RandoTips

Ride Report – Roasting Rando 200K in Chiayi

[pe2-image src=”//lh6.ggpht.com/-VVKvmmRkWCc/Ua7l7JCPquI/AAAAAAAALdY/K4dwWZ4VmWE/s144-c-o/IMAG1742.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChiayiTaiwanRandonneur200K#5885894567220194018″ caption=”The Sun Rising Over the Central Mountains on my Commute to the Start” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1742.jpg” ]

June the 2nd marked my first ever randonneur. It was nothing like I expected.

My ongoing excuse to myself had been how complicated the online form for entering the race had been. But I put my ridiculousness aside and went ahead and slowly filled out the form and emailed to confirm missing details and anything I wasn’t sure about. So all was well and a few days before the race I received confirmation of the starting time and a GPS map of the route.

[pe2-image src=”//lh4.ggpht.com/-0CxgksTcyk4/Ua7m2f0wHxI/AAAAAAAALfg/xpDDjnYfpxc/s144-c-o/IMAG1759.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChiayiTaiwanRandonneur200K#5885895586949898002″ caption=”Zengwen Dam” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1759.jpg” ]

The night before the race was just like many of my long rides – sleepless. I fiddled with my bike for much of Saturday afternoon with Christopher as my sidekick. As he wrapped electrical tape around various parts he declared, “a new bike.” After kids were in bed I went to do some Google mapping to check out all the details of the ride.

Much of the route is on roads I have ridden before. Although the start was not nearby, a lot of the route was on my regular mountain roads. This, I suspect, gave me some false confidence in my abilities.

The strangest part of the preparation was getting everything ready. Typically I ride with tools for repairs and other essentials. This ride forced me to expand that list dramatically.

front helmet light
rear helmet light
front bike light
rear helmet light
helmet
relective vest
bell (it’s the law)

and most tragically… no tribars.

[pe2-image src=”//lh3.ggpht.com/-HFhiaopg_lI/Ua7mISzv6XI/AAAAAAAALd4/f21aj30DN7s/s144-c-o/IMAG1746.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChiayiTaiwanRandonneur200K#5885894793182046578″ caption=”Matthew waving past my helmet-mounted light” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1746.jpg” ]

My lightest lights went on my helmet. I found a light that had been given to me a week or so before. The rear lights I have plenty of. The bell I borrowed from Christopher’s bike. I got a stern warning the next day that I had not returned it to him. Quite a load in the end.

So at 2:30 I lay down for an hour’s rest. An hour later I was out the door and on my long commute to the start.

One of the things that I always have to account for is distance and the time it takes to do things by bike. I’m pretty set on the bike-only lifestyle, but there are definitely limits. In this case it meant a 47km ride to the start line. It is a long, flat ride which I did in a very slow 2 hours and 20 minutes. A warm up for the day.

However, the one thing that the commute alerted to me to was that I wasn’t feeling great. I wasn’t sick or anything, but I certainly wasn’t feeling peppy. I kept double-checking my speedometer to make sure I wasn’t riding too fast, but I was maintaining an even slow pace.

I arrived at the venue right on time along with some of the early birds.

[pe2-image src=”//lh5.ggpht.com/-KB3y3UpH9Qs/Ua7l9heQK8I/AAAAAAAALdg/-nBlhm_3k9Q/s144-c-o/IMAG1743.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChiayiTaiwanRandonneur200K#5885894608139856834″ caption=”The Start” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1743.jpg” ]

The 200k rides attract quite a number of riders. The distance makes it a good introduction to the world of long-distance riding. They also separate the first-timers from the veterans by giving all the first-timers white numbers. There were a lot of white numbers that day.

After giving a hardy “good morning” to a few folks two other foreign chaps showed up. Small world, but as it turns out I had already met Mark Roche on Facebook and he had brought along his friend Matthew for his first 200k. We got to chatting and sort of settled on sticking together for the ride. They had both come up from Kaohsiung and stayed in town for the night.

[pe2-image src=”//lh3.ggpht.com/-0oPNFmgFChE/Ua7mCtl-ruI/AAAAAAAALdo/iPxEGO3i1bY/s144-c-o/IMAG1744.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChiayiTaiwanRandonneur200K#5885894697292836578″ caption=”New Friends: Mark and Matthew” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1744.jpg” ]

The ride set off along the flats, with everyone sticking in a big group. One thing about the group is that they are not as tight as road races. The distance involved means that the longer term strategy is important. People tended to keep a bit of distance between their wheels. This doesn’t help the pace much so I tried to keep close and then move into any gaps that formed, while still keeping within my comfort zone.

