TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Thirty-five students from Taiping Elementary School in Kaohsiung completed a 100-kilometer bike ride to Eluanbi as part of a graduation challenge, CNA reported Tuesday.
The school said the annual ride was in its third year and had its largest group so far. Students rode from Kaohsiung to Eluanbi, near Taiwan’s southern tip, to build endurance, teamwork, and confidence.
This year’s riders included 14 graduating students, 12 younger students, and nine alumni. The youngest participant was a second grader.
The ride began early Saturday, when students gathered at the school with parents before setting off. Staff gave safety reminders before coaches led the riders out in groups.
A total of 53 people joined the trip, including students, teachers, school staff, coaches, and eight parents who rode with the group. More than 10 other parents followed by scooter or car to provide supplies, help with logistics, and cheer on the students.
The school said students prepared with 20-kilometer and 50-kilometer training rides before the challenge. During the ride, they were divided into two teams and four groups, each led by a coach and accompanied by teachers.
Support cars followed the riders along the route to provide supplies and safety assistance. Coaches also reminded students about road conditions and safety rules after each rest stop.
Student Huang Kun-tse (黃昆澤) said he did not know how to ride a bike when he first signed up. He said a previous visit to Eluanbi inspired him to learn cycling and complete the challenge.
“I believed I could do it, so I worked hard to learn, and in the end I really did it,” Huang said.
Student Liang Pin-yen (梁品彥) said he became exhausted during the ride and almost ran out of energy. He said he was encouraged when his father, who had just finished a night shift, came to support him along the route.
Liang said the moment gave him the strength to continue. He said he hoped to join the ride again next year.
Principal Weng Jui-mei (翁瑞美) said the 100-kilometer ride was more than a physical challenge. She said the school hoped students would learn to face setbacks, push past their limits, and grow through teamwork.
Weng said the event was made possible by close cooperation between the school and parents. She said their support had helped make the ride an important part of students’ graduation experience.
