Renowned American producer visits Taiwan with "Eternal Riders" to chase dreams

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Li Xinyi

Do you remember those "Eternal Riders" in Taiwan—an average age of 81—who traveled around the island by motorcycle? Their youthful spirit moved not only the people of Taiwan but also Peter Starr, an editor at the renowned American motorcycle magazine (Motorcyclist) and a producer at the Discovery Channel. Starr not only visited the "Eternal Riders" in Taiwan but also gathered 10 elderly American motorcycling enthusiasts to join him on a motorcycle trip across Taiwan. Starting today (the 16th), this group of American "Eternal 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 Hongdao Elderly Welfare Foundation helped 17 seniors with an average age of 81 complete a 13-day motorcycle trip around the island. In 2010, their passionate dream-chasing journey was turned into a commercial that garnered over a million views online—and among those million viewers was Peter Starr, editor of a renowned American motorcycle magazine and producer at the Discovery Channel. Learning of Starr’s strong interest in Taiwan’s "eternal spirit," the Tourism Bureau’s Los Angeles office invited him to come to Taiwan for an experiential interview. During his time in Taiwan, Starr was not only moved by the "Eternal Riders" but also personally experienced Taiwan’s warm and rich human touch, gaining an understanding of Taiwan’s distinctly different culture of respecting the elderly compared to Europe and America. He also 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 trip to Taiwan in the renowned motorcycle magazine, spreading Taiwan’s "eternal spirit" internationally and creating an echo 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 the best story 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 from Taichung to chase their dreams. The most senior member is Gerald, who is about to celebrate his 80th birthday in Taiwan. Like Taiwan’s "Eternal Riders," each of these American "Eternal 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 around the world to Taiwan and will spend the next four days riding motorcycles to explore Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, Taroko Gorge, and Hualien, where they will also meet up with Taiwan’s "Eternal Riders" during the journey.

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