Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Cross-Country Riverside Cycling Trail

Korean avid cyclists are so happy to celebrate the completion of the cross-country riverside cycling trails along 4 major rivers across South Korea. 1757 km (1092 Miles) is the total length of the cycling trail network, which has been created by 4 major rivers restoration project.

This riverside cycling trail can be seen around Daegu 대구 city partly surrounded by the Nakdong river 낙동강. To the west of Daegu located Gangjeong-bo 강정보, which is the largest in size among 16 weirs of the four rivers; Bo means weir. Dalseong-bo 달성보 is to the south, and Chilgog-bo 칠곡보 to the north. Every weir is connected to each other by the trail, which is well paved either inside or on the riverbanks.

The environmentalists have always argued that 4 major rivers restoration project including this riverside cycling trail unintentionally destroys the nature of the rivers, not restoring or conserving it. The government, however, consistently insists that the project has aimed to restore and conserve the rivers eco-friendly. Anyway, the project was finally completed last month. Time will settle the argument.

I have ever ridden a bike several times to 3 weirs as Gangjeong, Dalseong and Chilgog. The path is mostly smooth with only a few ascents or descents. The fresh and cool wind always blows across the river, touching my face. One spot between Dalseong and Chilgog is still under construction, so the cyclists have to take a detour. Restrooms and benches with shade are found occasionally along the two-wheeler trail. You can make a pit stop in the control office attached to each weir, and cv stores are opened for visitors in some weir control offices.