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.