In a comment to Mark I quipped that I’ll try to suck as much wind as possible, to which he replied, “I usually stick behind the biggest guy I can find. Today, that’s you.” And to tell the truth he was completely right. Looking at pictures after the event I am almost upright on my bike. Setting up my bike for extensive aerobar use has the bars set high. Perfect for when on the aerobars, but I couldn’t use those one the day.

[pe2-image src=”//lh4.ggpht.com/-YBMgn_NETEc/Ua7mF–GMoI/AAAAAAAALdw/H6fQ4TUu4CE/s144-c-o/IMAG1745.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChiayiTaiwanRandonneur200K#5885894753497002626″ caption=”Flatland Cruising” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1745.jpg” ]

An hour or so on the flats and we were heading towards the hills. The first compulsary 7-11 stop was a traffic jam or riders buying something and getting their cards stamped. We took a short break then pressed on.

[pe2-image src=”//lh3.ggpht.com/-dBfOPvG70C4/Ua7mM9Dt9AI/AAAAAAAALeI/Y1tzQ2oG8K4/s144-c-o/IMAG1748.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChiayiTaiwanRandonneur200K#5885894873242792962″ caption=”The First 7-11 Checkpoint – Long Queues” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1748.jpg” ]

These were some steep hills into Guanziling. This area, famous for it’s hot springs, rises up above the plains, a precursor to the massive central mountain range. The hills went by soon enough and I was grateful for my MTB gearing that still allowed me to pedal smoothly up the hill, although very slowly. I can’t really remember if I hit granny gear, affectionately called “hero gear” by one roadie I’ve met, but I got a chance to pop some easy wheelies on the way up.

The climbing continued for quite a while and suddenly I noticed that it wasn’t as hot as I had expected. I spoke too soon and realized that it was only 9:00 and the temperatures would only soar from there.

[pe2-image src=”//lh6.ggpht.com/-Wr2lHQlMnBc/Ua7mQnclWgI/AAAAAAAALeY/VEaekCbBQRw/s144-c-o/IMAG1750.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChiayiTaiwanRandonneur200K#5885894936160983554″ caption=”Tailing Two Other Riders” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1750.jpg” ]

Once up onto the hilly roads the traffic calmed and the great views began.

This area is a stretch of hills that are a prelude to the main mountain range further East. It’s pretty quiet all the time. I’ve been out there to explore before.

We hit the 175 coffee road which I had been on before and quickly proceeded to a non-compulsary stop point. What a pleasure. There was water and xian-cao drink for us. Very refreshing. But we moved on quick.

[pe2-image src=”//lh6.ggpht.com/-tfiM-ORcIEE/Ua7mVnapwNI/AAAAAAAALeo/1jsMgo9eJOs/s144-c-o/IMAG1752.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChiayiTaiwanRandonneur200K#5885895022052229330″ caption=”Matt and Mark coming into the rest area (one of the only times I was ahead of them)” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1752.jpg” ]

A bit more climbing and we were speeding down toward the mango town of Yujing. This town is know for it’s mangoes which are now in season. We didn’t have time for them and pressed through a long, flat section towards the 7-11. On all the flats I just stuck to someone else’s tail. I was not feeling good and I felt like I was holding the others back. So with all my might I tried to hold their tails.

[pe2-image src=”//lh5.ggpht.com/-_QaB24fl1IM/Ua7mZdjZADI/AAAAAAAALe4/bLTmR4zUpew/s144-c-o/IMAG1754.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChiayiTaiwanRandonneur200K#5885895088124002354″ caption=”Cruising Downhill” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1754.jpg” ]

We retraced our route into town and then headed north along the number 3.

The number 3 is a provincial road that runs north to south in the lower hills of Taiwan’s mountains. Not all of it is beautiful but the section from here is breathtaking. Mark told me that a really beautiful route is to take the road up Alishan then turn onto the number 3 and head down. I have to try that sometime.

Most of the traffic died out, aside from the boys on their scooters racing through the hills. Although the scooters are noisy, I do prefer them to the big bikes. Little would-be-racers on 125s are okay. Take that same pathetic skill and plop them on a 1000cc monster and you have a recipe for disaster.

These hills would take their toll with heat. As the sun peaked in the sky, so the forests that lined the road dropped their suffocating humidity on the road. I was sweating profusely and getting drained by the heat.

