"Yilan Bike Joyride" – Cutie Bear Group Leader in an Adorably Awkward Ride!

By Chen Tzu-yin / Comprehensive Report

In response to the "2014 Taiwan Bicycle Festival," the Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration hosted the "Ride the Northeast Coast – Yilan Bike Joyride" event today (27th) and tomorrow (28th). Over 600 domestic and international cyclists enthusiastically participated, including 14 elementary school children who formed the Cutie Bear cycling team and officially set off amid the sound of a whistle.


▲The super-cute Cutie Bear and adorable kids start their bike ride with a whistle. (Photo / Provided by Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration)

The 25-kilometer Yilan Bike Joyride route featured five rest stops along the way. The first stop was Wangshan Pumpkin Farm, where the owner offered pumpkin-themed snacks for cyclists. The second was Donggang Banyan Tree Park, the third was Baogong Temple, which provided congee and desserts for safety, while the fourth and fifth stops were Yongzhen Coastal Recreation Area and the main event venue, offering water, bananas, and chocolate to help riders recharge.

This year marked the fifth edition of the Yilan Bike Joyride. The stage area featured performances by street artists, the ultra-cute Cutie Bear Group Leader interacted with attendees, and there was also a grand prize draw to cap off the event. The site also included various booths, such as Green Garden Organic Farm offering free mountain bitter melon tea, Yilan Post Office providing customized commemorative stamp-making services, and the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications offering two Cutie Bear Group Leader-themed photo booths for free pictures.

Fang Zhengguang, Director of the Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration under the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, stated: "The bicycle paths along Yilan’s coastal areas and riverbanks are well-planned with good road conditions. Participants can also enjoy the ecology along the Lanyang River. In addition, this year the administration has partnered with numerous local tourism businesses. Cyclists can enjoy exclusive discounts with special vouchers, helping to promote local tourism development and give back to participants."