Hong Kong

Rebecca Lo hops on a bicycle to explore some of the SAR's off-the-beaten track islands and country parks.

Hong Kong has a surprisingly small number of cyclists. Daredevil mini-bus drivers and narrow diesel-fume choked streets deter all but the bravest riders in the city. Yet those seeking two-wheel thrills don't have to look far. For a leisurely outdoor excursion, the New Territories and Outlying Islands offer a wealth of trails and paths to discover.

Best of all - you don't even bring your own bike, since many places will rent you one for the day.

"My husband always takes the kids to Mui Wo if they want to go cycling or have their bikes serviced," says Dianne Ignacio-Urmeneta, a Discovery Bay resident and mother of five children, ranging in age from toddler to teen. "It is a good start to a cycling trip."

Mui Wo, a laid-back community on Lantau Island, offers several bicycle shops within walking distance of the ferry pier.

Jacky of Friendly Bicycle Shop can help set you up a bike to suit your needs, or make sure that your bike is completely up to speed with a thorough checkup. Friendly stocks everything to ensure a fun and safe trip, including spare parts, lights and other accessories.

For the novice rider, adult and children's models can be equipped with training wheels. Friendly also offers a pick-up and delivery service at designated times throughout the day from Mui Wo or Discovery Bay.

Cycling is the main mode of transportation in Mui Wo, and the scenic villages of Wang Tong, Lung Mei Tsuen and Luk Tei Tong are all accessible along relatively flat paths for family outings.

You may encounter a water buffalo or two along the way, as these docile creatures are often spotted basking in the sun on Silvermine Beach or napping in a field. Silvermine Waterfall Garden is a good pit stop for a picnic lunch next to a scenic fall, and further up a nearby hill you can explore the remnants of a cave that used to yield silver.

Those looking for a more challenging ride head to Pui O, Cheung Sha, Tong Fuk or even Tai O on the west side of the island.

Also popular with families is the bike path that follows Shing Mun River Channel in Sha Tin. You can pick up a bike near Tai Wai station or at Shun Lee Bicycle near Sha Tin Station. Ask if the shop has a branch in Tai Po, for the option of dropping it off at the end of your ride instead of doubling back.

The path passes the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and Sha Tin Park, with the scenery becoming progressively greener and less developed as you get to Sha Tin Racecourse. Further along as you approach Tolo Harbour, you will see the Chinese University to your left and then a great expanse of sea while heading into Tai Po.

Skirt around Tai Po Industrial Estate and Plover Cove to Tai Mei Tuk, where you can choose from a number of restaurants and diners to refuel. There are also well-stocked barbecue sites if you prefer cooking under the skies.

Darrin O'Neill advises bikers to be extra cautious around inexperienced cyclists sharing the path.

"One lady ran right into me," he says, recalling a recent ride to Tai Po. "She didn't seem to know how to use her brakes!"