[pe2-image src=”//lh3.ggpht.com/-Wti7wJZ3Rb0/Ua7mbp-eJ_I/AAAAAAAALfA/DtSqIhixFuw/s144-c-o/IMAG1755.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChiayiTaiwanRandonneur200K#5885895125818550258″ caption=”Construction Crews Doing the Smart Thing… Resting” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1755.jpg” ]

By midday it was peeking at 37 degrees Celcius according to one guy’s Garmin. Yikes.

Speed slowed. Breaks at the tops of hills became more common. The compulsary stop at the 7-11 turn around point turned into a half hour break. I was really surprised when Matt told us we needed to get going as the cutoff was only an hour away.

What?

I had estimated that finishing this ride would be a piece of cake. It was turning into a challenge I had not expected. DNFing was not something I had even considered and I was feeling the pressure to move on. The break also marked a huge earthquake. As Matt and I were sitting outside we felt a small shake followed by a big shake that lasted for a few seconds. Later it was confirmed that there were casualties closer to the epicenter and roads had been covered. There was a flurry of cellphone activity after the shake as everyone phoned their relations to tell them everything was fine.

On we went. We knew that we were retracing our tracks and that we had to climb everything we had just come down. Overall it was more down, but still lots of climbing.

The heat was relentless and the spur of energy after the stop quickly dissipated as the heat pressed down on us once again.

From this point on I was just holding on. I knew I could finish and I just had to stick with it. Thankfully my two wonderful companions were sympathetic and waited for me to catch up every once in a while.

[pe2-image src=”//lh3.ggpht.com/-HWR0Tv93Jic/Ua7m0HbgL8I/AAAAAAAALfY/FC0iCJa0WnY/s144-c-o/IMAG1758.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChiayiTaiwanRandonneur200K#5885895546041806786″ caption=”Getting to the Zengwen Resevoir” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1758.jpg” ]

A quick pass by Zengwen dam was followed by the last big climb of the day. I had thought the climb was worse, but I just put my head down and pushed on through to the other side. Although I wasn’t feeling super I also wasn’t close to cramping which is a good thing. Cramping was set as my upper barrier. Just don’t hit that point.

[pe2-image src=”//lh6.ggpht.com/-TL-mE_2pG7c/Ua7m4QdiZ8I/AAAAAAAALfo/89snxWjBRqY/s144-c-o/IMAG1760.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChiayiTaiwanRandonneur200K#5885895617185736642″ caption=”Final View of the Hills” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1760.jpg” ]

Spin, spin, spin to the top and we were on our way. From here only some rolling hills escorted us back to the flatlands and the 30km flat section to the finish. We reached the bottom and then tucked in.

I was having hard time keeping up. Mark would start to pull ahead when we were in a group and I would slowly fall behind. So it was Matthew and I until Mark held back a bit.

We made the final 7-11 stop and set out on the last section with three other guys. They led us through the last part into Chiayi and right to the finish. We finished up at a famous chicken rice restaurant, with a complimentary dish that was included in our entry fee.

I was completely exhausted and decided that trying to commute the 50km back home was a terrible idea. I asked around and finally found someone with space to give me a lift back to near my home.

Mark posted some pics of me.

[pe2-image src=”//lh5.ggpht.com/-XE9FNBZ1mrU/UbmAo7sQ6OI/AAAAAAAALh4/-DP6sGwinVg/s144-c-o/tropic-of-cancer-chiayi-randonneur-200k-5.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChiayiTaiwanRandonneur200K#5888879428470106338″ caption=”Wheelie – I’m really out of practice” type=”image” alt=”tropic-of-cancer-chiayi-randonneur-200k-5.jpg” ]

Looking back at the ride, I’m trying to figure how to handle things better next time. This ride was way too difficult, far more than I expected, and far more than it should have been.

Next time…

Less clothing. I pretty much go without a shirt on daytime rides nowadays. Perhaps just the compulsory safety vest next time. Anything more is just too hot. The helmet doesn’t help either, how to make it cooler?

Lighten the bike. Take off the heavy-duty fenders, carry more water instead. Get more water bottle holders, two is not enough in summer.

Get fit. As I’ve been focusing on my general fitness and body strength I’ve been neglecting my riding. Perhaps I need to throw a little more riding back in there. I need a weekly training schedule, but not too hectic.

Overall…

This was an awesome experience. Good riding with other folks. Good riding in a race/ride format I have been interested in for a few years now.

