12-day cycling road trip taught boy, 6, resilience and perseverance, says his dad – he even learned to wash his own clothes
- The trip around Taiwan by bike helped his son develop his muscles and balance, and doubled as a life skills course, says cycling shop owner Jason Kei
- He’s inspired other dads to make the trip with their sons, and urges parents to join outdoor activities with their families to bond and broaden their horizons
When Jason Kei took his son on a round-the-island cycling tour of Taiwan over Easter in 2019, he did not expect to have to fix a flat tyre on the very first day.
The Hong Kong native and father of four had organised the trip around the Chinese island as a kindergarten graduation gift for his eldest son, Colin – then aged six.
They spent over an hour that day making repairs, with Jason removing and replacing the rear wheel and Colin pumping up the new tyre.
For the next 11 days, the pair rode 60km to 90km every day, in sunshine and rain. They weathered challenges, including a flare-up of Kei’s old knee injury, slippery highways in drizzling rain, and constant fatigue.
Kids love the outdoors. It’s in their nature and you have to respond to their needs.
“I wanted to develop my son’s problem-solving skills and his ability to cope with adversity and difficulties,” Kei says.
“Cycling also allows children to train up their muscles and balancing skills, broaden their horizons and explore more possibilities.”
