Not just zombie runs—transform your bike to tackle the “balance beam challenge”!

Reported by You T-Ru / Compiled report

Beyond zombie runs and color runs, the cycling festival has also embraced a “quirky trend”! The “2013 Taiwan Cycling Festival” was officially held from November 9 to 17, culminating in an event in “Dapu Township,” Chiayi County, which will invite cyclists from nine countries. It will also host the first-ever “Bike Cosplay Balance Challenge,” where eye-catching costumes and designs could win you great prizes.


▲ Ride in style and you could win great prizes too!(Photo provided by Siraya National Scenic Area)

Liu Xilin, Deputy Director of the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, stated that the Taiwan Cycling Festival will hold its first “Bike Cosplay Balance Challenge.” Participants will ride creatively decorated bikes through a “balance beam obstacle course,” testing not only their cycling skills and balance but also adding fun, local flavor, and cultural significance. Moreover, the organizers hope to establish Dapu as the home of a “Bike Cosplay Carnival” festival brand through this themed event, making it a pilgrimage site for cycling enthusiasts from both home and abroad.

The “Ride Fun Siraya – Dapu Bike Craze” event of the 2013 Taiwan Cycling Festival was organized in conjunction with the “Dapu Township Tourism Festival” hosted by the Water Resources Agency under the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The highlights, “Dapu Cycling Trail” and “Street Parade Carnival,” kicked off at 10 a.m. on November 17. In addition to participation by 9 teams from 7 countries in costume, there were also a theme park and special performance acts.


▲ %嫉コ抵?鞍绫匦氤氏至⑻逶煨停??被鼓芷锍恕（图／西拉雅国家风景区提供)

The registration for the “Bike Cosplay Carnival” is open from now until November 8, with a limit of 60 teams, each consisting of 1 to 5 members. Costume themes must integrate the rider and the bike into a unified design, with the bicycle itself featuring three-dimensional decorations while still being rideable. Judging will be divided into two phases: street performance and the balance beam challenge. To boost participation, the Siraya Management Office has set aside generous prize money, including NT$80,000 for Best Cosplay, NT$50,000 for Greenest Earth Award, NT$30,000 for Best Visuals, NT$20,000 for Coolest Style, NT$20,000 for Most Popular, and 10 honorable mentions at NT$5,000 each.