And a big shout out to Matthew and Matt, you guys rock for sticking together (and staying back with me). Thanks! See you at the 300k.

Dongshan Exploring Again

[pe2-image src=”//lh3.ggpht.com/-csUwE37KvNo/UYip1ooUmEI/AAAAAAAALF4/G4fQ5pyURro/s144-c-o/IMAG1634.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/DongshanExploring#5875132452809513026″ caption=”Small and Quiet” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1634.jpg” ]

Sunday saw the rest of my family head off to the dream mall in Kaohsiung.

I headed off into the hills to do some more exploring of those foothills that beckon me when time permits.

The start was as usual, with a quick flat spin up towards the hills.

Over the past few months I’ve mastered the avoidance of busy roads in the neighborhood. What that means, in essence, is that I’m doing a fair amount of cruising through farm roads. These are not nearly as well maintained as the main road, but allow me to avoid the evil, metal beasts that threaten to disturb the sanctity of my ride at every turn.

There was one final stretch left to conquer that would plop me down right at the end of the stretch I want to avoid. With a fair amount of double-checking the route on my phone I managed to get to just where I had wanted. The detour adds roughly ten minutes to my journey, but is more than worth it.

Pressing on, I munched up the rest of the flats like the pancake they are.

And then the hills.

[pe2-image src=”//lh5.ggpht.com/-JU19gUXZyIY/UYip4rii9pI/AAAAAAAALGA/zqNwd0QerrE/s144-c-o/IMAG1635.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/DongshanExploring#5875132505130202770″ caption=”View From the Small Road” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1635.jpg” ]

My new alternate route to get to the main road at the foot of the big hills is a nice, winding road, almost two cars wide in places, but only a lane and a half in others. It’s a fairly quick, although fairly steep, climb that’s over before you know it and gives you the first taste of the thick, humid air in the hills.

The single, thin cycling top I was wearing was drenched from sweat once the paths headed upward.

The last ride into the hills I had made the mistake of doing so after a long period without food and was also short on water.

This time I finished off two Zefal Magnum bottles of water before I stopped off at the 7-11. Two sandwiches and two liters of water and it was time to head on to the good stuff.

The main route of choice that heads straight to near the entrance to “the big temple” is steep, brutally so. Despite a brave effort to push it in the middle chainring, I was in granny ring and by the time I was halfway up was searching for gears beyond the teeny weeny ones my bike is sporting.

[pe2-image src=”//lh6.ggpht.com/-Mbu3YUTJFiM/UYip7i2_H-I/AAAAAAAALGI/TKj7U4xJzyw/s144-c-o/IMAG1636.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/DongshanExploring#5875132554339622882″ caption=”On the Coffee Road” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1636.jpg” ]

Finally, I hit the no.175 coffee road and headed toward what Google Maps promised to be a good little, hopefully long, climb from about 300m to 800m.

It needs to be stated that Google Maps is great for most roads. However, the tiny roads mapped on this route are completely wrong. That just adds to the adventure.

[pe2-image src=”//lh6.ggpht.com/-ESdpE8SCd2U/UYip-lo_UwI/AAAAAAAALGQ/axkDvFB4dFU/s144-c-o/IMAG1639.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/DongshanExploring#5875132606625829634″ caption=”Fancy Sign on Coffee Road” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1639.jpg” ]

Straight into the baby chainring and up towards the clouds.

[pe2-image src=”//lh6.ggpht.com/-7Xkc_Vq1MX8/UYiqCg4_OyI/AAAAAAAALGY/k8XPNlsyCRc/s144-c-o/IMAG1640.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/DongshanExploring#5875132674070231842″ caption=”The Rock Sign at the Start of the Big Climb” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1640.jpg” ]

The thick clouds sitting on the top of the hills were threatening to pour bucketloads of water on my head, but had been kind in providing me a moisture-free ride so far. The atmosphere that the looming mists added were well worth the humidity that they were pressing directly onto me.

[pe2-image src=”//lh3.ggpht.com/-FzjkzhnwWzk/UYiqIsFo4hI/AAAAAAAALGg/3dG3GkKxsFw/s144-c-o/IMAG1641.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/DongshanExploring#5875132780155298322″ caption=”Trail Marker” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1641.jpg” ]

After passing what appeared to be an abandoned Buddhist center, I hit the first trail marker. I was in two minds as to whether to follow it’s advice on where to go or to blaze my own trail with my phone as my navigator. I chose the latter and headed off in the other direction to the trail that was most likely to take me close to the peak and into the clouds.

