SU’s 14th ‘Third Mile’ Cycling Tour Concludes After 10-Day Round-Island Journey

Soochow University’s 14th annual “Third Mile” cycling tour came to a close on April 6, capping a 10-day, round-island feat that took riders nearly 1,000 kilometers around Taiwan. Launched on March 28 from the Waishuangxi Campus, the event gathered more than 100 students and faculty members in a test of endurance, resilience, and collective spirit under the theme “Riding with the wind, united to go the distance.”

Organized by the Socialization and Aesthetics Education Center, the program challenged participants to maintain an average of nearly 100 kilometers per day as they traveled counterclockwise across the island. More than a physical undertaking, the journey offered a platform for students to push beyond personal limits while building a strong sense of camaraderie along the way.

A defining moment came on the sixth day, when the group confronted the demanding Shouka mountain section between Pingtung and Taitung along the South-Link Highway. Steep ascents and winding roads tested riders’ stamina, yet the team pressed on through mutual support and encouragement. Reaching the summit marked a shared milestone and became one of the most memorable highlights of the tour.

Sustainability also played a central role throughout the journey. Participants adopted eco-friendly practices, including the use of reusable tableware and a commitment to minimizing food waste. On the ninth day, the group extended these efforts by carrying out a beach cleanup at the Zhuangwei Sand Dunes in Yilan. Despite accumulated fatigue, riders collected marine debris, translating environmental awareness into concrete action.

Alumni and industry support further enriched the experience. On the fifth day, the team visited Hou Chen Pump Company in Pingtung, where alumna Nai-Wen Chang welcomed the group and provided much-needed supplies. Drawing on her entrepreneurial background, she shared insights and encouraged participants to channel the perseverance developed during the journey into their future careers.

The tour concluded with a warm homecoming on April 6, as participants were greeted by friends and family on campus. While the ride itself has ended, the experience leaves behind more than physical accomplishment—it fosters resilience, lasting friendships, and a spirit of determination that participants will carry forward in the journeys ahead.