Determination: Fighting For Life

As the clock runs out on my Lunar New Year vacation, I thought I would take a short ride through the hills around Taichung and get back into riding.

The ride is not very long, but it consists of some pretty challenging climbs and technical descents.

I thought I would invite Chris B. and Michael Turton to take part in the fun.

Lolita Brand Shorts

We started up Dong Shan Rd. a.k.a. Route 129 to Hsin She. I was expecting Chris to take a while and maybe stop a few times to rest. The climb up to Hsin She is not the easiest climb for a novice and Chris only started doing hills a week ago.

Chris Starts The Climb

As we started toward the beginning of the climb, I gave Chris some pointers on the climb and climbing in general, and then I took off up the 129.

Michael's Busted Bike

About three quarters of the way up I received a call from Michael. He had been brushed by a passing car in a hit and run. The car had pushed him into the barrier resulting in a bent rear derailleur and the end of his ride.

Incidents of car vs. bike seem to be becoming more frequent around Hsin She, especially as the area continues to devote more and more space to tourism and recreation.

Chillin'

I waited at the top of the hill for Chris to arrive. I had no idea how long it might take. After about ten minutes, Chris came plodding up the final ramp. He hadn't stopped once.

This is an incredible feat for any novice, let alone one who was 60kg heavier just a few months ago.

Atop Route 129

What Chris has done is an inspiration to all.

He has dedicated himself to life. He made a commitment to himself that he was not going to simply throw his hands in the air and grasp for excuses. He had every reason to not even start down the road to fitness. He is a father. He works a lot. He was always the "husky" kid with all that... "husk".

Chris Before

Then Chris became a strict vegetarian. He ordered a bike and started running while he waited for a decent bike to arrive in his size. He learned to refuse the extra calories and has shown remarkable willpower.

Today, that willpower was on display as he tackled one gnarly climb after the other.

In this post I have included a number of pictures that show Chris gritting his teeth and fighting through the climbs.

For me, these shots do not just show how far he has progressed as a rider, but they also show how far he has come in taking control of his health.

As I come back from an injury, I also feel inspired to get back to a higher level of fitness.

If anything, Chris shows us all that there are no excuses to getting on a bike, having fun and getting fit.

Watching Chris ride with such a positive attitude is really an essay in determination.

Thanks Chris!

Look 695 Mondrian

We stopped for coffee and chatted with a group from Fengyuan. They all had some nice bikes. Looks are among my favorites.

KOM

Fellow Riders

Chris Hacks Up An Unassuming Challenge

We then kept a good pace toward Feng Lin Valley.

He Arrives

The 16% Grade

Putting The Hammer Down

Cruising The Highlands

Finally, it was time to head back to the city on the Route 136. What a nice little ride.

This Man Is Smiling Because He Is In Good Riding Health

Some Days You Get It Wrong: Rainy Day Hill Climbing

Route 95 to Chung Ho Village

All week I had been watching the progress of a nasty looking typhoon out in the Pacific and wondered what it would mean for my weekend riding. I had missed my mid-week rides due to circumstances beyond my control and I really had to get out on the bike.

Based on experience, I figured Saturday would be the better day with the rains coming after the typhoon had passed Taiwan with the majority of the wet stuff falling on Taipei. The Central Weather Bureau and TV news meteorologists tend to have a Taipei-centric view of the weather, so it is easy to disregard their predictions. I also figured that if it did rain, the rain would fall in the afternoon... after 1:00pm. This seems to be the summer pattern.

So with this in mind I planned an ambitious day of climbing that I could accomplish before noon and be safely on my way back to Taichung if and when the rains hit. It sounded like a great plan and I set my sights on the Hui Sun Forest (惠蓀林場).

Hoping Township

My legs were feeling really good and I made short work of the Route 129 to Hsin She. I thought I would stop at the 7-11 along the Route 93 for breakfast and to stock up on extras for a foray into the mountains.

I spent a little time chatting up some riders from Warehouse 185 and another group of guys who were doing the 136 to 129 loop. They all took off to beat the rain, but quickly returned as no sooner had they left then some fat, juicy raindrops filled the air. It was time for another coffee.

After half and hour it looked like the clouds were rained out and so I made my climb over to the Highway 21. Along the way I passed Glenn from Primavera Cycles hacking his way up the switchbacks out of Chung Hsing Village.

Highway 21

It looked like the weather might hold and I was optimistic, but the wet roads made descents slow. Furthermore, it appears Taiwan offers a big bike license in exchange for a deposit of brain cells. Note to Big Bike Riders: It is probably not a good idea to pass me on a blind corner on wet roads at high speeds. You might not see that blue truck. Dumb!

I didn't really need anything, but I thought I would stop at the Family Mart at the bottom of the descent off Baimao Shan. It would be the last stop before going into the mountains. Then, after a few minutes, the skies opened up again. I waited in the store with a bunch of families from Miaoli who did not think I looked like an American because I am too short. I had to point out that Americans can look like anybody... like the Children of the KMT Central Standing Committee and possibly Ma Ying-jiu. I figured as a bunch of moneyed guys from Miaoli, they would not be amused. The rain stopped and I made full speed for the Route 136.