The roads were getting more and more patchy, but were still quite rideable. I pushed on and up, still able to keep the pedals turning around despite the pitch of the climb and having to fight to keep my bike from pulling an easy wheelie.

Riding the steepest hills provides a great challenge to both your skill and endurance. Once you’ve exhausted your gears, at speeds around 4-6km/h it becomes increasingly hard to keep your bike on track. The front wheel becomes light and in order to not go so slowly that you just topple over you need to keep pushing to keep the speed up a bit. This becomes even more difficult when the paving falls away and you’re wrestling for traction. In addition, at these speeds the cadence drops, there’s no choice but to “mash” the pedals. At the top sections I had to stop at every second switchback to catch my breath. The humidity plus the huge effort was just completely draining and I was heaving like I’d just finished an all-out training interval.

[pe2-image src=”//lh5.ggpht.com/-YEdoXBYw-_U/UYiqLHj0-8I/AAAAAAAALGo/gMVtA4RZLJw/s144-c-o/IMAG1642.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/DongshanExploring#5875132821889416130″ caption=”Up to the Clouds” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1642.jpg” ]

And then another sign. The virtual world and the physical world were showing no convergence whatsoever. The signpost pointed me to an unpaved road that looked like it would head me in the wrong direction so headed the other way.

Upwards, then dirt.

I was not prepared for this.

[pe2-image src=”//lh4.ggpht.com/-K6m59NpkNDE/UYiqOeXKQoI/AAAAAAAALGw/qP-rF-UD438/s144-c-o/IMAG1643.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/DongshanExploring#5875132879549907586″ caption=”Bamboo” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1643.jpg” ]

When the trail started to fade it was a sign that I read as needing to turn back. Perhaps the sign was right.

So I headed back down to the signpost and with a minimum of confidence in the direction it was heading and then pushed on.

The dirt on the signposted section quickly changed to old cement road, which gave me a slight confidence in the road ahead. Unsurprisingly that changed as all paving gave way to dirt roads.

The roads were getting steeper and there were no plantations of betelnut trees, or anything to suggest that any human had been by recently. There were beehives, however, artificial ones that were just erected at the side of the road. At least it was something.

Then came the rain.

It started as a light drizzle, nothing that wouldn’t make me wetter than I already was. And then it started to rain harder. There was no point in heading back, just push on upward.

Up, up, up until finally I arrived at the end of the trail.

[pe2-image src=”//lh4.ggpht.com/-TAR_KkXVzK4/UYiqTGIPzCI/AAAAAAAALG8/cYXhFRYvmNk/s144-c-o/IMAG1645.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/DongshanExploring#5875132958944250914″ caption=”Shelter for Bees” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1645.jpg” ]

It started pouring down and I took a slight refuge in the shelter of a tree. The covered area was home to two big beehives and preferred to just leave them alone.

It was a tad cooler and the air was fresh. The pitter patter of raindrops in the peace and quiet of the hills. Nothing better.

My shelter was not providing much protection from the rain, so I headed back down.

Mountain biking is one thing, but I’ve learned from experience that slicks don’t provide much grip. The chainring scar on my left thigh is testament to this.

So feathering the brakes I headed down the steep, and now wet, path. I was starting to remember why I always loved mountain biking so much and why I’ve been reluctant to switch to a full-on road bike for all my riding.

With butt over the back of my saddle and my eyes peeled for the best route around or over obstacles, avoiding slippery patches of concrete with their slimey coating of moss waiting to drop me on my ass.

[pe2-image src=”//lh6.ggpht.com/-sVibdRrzOe8/UYiqVvanNkI/AAAAAAAALHE/jcQxOd83DJU/s144-c-o/IMAG1646.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/DongshanExploring#5875133004386874946″ caption=”Mountain Biking” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1646.jpg” ]

All went well and before long I was back to navigable roads. My perceived exertion on the way up had me thinking I was much further away than I really was.

And I set on my cruise back home. Cracked 60km/h freewheeling down the big hill I had come up on, then stopped at the 7-11 again to sit down and get some nourishment.

[pe2-image src=”//lh4.ggpht.com/-QgexT-4z69Y/UYiqZ-MAPdI/AAAAAAAALHU/0i3XvKD7K0M/s144-c-o/IMAG1648.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/DongshanExploring#5875133077071609298″ caption=”Rest Stop” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1648.jpg” ]

The hills coming back were as expected, it’s amazing how familiarity makes hills seem a little less daunting.

