Giant Bicycle Chairman King Liu, 75, will ride his bike 1,668 kilometres/1,036 miles through China in May to promote the positive benefits of cycling.
Liu, who co-founded Giant in 1972, hopes to complete his ride to Shanghai in about 20 days, sharing his passion for cycling along the way. Liu hopes to inspire cyclists in both Taiwan and China to work toward enhancing cycling opportunities in both nations.
“I have spent 36 years at Giant to build the best quality bicycles in the world,” Liu said. “Now I would like to spend my next 36 years sharing the joy of the ride to all the people in the world.”
Having spent most of his life focused on running a business, Liu reignited his passion for cycling two years ago when he completed a 575-mile ride through Taiwan in 17 days. Now he is facing a more intense challenge, a ride that will require him to complete about 50 miles per day for 20 consecutive days.
Liu designed the special edition Giant Defy Advanced bike he will ride in China. The bike features a symbolic color scheme—blue in the rear, white in the front—that represents King’s mission of uniting people in Taiwan and China in the push toward more healthy lifestyles.
“I want the relationship between the people of Taiwan and China to step out of the sorrow of the past [blue] and look forward to the bright future [white],” Liu added.
There’s also a message from Liu inscribed on the fork: “Enhance the spirit of health on both sides of Taiwan Strait, enjoy the happiness of rolling on two wheels.”
Liu hopes this personal challenge will inspire people in Taiwan, China and around the world to become more aware of cycling and to embrace it as both a healthy lifestyle and a solution to environmental concerns.
Giant Bicycle Chairman King Liu (center) announcing at a press conference in Taipei that he will ride from Beijing to Shanghai beginning May 9, 2009
To celebrate King’s upcoming tour, Giant employees worldwide are participating in a global event known as “Ride Like King” day. On May 8, Giant employees throughout Europe, North America, Asia and Australia are encouraged to ride their bikes. Activities will include bicycle commuting, organized lunch rides or casual rides with family members.
For more information, visit www.giantbicycle.com.