Sunshine on 99 Peaks

I thought I might stop at the Hi Life at the base for a few moments and assess the weather before heading up the hill. Again, it started raining. As I walked around the store I noticed a group of boys on kid bikes had arrived to buy candy. As they came in, one of them noticed me and exclaimed, "Foreigner!"

I went into my well rehearsed pantomime of confusion in which I crane my neck in every direction as if to get a better look, "Where?!"

I convinced him I was not a "Foreigner" and he seemed satisfied with my answer, enough to tell one of the other boys I was not a foreigner when he asked. Then, as fellow cyclists, we then got down to business of talking bikes.

The boys enthusiastically waved me off as the rain stopped and I seized the opportunity to make time up the Route 136.

Gimme Shelter

For most of the ascent spots of sunshine managed to slip through the clouds to create a steamy warmth on the blacktop. I was feeling great and ate up the 8% grades. I was able to reserve my 27 tooth cog for the ramps and that one bastard of a spot 3/4 of the way up by the little farm. I stopped a couple times to take pictures, but they were not strategic photos, just nice pictures with the sunshine casting odd highlights on the 99 peaks in the distance against a dark curtain of rain. I thought I might make it over the 136 without getting rained on and pushed past the last little shelter before the peak.

If you've ridden a road enough times you become familiar with the points along the way to take shelter in a rain squall... and I had just passed the last one before the exposed stretch along the highest point and the treacherous descent to Toubienkeng.

I had been playing a game of Cat and Mouse all day with the weather and this mouse got caught at the worst possible moment.

Rain on 136

The rains started as a light mist, but soon turned into thick drops that instantly soaked into my socks. I couldn't think of any suitable place to sit out the rain except for the possibility of a temple gate up ahead with the possibility of a roof.

Sure enough, it was just wide enough to stand under and wait out the rain. I paced around taking pictures and wondering how long I would have to wait. I also considered the wet descent down the other side.

I watched one ant save another from a raindrop

After 30 minutes the rain held off long enough to get a start on the descent. I just modulated the brakes, kept the speed down, and avoided any of the paint on the road for a slow yet uneventful descent.

As I rolled into Toubienkeng the rains started again forcing me to take shelter under the aluminum covering of a roadside temple.

The rain didn't last more than 20 minutes and soon I was again making good time back to Taichung City... where the roads were dry and the sun was happily poking through the clouds.

Some days you just get it wrong.

Distance: 100km

Climbing: 5151ft.

Weather: Wet

Praying For Good Weather?

2000 Meters Above Central Taiwan: Climbing The Four Peaks

Feeling A Bit Rough

Saturday, I decided to punish myself for not getting out mid-week for any training rides and so I figured I should take on some of the area's more notorious roads while adding some distance to increase my overall fitness.

This trip was not so much about destination, but the journey... er... actually, it was about the roads. It is funny that, as cyclists, we often complain about traffic and reliance on motor vehicles. I know I do. But I can sure figure out how to properly enjoy the roads we've build for them.

Stop to stretch legs

I left Taichung along Dong-shan Rd. through Dakeng to warm up my climbing legs on the Route 129 to Hsin-she. I felt 10 times better than when I did this route a couple of weeks ago.

I then continued on the Route 93 to Chung-ho (Zhong-he) Village and out to the Highway 21 to traverse Baimao Shan. The climbing was steady and had I not had such a full plate for the day, I may have hit it a lot harder.

Highway 21

I sacrificed part of one of the most wonderful descents I have ever ridden to see if I could bring back a couple pictures of the road to explain my fixation with it. Sadly, there are few real vantage points to show it in all its awesomeness.

Straight Away on the Highway 21

At Guoxing I stayed on the Highway 21, which banks left into a short climb and the most rewarding valley. The normal route is to go straight on the Highway 21, which becomes the Route 133 and goes back to the Highway 14 toward Taichung or the Route 136.

National Fruit

The valley ends at a rough climb with a couple grades in the double digits. I was pleased with my progress and I just kept plugging away at the hill.

Looking Down

I always underestimate this climb, and with the sun at its highest point, it was even less comfortable.

Above Puli

I kept focusing on my pedal stroke and looking up ahead. Suddenly, I turned a corner and found myself on top of the 2200ft plateau.

This is one of my favorite areas. The plateau is covered in dark red clay and the farms that spring from that soil. It is truly a sight.

Silly Giant Buddha

The Highway 21 shoots on through a small farming community and then plunges into the Puli Basin. It is easy to bring speeds up into the high 60's on the descent. I passed the Giant Buddha and I am always struck by how many people I have heard who are impressed by such an eyesore. It isn't old, it isn't special and it doesn't really belong when you look at the environment. It is just a gaudy display of a temple's "power".

I finally rolled into Puli, but didn't stay long. My hydration and nutrition plan was working perfectly and I wouldn't need to stop for fuel until the Route 136.

