Hong Kong’s new mountain bike park above Mui Wo is awesome for beginners and experienced riders
- A new playground for mountain bikers is about to open, boasting a labyrinth of tracks for all levels
- It is easy to rent bikes from Mui Wo and cycle up to the park for a day of fun
A new bike park is opening soon on Lantau Island and it will delight beginners and more experienced riders alike. The routes are well set out, so you can fly down or just enjoy the scenery and yet somehow never have to climb a long hill back to the start.
With that in mind, my expectations were low when I visited for the first time. Instead, we was greeted by a well designed and extensive bike park for all levels. Rather than a single trail that led back to Mui Wo, as anticipated, there were tracks and loops that meant we could stay there for hours.
The 4.5-hectare bike park is not officially open yet, or bearing a name. The massive toilet is being completed and there are still signs to be displayed. But there are enthusiasts taking the liberty of trying it out.
You can rent a bike, helmet and other protective gear from HK$300 to HK$500 in Mui Wo. There’s the Friendly Bicycle Shop (out of the ferry, turn left) or Lantau Base Camp (opposite the ferry pier). Then take the first left from the roundabout and cycle up the hill. Take the second left, go through a village, left up another road and you will be at the park.
There are “wrong way” signs on the trails and some are marked with difficulty levels like a ski slope. But as it is not finished, not all are marked. We made the mistake of going down one of the longer, harder routes on our first go.
I am not an experienced mountain biker and lost control. In fear, I slammed on the breaks and flew over my handlebars.
My screams scattered birds from the trees and bikers ran to my aid, expecting to see some mangled body. I may have overreacted.
With the advice of some more seasoned riders, we were pointed in the direction of scenic routes that matched our level, slowly building to more challenging trails.
If you are also new to the sport, be careful and seek direction from someone who has been before, or more wisely still, wait until the park is officially open.
Credit where credit is due, the CEDD and AFCD have made a great park that will benefit newcomers and seasoned riders for a long time to come.
There are other, even more challenging routes across Hong Kong, like on Tai Mo Shan, which you can aspire to if you build time and experience in Mui Wo.
And if you are flying by the seat of your pants down the toughest route in Mui Wo, there’s a great toilet waiting for you.
