Saddle up for Taiwan Cycling Festival

 
The 105-kilometer race features 87 kilometers of sheer uphill climbing. On Oct. 28, only the toughest cyclists will be able to master the mountain. With an event capacity of 600 participants, 300 domestic and 300 foreign professionals from all areas of the world can stake their claim atop Taiwan¡¦s famous Hehuan Mountain said the organizers, the Tourism Bureau and the Taiwan Cyclist Federation.
   The race begins at sea level from Hualien¡¦s Qixingtan and passes through the spectacular Taroko Gorge before climbing to Taiwan¡¦s highest passable road apex atop Route 14A to reach Wuling at an altitude of 3,275 meters. Another challenge of this race is the change in temperature from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius at the start of the race to 5 to 10 degrees Celsius at the finish line. Stunning views also await cyclists along this exceptional route, which is considered one of the greatest climbs anywhere in the world by many athletes, according to the organizers.
 
The Serious Amateur Test
 
   From the amateur, yet passionate cyclist, the Formosa 900 invites you to circle Taiwan on a 900-kilometer-long, nine-day and eight-night journey. You have two options -- signing up individually for the race that takes place between Oct. 22 and Oct. 30 or signing up through your company for the contest scheduled from Nov. 5 to Nov. 13.
   Designed to allow cyclists to set their own pace and enjoy the scenery, the Formosa 900 -- which integrates the hotel and food industries, local dining areas, and combined railway and bicycle routes -- will award successful participants with official certificates upon completion. Participants may travel alone or sign up to join a group, but all will experience the full range of Taiwan¡¦s culture as they pass the headquarters of Giant Bicycles, Xiluo Bridge, the Tropic of Cancer, Mudan Dam, Mr. Brown Avenue in Taitung and more, according to the organizers.
 
The Casual Ride
 
   Meanwhile, the two-day Sun Moon Lake Bikeday is an event for those who want to boost their fitness, protect the planet and enjoy healthy family time. Slated for Nov. 12 to Nov. 13, the event is intended for bikers of all ability levels, meaning that children on tricycles or with training wheels are more than welcome to join in. Participants young and old can follow routes that suit them, creating a welcoming and accommodating environment for all, the organizers stated.
   Sun Moon Lake is already famous both at home and abroad for its breathtaking landscapes and wonderful bicycle paths. Organizers will guide participants through the ¡§Family Route,¡¨ which is less than 10 kilometers long; the 30-kilometer ¡§Lake Cycling Route¡¨ or the 80-kilometer ¡§Self-challenging Route.¡¨
   Also on Nov. 12, the ¡§Children Sliding Car Contest¡¨ will be held alongside bicycle exhibitions, performances and related activities. The young and the young at heart will be able to experience the ¡§Hundred Knights Oh Bear Cosplay¡¨ carnival on Nov. 13, during which 50 groups of parents and children will wear costumes during their cycling adventures, the organizers said.