Pedaling 888km: TCC's 80th Anniversary Low-Carbon Cycling Tour

Allie Hung｜Editor of Sustainable E-newsletter

Early this summer, to mark TCC's 80th milestone, the "Shaping the Future Civilization: Riding as One" employee cycling challenge officially kicked off. This wasn't just a sporting event; it was a six-day, five-night, 888km cross-generational journey using the most land-friendly, low-carbon mode of transport: bicycles. This island-wide ride seamlessly connected TCC's various plants and cross-business hubs. As the editor of the Sustainable E-Newsletter, I proudly donned a cycling jersey to join the half-route segment, pedaling alongside colleagues to turn low-carbon living into concrete action. 

 

Riding into the Wind: The Power of "Us"

At dawn, the peloton lined up in front of the TCC Headquarters and officially set off amidst enthusiastic cheers. The first major hurdle arrived swiftly: battling strong headwinds en route to the Bali Refuse Incineration Plant, making for a grueling test of endurance. Despite the strenuous pedaling, watching teammates take turns leading and breaking the wind transformed unfamiliar cross-departmental colleagues into a united front, fueled by mutual encouragement along the way. 

 

Adding to the riders' delight was the ever-ready professional support vehicle. The crew not only prepared various cold drinks and locally sourced snacks to keep everyone energized but also strictly adhered to a "safety first" principle. During sudden downpours or moments of physical overload, the staff decisively arranged for riders to rest in the vehicles, actively discouraging anyone from pushing blindly past their limits. This shared prioritization of safety became the steady force keeping the peloton moving forward. 

Unlocking the Landscape of Transition: Witnessing TCC’s Diverse Green Energy Footprint

While the half-route riders got a taste of the challenge, the warriors who completed the full six-day journey deeply experienced the true scale of TCC’s cross-industry evolution. A colleague from Ta-Ho Maritime shared that they previously held stereotypes about incineration plants; however, after arriving at the Bali Refuse Incineration Plant and hearing the professional introduction from the Ta-Ho Environmental team, they were amazed by the facility's comprehensive modernization and operational mechanics. When the peloton reached the Vakangan Hot Spring Park in Taitung, even though it had not yet officially opened, the team enthusiastically purchased local souvenirs, using concrete consumer support to back regional revitalization. 
 

Every stop along the way resembled a living map of TCC’s low-carbon transition. A cycling enthusiast from the Hoping Plant specifically mentioned arriving at the Chiayi Green Energy Plant, where local colleagues warmly served hand-drip coffee and guided them through the aquavoltaics facilities. Later, as the peloton advanced to the Changhua Coastal Industrial Park, witnessing the towering wind turbines spinning against the blue sky vividly brought TCC's diverse, low-carbon energy layout to life, leaving a profound impact on the team.

Powered by Warm Support: Pedaling into the Next Decade

Naturally, the journey included the daunting "Shouka" climb, an ascent of approximately 520 meters. With professional lead and sweep riders monitoring conditions via radio, the team safely ensured that "no teammate was left behind". Overcoming the grueling climb, riders were rewarded with the expansive East Coast scenery and an unparalleled sense of achievement. The highway stretch from Gangzai to Xuhai—often referred to as the "South of the Border"—preserves some of Taiwan's rarest pristine coastlines. Riding against the ocean breeze, thoughts settled into a profound peace of merging with nature, allowing riders to deeply appreciate TCC's 80-year foundational commitment to harmony between civilization and the environment. 

What propelled the full-route warriors forward was not just willpower, but the warm support of the entire TCC family. The official message board overflowed with touching notes: "Thank you to the leaders for teaching us the best lesson through action," and "This journey connected the hearts of TCC partners, passing on the spirit of harmony, unity, and never giving up". Every comment embodied the soul of the phrase: "There is no you or me, only us". 

This bond ultimately materialized into a custom commemorative puzzle. At each stop, half-route colleagues signed the puzzle board, passing their blessings to the full-route partners. On the sixth day, upon returning to the headquarters, the final piece was successfully inserted, completing the 80th-anniversary logo. The sweat shed over 888 kilometers proved that every pedal stroke by TCC people not only connected their hearts but also drove them together toward the next decade of prospering with nature.

Riding as One, Cycling the Island Together

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AUTHOR

Allie Hung｜Editor of Sustainable E-newsletter

Convinced to hit the road by a casual invite from a teammate.