Taiwanese Cyclist Plods Around The World: 600 Days and Counting

For months I have been wondering what ever happened to Wu Shih-chang, the Taiwanese man who set out to travel the globe by bike on $10 a day.

Wu left Taiwan in June 2010 to begin his journey in Alaska, before heading southward to Argentina. Along his journey the young Taiwanese man miscalculated food supplies, negotiated wild bears in Alaska and finally arrived in Seattle where he was taken in by some of my friends from the Seattle Taiwan Center.

Now, after 20 months on the road, the 30 year-old resurfaces in Paris, where his bike was stolen and he was forced to wait for a replacement.

Here is an excerpt from Focus Taiwan:

He cycled across Alaska, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Belize and Central America before pedaling south to Peru, Chile and Argentina. He flew or traveled by boat when necessary.

He met a snowstorm on a mountain road in Argentina, experienced acute altitude sickness in Peru, and had diarrhea for a week.

Despite all this, he said that after witnessing the beauty of plateaus, experiencing desert weather, and feeling coastal breezes, all the discomfort went away.

Money was a big issue for him and visa fees accounted for the largest expenses on his trip. As Taiwan lacks formal diplomatic ties with many countries, entering other countries can be expensive.

He was due to fly from Argentina to South Africa but was unable to as the South Africa Embassy in Argentina denied him a visa.

He traveled to Europe instead and spent his 30th birthday at an airport in Madrid. His travel turned for the worse Feb 3 when his bicycle, donated by Taiwanese bike maker Giant, was stolen in Paris.

Wu was forced to contact his friends in Taiwan and ask them to send another bike for him so that he could continue his trip.

He said he did not know when he will finish traveling, but said the trip has made him realize the importance of family.

Taiwan's problematic diplomatic situation, combined with a weakening push for international space seems to be taking its toll on Taiwanese travelers who are often misidentified as Chinese.

I hope Wu keeps going, but 600 days is a long time to be on the road.

Also:

The Accell Group has fortified its Taiwan branch with some top talent to better get into the scrum of the growing Asian bicycle market.

In Other News:

• The Dope: What an exciting week it has been off the tarmac. First, the seven time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong is let go by the feds, who have decided not to bring the retired cyclist and accused doper to trial on a list of charges. Lance is still not off the hook. The Wold Anti Doping Agency would still like to look at some of the evidence gathered during the Armstrong case. Meanwhile, Alberto "El Pistolero" Contador, possibly the world's top grand tour specialist, is handed a mathematical 2 year sentence for traces of clenbuterol in his blood. Contador blamed the positive test on "tainted beef". Although the Spanish rider has his victories since the positive test wiped from the records, creative accounting allows him to resume competition in only 6 months.

• Why cycling will make you happy...and not gay as many Americans believe.

• 17,000 Londoners sign up for safe cycling.

• Commute By Bike on The Cycling Opponent.

• Going green gets a little complicated. Crushed glass causing flats?

Taiwan's Own Ironman: Cycling America On $8 A Day

I have been periodically following the exploits of the Taiwanese cyclist who is attempting to circumvent the earth within three years, while sticking to his budget of $8 per day. Full Story

Wu Shih-chang, the 28 year-old cyclist has already survived the wilds of Alaska and is currently on his way south to escape the wretched cold and rain of the Pacific Northwest.

I am happy to see that Wu received help from my good friends in the Seattle area, who supplied him with lodging, food, and a phone. The Seattle Taiwan Center and the Seattle Taiwanese American Foundation, like similar groups around the US, have become a valuable part of establishing and expressing a Taiwanese presence in the area. These groups also provide assistance to Taiwanese students and travelers who may need information, lodging or just company. It is a shame Wu will have to miss the Portland group as he has fallen behind schedule.

Wu demonstrates a feature of Taiwan I feel gets frequently overlooked--- personal independence. I know more Taiwanese who come up with all sorts of crazy ideas.... and then carry them out. Entrepreneurs, athletes, students and travelers... I have met so many people in Taiwan who march to the beat of their own drum-- despite the reputation for "group think". And I feel this quality should be recognized.

加油!!!

A Different Trip Around The World

Another Taiwanese man has embarked on a round the world trip. I find this story interesting compared to the recent story of the young Taiwanese couple that set out on their honeymoon around the world by bike subsidized on donations if they would advertise the ROC's 100th Anniversary.

Here's the whole story:

Taipei - A 28-year-old Taiwan man left the island Tuesday to spend two years cycling around the world.

Wu Shih-chang, a painter, said he wanted to encourage people all over the world to love life and fulfil their dreams.

'I am both excited and scared because starting today, my life has changed,' he said at Taoyuan International Airport before boarding a flight for Alaska.

Wu plans to cycle through North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

He is to cycle most of the way, but will fly or take a boat when crossing from South America to Europe and from Europe to Asia (duh!). The trip is due to end in Australia.

Wu's supplies, not including his bike, weigh about 25 kilograms.

He plans to spend eight US dollars a day on the trip, and has saved 8,000 US dollars for the expedition.

Money is a problem because has not found a sponsor.

The other challenge could be getting entry visas from countries which do not have diplomatic ties with Taiwan, as the island is recognized by only 23 states.

The contrasts are stark. Rather than the thousands of dollars in donations and government support, this traveler is going to scrape by on his own. I guess there is an allegory of the Taiwanese experience somewhere. I figure this ride will not be a tribute to the 100 years of the ROC.