宝 山 区 Rising To the Challenge Cyclists must dig deep to complete what’s been called the toughest climb in the world. They race up to Wuling Peak to the finish line in the King of the Mountain (KOM) Challenge. Every October some of the world’s best cyclists battle (21) ____ the title. Starting at sea level, the route climbs to a height of 3, 275 meters at the end, covering 105 kilometers. Ever since I started cycling seven years ago, completing the KOM climb (22) ____ (be) a goal of mine. Every year I thought that I needed to prepare for it and used that as my excuse. But (23) ____ (look) back, I realize I would have been fine. Cycling uphill was no problem for me then- it was thrilling. Now it’s exhausting. Last summer I finally decided to take on Wuling with some friends. Our 89-kilometer route started at the base of the mountain and was a little shorter than the official KOM race. But it’s the final 10 kilometers (24) ____ are the most demanding: This is the steepest part, (25) ____ makes the climb so hard. We began early in the morning as a group of 17 riders. But only three of us would make it to the top. A support car was necessary, especially on a ride like this, (26) ____ (help) keep us energetic. The first part of the ride went through Taroko Valley, a magnificent park. I’ve hiked there, (27) ____ I’ve always wanted to bike it. I saw dramatic rocky outcrops, canyons, waterfalls and forests as I zipped through the valley and up the mountain road. Even though it was August, the weather was perfect. Unfortunately, the support car that carried our lunch (28) _____ (delay). By the time it arrived, I was starving. Being consumed of energy even for t...
