During the festivities of this year's Chinese New Year, the Kaohsiung City Stadium was the scene of a rather unusual contest. The crowds which thronged the stands had come to witness the daredevil antics of the country's premier stunt-rider, Lu Ch'ing-an.
Standing just a shade over five feet, the dark-skinned Lu, sitting on his high-powered 1200 c.c. motorcycle, had won the concern of the crowd. "Like a crow sitting on an ox's back", as the announcer so succinctly described the fearless rider. Fearing that he was undertaking a life-threatening stunt, the crowd waited in tense silence as Lu pushed his engines to the maximum. Breaking into a slight smile, the daredevil took a deep breath and was off. Like a dark shadow streaking across the sky, bike and rider shot up the take-off ramp. As the crowd watched in disbelief the bike sailed over eight massive transport container trucks, landing a safe distance from the obstacles. This eye-opening display of courage, while not breaking any records, sent the anxious audience into a frenzy of applause. Once again Lu Ch'ingan had defied death and conquered another stunt feat.
Lu's interest in bikes extends from his childhood. Mechanically inclined, the young boy was constantly tinkering with household goods, taking them apart and putting them back together. Be it a radio, or the family bicycle, the dexterous fingers of the young boy could rebuild them without any problems. After graduation from junior high school, he began apprenticing in his uncle's motorcycle shop where he quickly came to develop his life-long passion for riding. When he was 18 years of age, a Japanese motorcycle company sent a promotional team to the island. Part of their exhibitions included stunt-riding performances. Like thrilling scenes from some movie, these stunt-riders impressed crowds with their jumping, climbing and acrobatic skills. Lu was especially taken by these riders and made the decision to begin practicing this risky sport.
Without any instruction or proper equipment, he began his long journey to stunt-riding fame. Utilizing any free moment he had, the tireless youth journeyed to parks or any area of open space where he could ride. He emphasizes that any potential rider should be aware of the basic conditions conducive to riding, i.e. open space and good weather. The rider himself should possess quick reflexes, an extra dose of courage, general overall body fitness, and of course, a little luck.
In 1962 Lu traveled to Chiayi to perform his first public stunt-riding exhibition. He soon learned the dangers involved when his bike slipped gears in take-off and he was sent crashing to the ground. Two days later he awoke from a coma to find himself in the hospital. Lesson number one was learned, the rider needs to wear the proper protective equipment. Continuing to take risks, he participated in an endurance ride in which he set out from Taipei driving continuously, stopping only for fill-ups and restroom breaks. Circling the entire island, he drove for 24 consecutive hours, shattering the existing mark of 18 hours.
In 1973, a Japanese television company invited him to participate in a world invitational stunt-riding skills competition. Reaching new heights in stunt-riding success, he succeeded in jumping over 72 people lying side-by-side, a distance of over 30 meters. His Japanese exploits spurred him to seek new breakthroughs in his riding endeavors.
Daredevil riding carries with it a high risk factor, and Lu Ch'ing-an has had more than his share of injuries. In fact, he has incurred more than 200 injuries and has undergone over 20 operations. Not surprisingly, no local insurance company will insure him.
New heights were reached during the mid 1970s, when in 1975 Lu successfully cleared a world record 14 buses, erasing the former mark of 13. Unfortunately the record was rewritten only one month later when another competitor upped the total to 18 buses. Not to be outdone, Lu then attacked his previous endurance riding record setting a new time mark of 27 hours of continuous riding.
Besides the thrill of stunt-riding, motorcycles have been a conduit for romance. An admiring female fan approached Lu about practicing stunt riding. This led to love and marriage plans. Wanting to marry in style, Lu planned to first leap an obstacle then pick up his waiting fiancee and drive off to the marriage hall. The fates did not see it that way, when during a practice run, he crashed, breaking his collar bones and three ribs. His fiancee's parents, worried about this risky profession, hastily cancelled the wedding plans.
Acknowledging the fact that many people cannot comprehend his love for this dangerous sport, Lu simply says, "I enjoy the excitement and love the applause. Each time I conquer an obstacle I know I am the strongest, the best."
(Gerald Hatherly)
[Picture Caption]
1. Off his motorcycle Lu Ch'ing-an is no different than any other person. But once he mounts his vehicle he becomes as the Chinese say, "like a live dragon or tiger." 2. Daredevil stunt-riding is made up of many different events. Jumping through a ring of fire is just one of the stunts Lu Ch'ing-an often performs.
1. While most riders climb only nine oil drums stacked as an obstacle, Lu Ch'ing-an is able to climb 21. 2. Maintaining a balance between bike and rider, while accelerating speed, is one of the stunt-rider's biggest tests.
1. Off his motorcycle Lu Ch'ing-an is no different than any other person. But once he mounts his vehicle he becomes as the Chinese say, "like a live dragon or tiger.
2. Daredevil stunt-riding is made up of many different events. Jumping through a ring of fire is just one of the stunts Lu Ch'ing-an often performs.
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