By MOOK Travel Life Network, reported by Li Xinyi
The "Ride the Northeast Coast" event has been held for three consecutive years. In addition to the well-planned and well-maintained cycling paths along Yilan’s coastal areas and riverbanks, participants can also enjoy birdwatching along the Lanyang River, which boasts rich avian biodiversity, and gaze at Guishan Island from the Pacific coastline. To celebrate the "2012 Taiwan Cycling Festival," the Tourism Bureau is hosting two sessions of the "Ride the Northeast Coast – Yilan Cycling Getaway" event on November 17 and 18, with a total of 600 spots available. Online registration opened at 10:00 AM today (November 17).
The cycling route in the Northeast Corner features gentle terrain, covering a total distance of approximately 25 kilometers. (Image provided by the Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration)
The cycling route begins at the back railway station of Yilan City (LinSen Road), then proceeds along Donggang Road, Yanping Road (Yi 191), Gonglao Road (Yi 10), Zhuangbin Road (Taiwan Route 2), Yongzhen Coastal Bicycle Path (Kai Zhang Sheng Wang Temple), Donggang Banyan Park (Lanyang River Estuary), and the Yilan River Bicycle Path (Yilan River), before returning to the back railway station. The total cycling distance is about 25 kilometers with no significant elevation changes. Aside from a short stretch of urban road where extra caution is advised, most of the route is on dedicated bicycle paths. Upon entering the Pacific coastal bicycle path from Yongzhen Coastal Park, participants can enjoy views of Guishan Island along the shoreline. Continuing southward along the path to Bao’an Temple, riders can take a short break and enjoy light refreshments offered by the temple before proceeding to Donggang Banyan Park, also the mouth of the Lanyang River, where they can stop for birdwatching. Organizers will also provide water and snacks here.
Birdwatching and views of Guishan Island await cyclists along the Northeast Coast route. (Image provided by the Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration)
The event is free to register. Successful registrants will receive personal travel insurance and an event souvenir. Those who wish to rent a bicycle must pay an additional NT$200 per bike. On-site participants are welcome to join the ride but will not receive souvenirs or completion certificates. For online registration, visit the Ministry of Transportation and Communications' Eastern Taiwan Cycling Portal: taiwanbike.tw/bike/BikeList_People.aspx. For event details or brochures, please contact the Republic of China Cycling Riders Association at 02-8919-3595.
● Read more: Mountain races, family rides, and accessible tours – the Taiwan Cycling Festival is underway across the island
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