The “2023 Penghu 101K Hopping Bike” event was launched with much fanfare at 7AM on September 17 (Sun) by the Penghu National Scenic Administration (Penghu-NSA) of the Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications. The event sought to foster a friendly, safe and sustainable cycling culture/environment as well as develop in-depth cycling tourism and activities for LOHAS and leisure that are challenging, unique and localized. 785 cycling fans from around Taiwan took part in exploring the nooks and crannies of Penghu on bicycle, feasting on freshly caught seafood, and visiting the most beautiful sea bay in the world.

The event was divided into the “101K Challenge” and “22K Leisure” divisions. The race route passed through famous destinations such as Shili Beach, Mt. Kuebi in Beiliao, the Trans-Oceanic Bridge, and Yuwengdao Lighthouse. The route was also lined with many local cultural and natural sights. Cyclists could even enjoy famous local delicacies such as Brown Sugar Cake and Penghu Salty Biscuits right on the route. Race participants could, therefore, not only challenge themselves but also admire the vaunted scenery and culture of Penghu.

The popularity of the “101K Hopping Bike” event attracted strong interest from cyclists in Taiwan and overseas. A total of 785 cyclists registered for the event, including 571 for the 101K division and 214 for the 22K division. In addition to local Penghu residents and their families, 563 cyclists from mainland Taiwan also signed up for the event, demonstrating the continued popularity of offshore cycling tourism. A new record was set by the number of cyclists that took part this year as well. The participation of cyclists from Malaysia, the Philippines and Japan showed that cycling on Penghu has now gained tremendous international cachet!

The “Hopping Bike After Party Tour 自行車跳島續攤遊” was also launched as a complement to the classic race this year. On the day after the race (18th), cyclists could go “island hopping” by boat with their bikes to Penghu’s outer islands, including Dongji Island, Cimei Island, Dongsiyuping,Tiejhen Island, and Toujin Island. The tour offered the opportunity to experience the unique island beauty of Penghu by bike.

Penghu’s is not only home to beautiful ocean resources but also has an island charm of its own. There is no better way to experience the easy-going charm of Penghu than exploring geology, spectacular beaches, historical buildings, and cultural atmosphere by bike. The two bicycle rest areas at Suogang and Wude were completed in 2022 to upgrade the cycling-friendly infrastructure in Penghu. They offer cyclists not only a place to rest and refill their water bottles, but are the new hot spots for selfie action.

In addition to welcoming with open arms cyclists from around the country looking to cruise the Gaillardia Island on their bikes for slow tourism, Penghu-NSA is also hosting other local experience-based events such as “Rock Festival - Geology Tour”, “Beache Seine at Lintou in Penghu”, and “Traditional Hand-Fishing Net” as well as the “2023 Gaillardia Island Penghu Cross-Sea Marathon” on November 5. The events are aimed at promoting quality Penghu tourism and itineraries in fall and winter. Runners and the general public are invited to come and experience a different side of Penghu in the fall and winter!