Introduction
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a significant cultural celebration in various Asian countries, particularly in areas with a high population of Han people. The roots of the Mid-Autumn Festival date back over 3,000 years; it was originally linked to agricultural practices and moon worship. The festival takes place annually on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Lunar Calendar, coinciding with the full moon and the harvest session. With the gaining of popularity during the Song Dynasty when mooncakes became associated with the celebration, it was a symbolism for family reunion and gratitude for the harvest. This year, the moon festival will be celebrated on September 17th, 2024. Today, barbecuing is a common activity during the moon festival celebrations, but many do not know that was due to the influence of Taiwan’s Wan Ja Shan Food television commercial for its barbecue sauce that was launched in 1986. With the temperature finally cooling down, this time of the year is also perfect for cycling. This article will explore some trails and rides to be explored during the Moon Festival season.
United Kingdom: Surrey Hills National Landscape
The Surrey Hills National Landscape, located in the UK, is an excellent choice for cyclists; it offers both mountain biking and road biking trails. For mountain bikers, Surrey Hills is famous for featuring a loose network of trails across notable areas such as North Downs, Leith Hill, Holmbury Hill, Pitch Hill, and Winterfold. It is also perfect for those who love adventure with only one waymarked trail on Leith Hill; many unmarked trails exist waiting to be explored. As unsanctioned trails, cyclists should exercise caution when exploring these unmarked trails. Riding with someone who is familiar with the area is advised; if not, bringing a GPS for navigation would be suggested. For road bikers who prefer paved surfaces, Surrey Hills can also be the perfect choice that provides a diverse biking experience. With the cycling network spanning approximately 1,071 km, almost 90% of it being natural landscape, it includes numerous scenic routes. For those who love a challenge, as a legacy of the 2012 Olympics, the Box Hill Olympic Route can be the ideal choice.
Leith Hill’s Summer Lightning Trail
This trail is an official waymarked loop trail with a length of approximately 7.3 km. It begins and finishes near the iconic Leith Hill Tower, the highest point of southeast England. The trail offers a mixture of exciting descents, including jumpy and swoopy segments, making it suitable for a diverse range of skill levels. It is known for its fun with flowing descents and features like berms and jumps that enhance riders’ experience. Starting from the highest point of southeast England, it also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape with a café for refreshments near the tower. Bikers are advised to stick to the officially waymarked trails as Leith Hill is made up of a mixture of National Trust, Forestry Commission, and private land. When riding, respect the rights of the way to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. For those who want to enhance their skills and adventure through the trails more safely, B1KE offers training and guided experiences tailored to different groups and skill levels.
Box Hill Olympic Route
The Box Hill Olympic Route, located at Surrey Hills, is a scenic cycling path that gained traction during the 2012 London Olympics when it became part of the Olympic road race. The route begins near the Burford Bridge hotel at the foot of Box Hill; it is characterized by its beautiful scenic views and challenging climbs (it’s Zig Zag Road). The trail spans approximately 16.8 km with a mix of country lands and A & B roads. In terms of elevation, the climb is about 2.5 km, gaining around 317 meters over the course; the gradient averages to about 5%, peaking at 8%. This route is safe for cyclists with its dedicated cycling path alongside the dual carriageway. For the less experienced riders, there are several facilities and resting spots throughout the route, including resting benches, toilets, and refreshments at Ryka’s Cafe and the National Trust Box Hill Cafe. The blend of nature’s beauty, historical significance, and endurance challenge, it has become a must-visit destination for cycling enthusiasts.
Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake & Yangmingshan National Park
Taiwan, a small island nation, offers a diverse landscape, making it a cycling paradise. Two of the most popular destinations for cyclists are Sun Moon Lake and Yangmingshan National Park. Both locations boast stunning scenery through nature and challenging routes; Sun Moon Lake is fitted to all skill levels, and most routes in Yangmingshan National Park require more skills and experience. From the scenic Sun Moon Lake bike paths to Yangming's challenging climbs, experience the thrill of Taiwan's cycling adventures. Below we will learn more about these two areas for cycling.
Sun Moon Lake
The Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan is a famous destination for locals, foreigners, and especially cycling enthusiasts. The 29-kilometer bike trail that loops around the lake is considered one of the most stunning cycling routes in the world. It was selected by CNNgo as one of the world’s top 10 most beautiful bikeways. With challenging hills and steep slopes in some sections, the route is suitable for cyclists of varying skill levels. A large portion of the route consists of dedicated bike paths, with only some sections sharing the main road around the lake, which makes it a safe choice for different groups of cyclists. Notably, this year on November 30th, 2024, Taiwan’s Sun Moon Lake is set to host the branded Tour de France cycling challenge for the first time. This event will encompass two different races for different skill levels, one covering 104 km with the registration fee of NTD$4,500, and the other covering 29 km with the registration fee of NTD$3,500. The L’Étape Sun Moon Lakes registration ends in less than a month. To find out more information and sign up, visit their website now.
Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park is one of the nine national parks in Taiwan that span across both Taipei and New Taipei City. It is known for its volcanic landscape, hot springs, hiking trails, and numerous bike trails. One of the most popular cycling routes in Yangmingshan National Park located in northern Taipei is the Pingjing Street Climb. The ascend begins at Pingjing Street with several choices for descent. The total distance ranges from 36 to 96 km, depending on the route chosen. Its total elevation ranges from 982 to 1985 meters, with its most notable climb being 17 km with a gradient of 5-8%. Some of the routes include a second climb, such as Fengguizui (600 meters) or County Highway 101. There are also several options for descent, including Yangde Boulevard, Yangjin Road, and a descent to Jinshan District on the north coast. This climb features stunning views of volcanic peaks, luscious forests, and a diverse natural ecosystem. Being one of Taiwan’s most iconic climbs, this route is a must-do for cycling enthusiasts, but do proceed with caution. With its long routes and steep climbs, it is not for those who have never cycled on mountain roads before. Even for experienced cyclists, you will still need to properly plan your route based on your skill level and available time. If you have the chance to cycle through Yangmingshan National Park on the weekends, make sure to drop by and say hi to us at our bike rental station in Bamboo Lake (No. 51, Yangming Creek Walkway, Beitou District).
Conclusion
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, it's an ideal time to embark on a cycling adventure and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery. Whether you're seeking challenging climbs or scenic trails, the UK and Taiwan offer a diverse range of options. In the UK, the Surrey Hills National Landscape provides both mountain biking and road biking trails, with highlights like the Leith Hill Summer Lightning Trail and the Box Hill Olympic Route. In Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake and Yangmingshan National Park offer stunning scenery and challenging routes for cyclists of all levels. Remember to plan your route carefully, consider your skill level, and respect the local environment. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a memorable and rewarding cycling experience this Mid-Autumn Festival. Let’s ride to Mars together.
