Cycling to Know Yourself

透過騎車認識自己

By Kenji Sugata

From Japan

Lived in Taiwan for 15 Years.

Professional photographer, Videographer, divemaster, bike guide & mechanic, kayak & SUP guide

CHENG

When we first moved to Chenggong back in 2015 and people found out that we were in the bike touring business, everyone kept telling me I had to meet this Japanese guy, Kenji Sugata …. A few weeks later an informal gathering at someone’s house presented the opportunity and we have been working together ever since! Kenji is a man of many talents, but true to his Japanese roots, he is as humble as he is skilled, and didn’t feel like his written English was up to writing an article, so we decided on an interview, another first for Hello Taitung, and a great opportunity to get to know more about the elusive cameraman, cyclist, dive master, pasta chef (the list goes on …..)

Growing up in Japan

Hi Kenji, great to have you here. Can you please tell us a little about growing up in Japan in the 1970s?

“I was born in Kawasaki City, not too far from Tokyo, and had a fairly uneventful childhood. I remember high school being hard work, but also that I enjoyed playing baseball and racing my motorbike. As I got older I had a few jobs to provide some extra money, including as a waiter, and even a model! But really I had my mind set on learning how to make movies in Hollywood, and at age 20 I left Japan and lived in LA for the following three years.”

A Journey through Cycling

When did you first get into cycling?

“I remember learning to ride a bike with friends as a kid, using a stabilizer on one side if memory serves me correctly – it was a long time ago! I had a basic mountain bike, but only really used it to get around, and was more interested in riding my motorbike. But that all changed when I moved to the States and started to get into mountain biking. One of my favorite rides ever was through remote Utah, cycling through the majesty of Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and into Salt Lake City. Whilst my principal career was as a cameraman, I also became involved in sports photography, documentary, film, commercial, specifically cycling, and so had the opportunity to cycle with some of the biggest names in the business, covering events like the King of the Mountains, around Taiwan and the Taipei Cycle Show”.

Emigrate to Taitung

And how is it that you came to live in Chenggong, Taitung County?

“I first visited Taiwan in the late 2000s as part of the production crew for a Japanese band. I decided I liked it and then ended up working as a cameraman in Taipei. But as I’ve gotten older the appeal of the city has waned whilst the attractions of the countryside have grown. I first visited Taitung County around 12 years ago as part of a ride around the island and knew that I’d found somewhere special. So a few years ago when a friend moved down here it seemed like the perfect opportunity and I decided to leave the Big Smoke behind me and retreat to the wilds of Taitung County. When I lived in Taipei I used to miss Japan, but since I’ve moved to Taitung I rarely think about “home”. I think I will live here forever.”

Riding around the Island

You mention riding around the island – the huandao – which is now seen as something of a once in a lifetime rite of passage for many young Taiwanese. Is that something you’d recommend?

“I’ve now completed the island circuit six times and think it is the best way to see this beautiful island – slow enough to experience real life and “stop and smell the roses”, but faster than walking! With government and private investment in cycling infrastructure (like cycling paths and rest stops) and the advent of new technology including GPS navigation and e-bikes there has never been a better time to see Taiwan from the saddle. There is also something uniquely powerful about using your own “engine” to circumnavigate the island, the shared experience when you meet other riders doing the same thing, and the meditative effect of riding all day every day for 9 or 10 days that allows you to really know yourself. ”

Mountain Biking or Road Cycling

I know that you’ve done lots of different kinds of riding over the years – what is your favorite at the moment?

“I used to love mountain biking, but these days I’m enjoying high-speed fun on my road bike. Whilst it feels like hard work at the time, the satisfaction of using my own steam and willpower to get up tough hills, and then the reward and thrill of the downhill keeps me happy! My favorite road in Taitung at the moment is Highway 23 from Donghe to Fuli –it’s the longest route across the Coastal Mountain Range which peaks out at around 650 meters, but the scenery is spectacular, you often see more wildlife than cars, and there are even a couple of spots to cool off for a dip along the way …”

Hobbies other than Cycling

We’ve talked a lot about cycling, but I know you have a number of other passions. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not riding?

“Where to begin ….. Different seasons offer different outdoors opportunities here in Taitung, and I try to work with nature on these, so cycling in the fall, winter and spring, surfing when the waves are good, kayaking, river-tracing and standup paddleboarding in the summer. And then diving when the chance presents itself …. But I can’t really talk about my passions without mentioning my animals – I love my cats and dogs and also enjoy looking after friends pets when they go away, plus the local neighbourhood menagerie.”

The Charm of Living in Taitung

And to round off, what is it that appeals to you most about living in Taitung County?

“First of all the environment – it’s clean, beautiful and tranquil here in Chenggong and I can do all of my favorite sports just a short distance from my house. Secondly, the people – not only are the local Amis people warm and friendly, they also seek to protect this beautiful land and I have enjoyed supporting them in their mission and participating in all kinds of local activities (even a slingshot competition!) Many of the people who have chosen to relocate to Taitung have done so for quality of life reasons, and so there is also a diverse and welcoming foreign community which I enjoy being a part of.”

日本にいた時は都会で仕事に明け暮れ、休みをとるたびに海外にスキューバダイビング旅行に出かけてました。台 北に移り住んでから は自転車関係の仕事に関わる機会があり、それ以降自転車に携わることになりました。週末に なる度に仲間たちと陽明山に走りに行っ たり、何度か環台で台湾の色々な場所を訪れました。

私は自転車で島一周 ( 環島 ) を 6 回完走しましたがゆっくりと現実の生活を体験し、この美しい島を見る最良の方 法だと思います。 また、自分の「エンジン」を使って島を一周することには特別なものがあり、同じように環島し てる他のサイクリストに出会った時の 共有体験、そして 9 、 10 日間毎日一日中乗ることで瞑想的な効果が得られ、 自分自身を本当に知ることができます。

波の音を聴きながら眺めの良い海沿いの道を走ったり、動物や虫の声を聞きながら緑多い山道を走った時の充実感。 そして、車や人ご みの中を走る都会とは違い田舎道は人や車とすれ違うことも少なくゆっくりと時間を過ごせて 独 り占めした道を走ったような満足感を 味わえる自転車で走れる環境。それらが台東に移住する理由の一つになりま した。私は台北に住んでいた頃は日本が恋しかったです が、台東に来てからは「故郷」のことをほとんど考えなく なりました。