Ride to enlightment

Hong Kong, Lantau Island.

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The only flat places in Lantau are around Hong Kong Airport. The rest is a succession of very steep climbs only the bravest cyclists dare to tackle. Our goal was to pay a visit to the biggest sitting Budha in Asia. It stands on top of a mountain. Be warned, big Budha can't be reached without a good dose of suffering.

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For those interested, here is the Strava route.

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The first climb from Tung Chung is called "The Beast" (2.5 km+ @10.5% average). "Big Budha" climb in comparaison is only 2.1km at 8.2% average. Steep portion towards the very end will remind you that you have to earn it to reach the top. On the way back, "Old Beast" is 15.3% average over 1.2km. Nuts, isn't it?