A cycling organization geared toward spreading LGBT awareness–Asia Rainbow Ride–held its first event in Taiwan over the weekend. The ride comes as a prelude to Taiwan’s Pride Parade which will take place on October 31.
The cycling event began in Taipei’s Ximen district on October 24. Participants rode to Fulong Beach on Taiwan’s Northeastern coast, and returned the following day. The group traveled a total of 130 kilometers over a span of two days.
Organizers say that the event will be expanded into a four-day event in 2021. In 2022, the planned event route will be a full 910km ride around Taiwan proper, which will take place over eight days.
Asia Rainbow Ride Co-founder Lisa Dazols said she was inspired to organize the event after biking around Taiwan, and being reminded of participating in cycling events in California. She said that Taiwan is a biking haven and very LGBT-friendly. She said she hoped to combine those two distinctive aspects of Taiwan in the event.