On passing through Liujia a group of roadies passed me by. They were going a tad faster than me so I seized the opportunity to suck some wind and make some quick progress through this final segment.

As it turns out, they were from the same town as me, so I got to suck wind all the way back.

[pe2-image src=”//lh4.ggpht.com/-DZ-ngUn7knc/UYiqcGeHD8I/AAAAAAAALHc/yytU0ALI8Qw/s144-c-o/IMAG1649.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/DongshanExploring#5875133113654775746″ caption=”Roadies Hauling Me Home” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1649.jpg” ]

On the final, long stretch into town I tried to see who would take the bait and pick up the pace for the last section. Head down, I picked up the lead pace to 40km/h with the front guy holding his spot behind me.

At least that’s what I thought. When I got to the traffic lights they were all some way back.

My favorite part about road races, when I used to do them, was the group sprint to the line. At least in those local races, I found almost everyone did a lot of training, but that was limited to long miles in the saddle. My rides were long, with intermittent sprints all the way through, it was the greatest feeling to look at the person who I was riding with, see the slight nod, and then both head into a frenzied sprint to some arbritrary location on the road ahead. When in Taipei, “The Fly” gave a me a good run for my money, we need to have a challenge again.

The sprint was not without pain however. My legs were starting to cramp, and although I maintained all the way to the line, my hamstrings and quads were both giving me warning messages to ease up on the pace. Since moving my saddle forward about 4cm my hamstrings are getting a little more work done. Bliss.

Another trip into the hills is in order, and hopefully I’ll find a way to the summit at around 1000m.

But that’s for another day.

Ride Report – Christopher’s First 100km

[pe2-image src=”//lh3.ggpht.com/-P2Q3aZb7iZk/UX93zvNFM7I/AAAAAAAALC4/eWjGQtsI8i4/s144-c-o/IMAG1586.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChristopherSFirst100kmRide#5872544169842783154″ caption=”Mr. Navigator” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1586.jpg” ]

Taking the kids riding is a thrill.

I really love riding, and being able to get my youngsters to join me on a ride is a real treat. For myself, I get to go a ride, and for us together, we get to have some real personal time, because when we’re on the bike, it’s just us.

One of the limitations of riding with kids is the distances they are able to cover.

On one hand, you can do short trips that are within their range. For a young rider who has only just learned to ride, this is very limited. Before they learn to ride, trips on the kids bike seat are usually the best choice.

My daughter has outgrown the kid seat that goes on the rear rack. The length of her legs means that there is precious little distance between my heels and her. We end up bashing into each other the whole time.

The kid seat over the top tube is okay, but inhibits leg movement, making it unsuitable for long distance.

However, my daughter was away, and my son is still young (small) enough that he can go on the back and I still have room for my legs to go round and round without bashing him.

A friend of mine had showed me a culture village right near the Chiayi high-speed rail station, approximately 50km from my door. I figured 5 hours or less on the bike in total, and knowing how cooperative and happy my son is on my bike, decided to push our limits a bit and make the rather long trip north together.

The plotted route would be the most direct route I could find, retracing some of the route I’ve used to get to Taichung before. Quiet enough, but with enough life and people that places to eat and rest are not an issue, and at any time we could bail to somewhere safe and call for a pickup home if needed.

So after a long night contemplating we set off at around ten in the morning for our long haul.

From the word go, Christopher was Mr. Talkative. The journey started with requests for “The Pirate Song” and he insisted that I sing it with him. Well, singing whole-heartedly and keeping a pace don’t go that well together, so every line of the song included a long heave so I could get my breath for the next one. My son thought this highly unprofessional and muttered that I was singing it wrong. Nevertheless, I think my general enthusiasm, combined with his, eventually turned attention away from my lack of singing skill and allowed us to just enjoy singing.

The road was as I expected and the progress we were making was pretty decent. I was confident that we could make it to our destination with time to spare and get back before evening. As usual we had headed off a little later than I had planned, so I did have it in mind to turn back early or change our destination if the going was tough for either of us.

A little over an hour into our ride, we stopped at our first 7-11 where he grabbed some yucky bread, while I got my bag of dried mangoes to fuel me for the next small bit.

[pe2-image src=”//lh6.ggpht.com/-VKilMt32N5w/UX938ZnJfRI/AAAAAAAALDA/UgZ6l074NsA/s144-c-o/IMAG1587.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChristopherSFirst100kmRide#5872544318665358610″ caption=”Sunflowers” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1587.jpg” ]

Enjoying everything we saw and being able to take in all the details of our trip was something which I tend to miss on my own rides. I enjoy the riding to the point that I become immersed in the actual riding, rather than enjoying the details of the surroundings. We passed by a field of sunflowers and just had a look-see.