As I headed out of Puli on the Highway 14, the road was like a wind tunnel. All that wind channeled through the mountains made the ride an absolute pain. I pulled my effort back to save my legs for the final climb. I thought I could use the Highway 14 as recovery time.

Route 136

I took on fuel and water at the Hi Life at the base of the Route 136, and then cranked my legs up to speed. The climb is really not so bad for the first two thirds or so, but then the ramps start to indicate a final third of suffering. Surprisingly, I was making pretty good time up the hill. I stopped for a picture of the road, but that was about it. I just kept pushing to the top.

The descent into Taiping was smooth and fast. I was feeling pretty good.

SCORE:

Distance: 140km
Elevation Gain: 2000m/6500ft
Max Speed: 60kph
Max Temp: 40C/104F
Calories Burned: 4714cal

Along 136

Bike route 1134372 - powered by Bikemap

The Great Route 129 to Route 136 Loop

Pray For Me

The great thing about living in Taichung is that you don't have to go far to have a beautiful ride.

For my Sunday ride I decided to keep the distance down, but I thought I should add some hills to my rehab diet. Nothing fit the bill better than the Route 129 to Route 136 loop through the foothills of Taichung.

Colored Wolf?

I need to control my efforts to ensure a solid recovery and so I made an easy spin out to Dong Shan Rd. Even though it was only 8:00am the heat and humidity was already unbearable.

Sunday Ride

As I headed for the hills, the roads were full of cyclists of all kinds who were already returning from their day's rides. I really should get out earlier to beat the heat, but I think it would be better to just acclimate and get it over with.

Wishful Thinking

I pounded away toward my first hill climb up the Route 129 to Hsin She, but I stopped at a temple along the way to stretch my legs out as I wasn't sure how I would fare on a sustained climb. My big fear is damaging my knee again and having to start again at zero.

As I finished my stretches, I saw two groups of riders aggressively chase each other to the base of the hill. "Damn!" I thought to myself, "those guys are going to badass it up that hill. I'm glad I'll follow up behind so I don't have to get passed."

A few minutes later I was on my way up the hill and a few minutes after that I passed two groups of very tired riders who pissed themselves out on the approach. I felt solid, but fatigued. I have done minimal climbing on the new bike and I am still getting used to its behavior. My out of the saddle work was a complete joke.

I soon reached the summit and stopped to refill my single water bottle.

Folks sure look like they're going fast when you're standing still.

Wearing His Beliefs On His Sleeve (*see note below)

Military Prison

There's more than one way to get a bike to the top of the 129

At the 7-11 at the top of the hill I met a group of three riders. One of them had a very special and unique "Taiwan bike".

Lanyu Themed Rikulau

His bike was a beautifully made Rikulau road bike, made with Reynolds 853 steel and sporting the "flying fish" design and several design elements borrowed from the traditional boats used by the indigenous Dao'oo people on Orchid Island, also known as Lanyu or Pong-so no Dao'oo in the local language on the island.

The circular design represents the "eye" of the boat to see the flying fish. The human figure represents the "first man".

The bike was a very interesting sight. Unfortunately, the owner was not fully aware of the symbolism on his bike.

I got going again, but stopped for a coffee at the grand 7-11 along the Route 93, before making some good time into the Feng lin valley.

Taichung

Hsin She

The traffic was tolerable, but nothing is worse than building to a good speed and then catching up to traffic.

Route 93

Fenglin Valley

I started my descent into the valley and all too fast caught up to another car. I thought I would pull over and let the cars go on ahead so I could sit back and enjoy the descent.

Descent

Again and again I caught up with the touring traffic. It was really hard to get the full thrill from the narrow paved squiggle of a road.

Climber Struggles

Several cyclists were on their way up the opposite direction and several looked to be in various states of pain. I had already conquered a couple sections over 10%. Soon it was time for the killer climb to the plateau over the other side of the valley.

Mmmmm... Road

The road skates along the rim of the valley before plummeting down to the Route 136 below. The heat and my poor fitness really had me dogging it by the time I started rumbling toward Taichung.

Bike Riding

I finally made my way into town. I can feel the improvements are coming, but I have to be patient. Nothing promotes improvement like stressing the body. We shall see what next week brings.

This is a great local route for anyone and it should be high on anyone's list of thrilling rides close to the city.

Here's the map with my sad set of stats:

*Note: The man in the picture has a military tattoo on his arm calling for the deaths of Zhu de, the father of the Red Army, and Mao Ze-dong, the Chinese Communist leader. An additional slogan calls to "Retake Our Rivers and Mountains" with ROC and KMT (Chinese Nationalist Party) flags crossing below. The man is buying the United Daily, Taiwan's KMT newspaper. Old soldiers like these are becoming more and more rare. They represent a culture that owes its existence to Taiwan, while rejecting Taiwan in favor of a Chinese center. The United Daily had been a valuable tool in helping these old soldiers defend their collective Waisheng identity, which is bound directly to the fundamentalism of KMT ideology.