he come to Taiwan to experience and report on it. During his time in Taiwan, Starr was not only moved by the "Unaging Riders" but also personally experienced Taiwan’s warm and rich human touch, gained an understanding of Taiwan’s unique culture of respecting elders—which differs greatly from that of Europe and America—and discovered that Taiwan’s beautiful environment, where mountains and seas are easily accessible without traveling too far, is perfect for motorcycle touring. After returning to the U.S., Starr reported on his Taiwan trip in the renowned motorcycle magazine, and Taiwan’s "unaging spirit" thus spread internationally, resonating on the other side of the globe.

Starr said that the spirit of pursuing dreams regardless of age is not only meaningful in Taiwan but also serves as one of the best stories to promote "Time for Taiwan" to the world. Starr, along with five American motorcycle enthusiasts with an average age of 72 and five accompanying riders, set off to pursue their dreams from Taichung. The most senior member is Gerald, who is about to celebrate his 80th birthday in Taiwan. Like Taiwan’s "Unaging Riders," each of these American "Unaging Riders" has a rich and colorful life story—there’s a retired U.S. Air Force general who was once stationed in Taiwan, as well as a former female racing champion. They flew halfway across the world to Taiwan and will spend the next four days riding motorcycles to visit Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, Taroko Gorge, and Hualien, where they will also meet up with Taiwan’s "Unaging Riders" during the trip.

 

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