Wednesday 21 December 2016

Tour de Taiwan Day 15 Final Countdown

Tour de Taiwan
Day 15 Final Countdown
Distance: 68km
Time on board : 4hoiurs 28mins
Total elevation gain: 1017m
It is Final skate, the finish line to Taipei, completing 1000km round island after 15 days, (12 skating days)
The final day is always the toughest, is like the ending climax in a movie. I have to climb 2 x 500 Mountain pass in the Beiyi road before descending to Taipei.
First, skated to Jiaoxi to have breakfast with Alex, the cyclist from hong Kong whom I have been riding since Kenting. After we split ways, Alex took longer coastal route while I took shorter 70km but tougher and higher elevation
First entered into Beiyi infamous18 hairpin turn where motorist raced and drifted.
Still the climb doesn't stop there. 18 hairpin turns is only at 300m, I have to climb another 249 m before I can see peak and downhill. Along the way, met another round island walker. He knew me even before I could speak to him. Cos last night, Alex literally bumped into him. He was complaining to me about Alex lol.
Another 10km up then descend to 220m at Pinglin for late lunch. Start of another 500m climb. Mostly I skated all the way unless there are piles of vehicles awaiting for me or heavy vehicle approaching. In this case I get off my board and walk.
Half way up the 2nd climb, passed by a cafe, where motorcyclist GP wannabes gathered. They are watching their friends drifting up and down the turns.
Finally reached the final peak at 569m. Now the final descend of 16km into Taipei. Changed into my black ball tip for my Westssup pole, prepared to brake all the way. Reached Taipei Xindian station just before nightfall.
It has been a great skate throughout. Magnificent scenery along the coast and mountains views. Friendly passionate Taiwanese encouraging me along the journey. Safe and good easy camping, where no one bother you. Friendly Police whom they dun arrest you for skating on the roads and even made me tea and cleaned my wounds.
Please come to Taiwan for a tour, u will regret it cos u won't want to leave Taiwan after that.




















Tuesday 20 December 2016

Tour de Taiwan Day 14 Hualien to Luodong

Tour de Taiwan
Day 14
Hualien to Luodong ( skipping Suhua highway, train to Luodong from Taroko)
Distance: 38km
Time on Board: 2 hours 38
Very short ride today cos I skipped Suhua highway to Yilan. Narrow lanes coupled with steep descent along the cliff and monster trucks carrying debris. Not a good idea to skate. As recommended by cyclists in Taiwan, you don't have to ride through SuHua highway to complete the round island, thus I heeded their recommendation.
Today rode to seven star beach in hualien to enjoy the ocean view and then ride to Taroko gorge. I only skate up the gorge for a while till Chang Chun shrine before heading to the train station to Luodong to stay with my 2nd warmshower host Ewam Lin who is kind to host me for the night. At Luodong station, a matured couple approached me, they actually land paddled or Ssup in Taiwan. The uncle made his own DIY sup bamboo pole and skate a longboard. In fact, his whole family skated as well. Omg, that is one cool family. I wonder if their daughter is still single hehe. Promised to skate with them in Taipei.
Tomorrow shall be the final day, I am so close to Taipei, completing the loop. But the final day poses the most challenging ride. I have to ride 2x500m mountain pass well known for its 18 hairpin turns. All the days I skated is just to prepare for tomorrow ride.
The Final Countdown