A group of Mongolian cyclists are challenging themselves to a 660 kilometer- tour across the Korean Peninsula for the first Bike Korea tour. A total of 43 Mongolian cyclists took off on Saturday from the ride's starting point in Paju, near the Demilitarized Zone. Reportedly, 20 of the challengers traveled to the Republic of Korea from Mongolia for the tour, and were joined by 23 more Mongolians living in South Korea. Ten of the resident cyclists are from Seoul, five from Paju, and eight are from Daegu. Bike Korea 2016 was initiated by Ulaanbaatar and Busan city representatives to promote Ulaanbaatar and improve the health of Mongolians. The two cities have been engaging in many cooperation efforts since June 2016. The tour was organized by the MB (Mongolian Bike) International Bike Tour Association and Merida Mongolia bicycle shop, and sponsored by Air Busan LLC, Shimano Mongolia, Khuns Complex LLC, Khuvsgul Lake Hotel, and the Merida Mongolia Cycling Club. Circuit act being performed for participants of Bike Korea 2016[/caption] On the first day of the tour, the cyclists traveled 104 kilometers, reaching Namyangju, where the local Mongolian Cultural Center welcomed them with circus and cultural performances. Their next stop is Cheongju, the capital of North Chungcheong Province, located 124 kilometers from Namyangju. Mongolian cyclers reaches Namyangju and watches performances by the local Mongolian Cultural Center[/caption] The team hopes to reach their final destination in Busan within four days. Mongolian cyclists before setting off from Paju city, South Korea[/caption]