Creative bikes, paragliding, fishing races — fun in Dapu this December

By MOOK Travel Life Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

 

The annual “Explore Siraya, Bike Crazy in Dapu” event will be held at Lakeside Park in Dapu Township, Chiayi County, on December 15–16, inviting cyclists from all over Taiwan to show off themselves and their bikes, with a chance to take home prizes worth a total of NT$80,000 in cash or bicycles. Early bird registration is now open to grab great deals — the first 50 registered teams will receive four vitality vouchers worth a total of over NT$1,200 from the Lushui Shuguo Vitality Center (four vouchers per team, each valued at NT$330).

At the event site, there will be tax bike performances, cycling relay races, food truck experiences, drone shows, flying car demonstrations, BMX stunts, fish-catching competitions, art and craft activities, and more. Representatives from National Chung Hsing University’s research and development department will bring their charming mini electric cars, while local government officials will warmly welcome visitors. There will also be adorable mini versions of Mazda K36 and 150cm-tall bikes that will make everyone scream with cuteness; Merida’s 150cm-high bikes will challenge your courage and vertical limits; plus there will be children’s unicycle skills and Doraemon-style tricycles.

Liao Yuanlong, director of the Siraya National Scenic Area Administration, said that Section 3 of Provincial Highway 3 in Dapu can be considered the backyard of the Siraya National Scenic Area. Along the way, surrounded by the Zengwen Reservoir, the scenic lake and mountain views paired with fresh, pleasant air have made it one of the most popular cycling routes in central and southern Taiwan. The administration, together with Dapu Township Office, has transformed the existing cycling route into the “Dapu Bike Crazy” event, creating the only creative bike carnival in Taiwan. In addition, on December 15, there will be a “How to Play in Dapu” mobile story bus, where locals will guide visitors to explore the legendary stories of the Red Garden, Xie Gongyuan, and Baimating, as well as hands-on drifting wood ornament making and live performances by Dapu Township’s self-formed band, the “Exclamation Mark Band.” Registration for the Dapu Bike Crazy event is now open, and those interested can download the registration brochure from www.siraya-nsa.gov.tw. In addition to the “Dapu Bike Crazy,” Dapu Township Office is also hosting a variety of fun competitions such as a “Paragliding Performance Competition” and a “National Fishing Fun Individual Race.” For details, please visit www.dapu.gov.tw.