NEWBURY PARK, CA (BRAIN) — Sharp-eyed TV viewers might be able to spot a few Giant bikes in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year's Day.
Giant is supplying ten bikes and riders to complement the China Airlines "Cycling Through Paradise" float in the parade. The float depicts the Tzu En pagoda, which stands alongside Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan. The area is a favorite for cyclists. On the float, the pagoda is made from cranberry seeds, white rice, and Golden clover. It's surrounded by lush tropical foliage, including palm trees that tower 30 feet high crafted with Buckwheat and Cattleya orchids.
"A few years ago, Giant founder King Liu revealed how Taiwan is fast becoming a major cycling destination by riding around the entire island nation," said Brad Klipping, Giant USA marketing manager. "So it's only natural that the country's biggest airline would ask the world's leading bicycle brand to help demonstrate what a cycling paradise Taiwan truly is – and there's no better place to show all this than the world's most famous parade on New Year's Day!"
Giant USA employee Mike Colbert and his wife are among the riders who planned to pedal in the parade and so is southern California Giant retailer Benson Lam, owner of Jones Bicycles II in San Marino. He planned to ride his own Trance X 29er 1. "Being a part of the world's biggest parade, riding a bike I love, and representing a great company like Giant? How cool is that?" asked Benson. "I am thrilled beyond belief!"
The 124th Rose Parade presented by Honda takes place Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. (PST). Eight television networks, including ABC, NBC, Univision, and Sky Link TV, will broadcast the parade.
Brad Klipping, Giant USA Marketing Manager (far left) and Benson Lam, owner of Jones Bicycles II in San Marino, CA, get a sneak-peek of the China Airlines float before the 2013 Rose Parade.