[pe2-image src=”//lh5.ggpht.com/-pWhBA5jebio/UX93-z6Or7I/AAAAAAAALDI/T-zquHtLj6Y/s144-c-o/IMAG1588.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChristopherSFirst100kmRide#5872544360084451250″ caption=”Cows” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1588.jpg” ]

Later on, we saw cows.

Pushing on we made decent time, passing through small towns and riding on relatively quiet roads after passing the main road to Xinying.

The riding is pleasant, the sun was out and we were passing by large rice fields. The site of large areas of green are nice to see.

[pe2-image src=”//lh6.ggpht.com/-PnGv3Wi7G_I/UX94EwVDPXI/AAAAAAAALDY/y0fWrfN5vrc/s144-c-o/IMAG1590.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChristopherSFirst100kmRide#5872544462202420594″ caption=”Chiayi Purple Route and Rice Fields” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1590.jpg” ]

After two hours and a bit on the bike we reached the high-speed rail station. We were ahead of time and pretty close to our destination.

[pe2-image src=”//lh3.ggpht.com/-y48CbjXG7bk/UX94H3a4Z5I/AAAAAAAALDg/y-3ptagpGIY/s144-c-o/IMAG1591.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChristopherSFirst100kmRide#5872544515645532050″ caption=”Farmer Figures near Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1591.jpg” ]

The train station was a tempting destination. We could have enjoyed air-conditioning, starbucks and other treats, but I thought staying in the fresh outdoors was cool, so we moved on with only around 3km to go to our halfway mark.

Although my friend’s description of the place we were going was positive, I’m never too sure about how busy places get around here. Popular places are overrun by people on the weekends, so I was putting it up to chance whether we would run into hordes of people.

But on our way we passed by this train track.

We both hopped off to take a look around and explore a little bit. Just checking out the old train and walking around are simple, yet fun.

The dead rat turned out to be extremely interesting for Christopher. We saw it, walked around, and then he insisted on returning to the dead creature.

“Why is it dead?” was one question he had. “What are the flies and ants doing on it?” was another. I explained that they were basically eating it. In all his innocence when I told Christopher we should go he told me that he wanted to stay in order to see the flies and ants finish off the rat. I explained that would take a little longer than he was expecting, so we looked on for just a few more minutes.

[pe2-image src=”//lh3.ggpht.com/-IoBA6UvPXoc/UX94mI97Q6I/AAAAAAAALEA/vosygBH5s7s/s144-c-o/IMAG1595.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChristopherSFirst100kmRide#5872545035751998370″ caption=”Small Train (excuse the finger in the pic)” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1595.jpg” ]

Then, the sound of a train. There in the distance, a small train was approaching and we move aside a little and waited for the train to pass by. It had come from the place we were going and was doing a short trip before heading straight back to where it had come from.

After getting our fill of dead rats and small trains, we moved on to our destination.

[pe2-image src=”//lh5.ggpht.com/-06lG6bG2l7I/UX94pOEBJ2I/AAAAAAAALEI/huLbJ609Hp8/s144-c-o/IMAG1596.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChristopherSFirst100kmRide#5872545088659335010″ caption=”Taiwan Sugar Culture Center” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1596.jpg” ]

The center has a few places to eat and features the train station that serves the train that we saw on our way in. There is a big parking lot and then the major thing I noticed, lots of bikes for hire.

Seeing as we were on our own steed, there was no need for a rental. But I did have a look-see at the bikes that were on offer for hire. Lot’s of 3-wheeled options, some more traditional bikes and the 4-wheeled upright ones for families. However, as I noticed later on when heading onto the bike paths to the north, nothing but a normal (2-wheeled) bike would be able to get past the barriers at the entrance to the trails. You could hire a bigger bike for riding elsewhere I guess.

But the first thing was to find the trails.

[pe2-image src=”//lh6.ggpht.com/-PnGv3Wi7G_I/UX94EwVDPXI/AAAAAAAALDY/y0fWrfN5vrc/s144-c-o/IMAG1590.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChristopherSFirst100kmRide#5872544462202420594″ caption=”Purple Biking Route” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1590.jpg” ]

The purple signs (and green ones that I don’t usually see) are dotted about in Chiayi, marking the longest trails that cover a fairly huge portion of the county. Apparently the full length of the trails would be over 200km, all on the flatlands, joining together many of the smaller places to see. The trail is often just a normal road with a sign on a signpost, but at some points they are dedicated bicycle trails, which after cruising around on Taiwan’s roads, are awesome.

