By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported
Section 3 of Provincial Highway 3 in Dapu is considered the backyard of the Siraya National Scenic Area. Stretching along Taiwan’s largest reservoir, the Zengwen Reservoir, the route offers picturesque lake-and-mountain views alongside fresh, invigorating air, making it one of the most popular biking trails in central and southern Taiwan. The area will host Taiwan’s most creative biking event – “Dapu’s Crazy Bike Festival” – on December 9. Aside from providing a stage for cyclists to show off their bikes, the event also offers a chance to win creative “kuso” cash prizes totaling NT$80,000. There will also be activities such as a countryside challenge and a lakeside concert.
The Dapu Crazy Bike Festival will kick off this Friday (12/9), and registration is now open. (Photo provided by Siraya National Scenic Area)
The Siraya Management Office and Dapu Township Office have transformed existing biking routes into the “Dapu Crazy Bike Festival,” offering cyclists across Taiwan a platform to showcase their creativity. With a bit of imagination, participants can take home cash prizes, gifts, and accommodation vouchers. Even non-cyclists are welcome – just follow the scenic routes planned by the Siraya Management Office to hear local legends from Dapu, gaze at the White Horse Pavilion atop the mountain ridges, learn about the story of Xie Gongyuan, or hear the love tale of the Red Flower Garden. Successfully completing the challenge earns you a limited-edition plush keychain.
Besides humorous bike parades, there will also be fishing competitions and paragliding – a rich variety of activities. (Photo provided by Siraya National Scenic Area)
In addition to the challenge games, from 14:00 and 14:30 on December 9, and 10:00, 10:30, 14:00, and 14:30 on December 10 (six time slots in total), guides from the Dapu Tourism Association will lead participants on bike rides and walks to explore, enjoy, and get to know Dapu. Beyond biking, the event site will also feature a Dapu agricultural product fair, driftwood DIY activities, paragliding, and fishing competitions. For details and registration, please check online.
Website of the Siraya National Scenic Area Management Office: www.siraya-nsa.gov.tw.