According to Taiwan’s “China Broadcasting Corporation News Network,” the 7th 100-Person Bicycle Island Tour set off this morning from the athletic field of Taiwan University of Sport, embarking on a 15-day, 1,000-kilometer island-wide cycling journey. The participants include not only skilled cyclists and enthusiasts but also teachers leading students to experience the diverse cultural charm across Taiwan.
The 7th 100-Person Bicycle Island Tour was led by Taichung Deputy Mayor Huang Kuo-jung, Taiwan Iron Camel Bicycle Life Association Chairman Chiu Yen-cheng, Secretary-General Lai Hsin-tung, and others, along with over 100 cycling enthusiasts. They departed from the athletic field of Taiwan University of Sport to begin their 15-day, 1,000-kilometer cycling trip around the island. Deputy Mayor Huang Kuo-jung said that young people should take time to observe and appreciate the beauty of Taiwan.
Lin Hsiao-kai, a seasoned cyclist who completed a bicycle tour of over 20 countries in late 2012 and once worked with Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, was inspired by choreographer Lin Hwai-min’s words that youthful experiences of wandering will nourish you for life—words that ignited his dream of cycling around the world. He urges young people in Taiwan to complete three major feats in their youth: cycling around the island, climbing Yushan (Jade Mountain), and crossing Sun Moon Lake.
Liu, a teacher from Yuanlin High School in Changhua, led a team of 10 students to participate in this year’s tour. For them, it was their first time, and the team members were all excited and looking forward to the adventure. Hou, who traveled from Taipei to join again after participating for several consecutive years, said that cycling around the island can help build personal endurance, physical strength, and perseverance, while also enhancing competitiveness in the workplace. Her son, currently in the second year of junior high school, has already joined the tour three times. Their whole family loves the island cycling trip, which has helped her meet more fellow cycling enthusiasts and broaden her worldview.
Taiwan Iron Camel Bicycle Life Association Secretary-General Lai Hsin-tung stated that this year, over 100 participants from all over Taiwan and abroad have joined. The tour runs from July 7 to 21, spanning 15 days. Starting from Taichung and heading north, the route takes a clockwise path through Sanyi, Mingde Reservoir, Daxi, the Northern Cross-Island Highway, Taroko Gorge, the East Coast Highway, the South Link Highway, Kenting, the Chianan Plain, and Lukang Old Street, covering a total of 1,000 kilometers as the riders circle the entire island. Organizers hope the distinctive towns and beautiful landscapes along the way will allow the students to feel the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan.