A New Territories Cycling Adventure
An enjoyable excursion from Tai Wai to Tai Po Waterfront Park
Cycling
Cycling
On a warm Sunday morning, I ventured out to explore the New Territories Cycling Track Network. My starting point was the Tai Wai MTR Station. Exit A was adjacent to the cycle track and perpendicular to Chik Sau Lane, a source for bike rentals. I picked out a suitable bike and paid for a full day’s rental, with the option to drop it off at Tai Po instead of having to return it at Tai Wai.
Within minutes after setting off, I was riding beside the Shing Mun River, the defining water channel in Sha Tin. Painted red with white dotted lines, the track was easy to follow and, except for tunnel and bridge ramps, was completely flat. I was impressed that most of the track separated cyclists from pedestrians. I rode along the channel for about 4km, passing the Heritage Museum, Sha Tin Park, Yuen Wo Playground and Penfold Park (a.k.a. Sha Tin Racecourse) before the channel opened to Tolo Harbour.
After riding for about an hour and covering just over 13km, I reached Tai Po Waterfront Park. I had no idea that this is the largest park in Hong Kong. The directional map indicated there were thirty-one destinations, including an amphitheatre, model boat pool, bowling greens, an insect house, and dozens of paths through thirteen different types of gardens. With perfect golden hour light, I set about capturing and photographing the beauty of the park.
Text & Photos Martin Wray