Finding the start of the purple route from the culture center was not completely obvious, but we headed off in the direction I suspected we needed to go.

We climbed onto a long pedestrian/bicycle bridge that crosses the river.

[pe2-image src=”//lh3.ggpht.com/-iY65iFlSkm8/UX94q7HE_yI/AAAAAAAALEQ/I4EHMnQ_qKA/s144-c-o/IMAG1597.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChristopherSFirst100kmRide#5872545117931634466″ caption=”Christopher on the Pedestrian Bridge” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1597.jpg” ]

Christopher accepted the offer to move about on his own two feet, but was quickly deterred by the construction of the bridge that lets you see below. He climbed back on the bike for the protection of daddy.

Over the bridge, then down the other side and onto a 2km stretch of dedicated bike path (besides a local or two on scooters).

[pe2-image src=”//lh6.ggpht.com/-JtoAPB-incU/UX94wRkVZGI/AAAAAAAALEY/ZbelQfJZI5c/s144-c-o/IMAG1598.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChristopherSFirst100kmRide#5872545209859269730″ caption=”Exclusive Pedestrian/Cyclist Trail” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1598.jpg” ]

Time was ticking by, and my turnaround time was approaching. Christopher stopped to play in a small playground right next to the trail.

I was getting slightly agitated as I wanted to see more of the trail and what it has to offer. But, alas, after a small break at a 7-11 for some sustenance I made the decision to turn around and go back the way we had come.

The alternative would have been to continue along the trail and see if we could track it all the way back to the coast. That would have been 30km extra on our journey, and it always takes much longer than expected when we’re searching for the trail or when we lose our way. Next time I’ll have to explore.

Homeward bound, just covering the distance we needed to, singing and chatting all along the way.

Sitting on the back seat has to be a bit challenging for kids. Both Christina and Christopher tend to doze off after a while. I prefer not to continue riding when this happens and unless we’re close to home, we’ll stop for a break. The usual giveaway is that their feet will start to drop off the footrests, so my heals knock their feet. A gentle “knock, knock” to tell me they’re napping.

This time was no exception and when Christopher fell asleep I found this nice big tree and he had a nap for about 30 minutes while I just chilled.

[pe2-image src=”//lh3.ggpht.com/-zHwRa5KwIwE/UX943fOaFRI/AAAAAAAALEo/3B-QC6HWbJc/s144-c-o/FB_IMG_13665291473679911.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChristopherSFirst100kmRide#5872545333784483090″ caption=”Christopher Dozing in His Seat Under a Tree” type=”image” alt=”FB_IMG_13665291473679911.jpg” ]

As we again settled into plodding along, “lo and behold,” a trail appeared.

I saw it, passed by, and after 50 meters decided that I absolutely could not pass up this small attempt at trail exploration for the day.

[pe2-image src=”//lh6.ggpht.com/-CRfy9eLpBFM/UX948VM95cI/AAAAAAAALE4/vp4MOpSkO1U/s144-c-o/IMAG1601.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChristopherSFirst100kmRide#5872545416993433026″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1601.jpg” ]

What I was treated to was a well-paved trail with a few cyclists and walkers. Although the stretch wasn’t particularly long, it was still very pleasant.

My greatest complaint is that I haven’t been able to find GPS on all the routes. With the ubiquitous use of GPS devices in vehicles and by athletes it seems rather remiss to make people rely on maps drawn by artists and not just get someone to trace the route so that people can enjoy these sometimes disjoint routes and still be sure they get where they’re going.

After a final stop at a 7-11 we hopped back on the bike for the final hour or so.

The whole day was a raging success. Christopher had a blast, he was in high spirits both on the ride and after we had arrived home. I enjoyed myself because I got to get time with my son and share that time with him doing something I absolutely love doing. Can’t wait until we get out for a big ride together again.

[pe2-image src=”//lh4.ggpht.com/-3Mo-ziGmIdQ/UX94-JKoxwI/AAAAAAAALFA/UdQ1TrRlXc4/s144-c-o/IMAG1604.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110249026098208712655/ChristopherSFirst100kmRide#5872545448122173186″ caption=”Mr Happy Camper” type=”image” alt=”IMAG1604.jpg” ]

So from Mr Happy Camper and myself. Over and out.