Big Brother Inc. Taiwan's Tourism Bureau... Working For You?

Cycling in Taiwan is just one of the many portals Taiwan's government is using to promote recreational cycling and bicycle tourism in Taiwan. Although this site was posted a few years ago (2008), it is still relevant and many riders may still find some of the information valuable.

The contents of the site detail five short bike routes and it provides information on transportation, rentals, tourist sites, local fare and route descriptions--things casual riders might appreciate.

This may not be ideal for many of Taiwan's recreational riders who have pushed local cycling culture and expectations far beyond the leisurely routes the Tourism Bureau has listed, but for occasional day trippers and families who decide to simply go for a ride without investing in the cycling lifestyle, this could be very helpful.

On the other side of the coin this site raises some difficult questions regarding the links between the role of government, the interests of private enterprise, and the best interests of the citizen consumer.

Aside from the expected information regarding transportation and tourism services provided by the government, this government run site also uses this space to promote selected businesses. A visitor is directed to links and information for a few select private businesses, hotels and bicycle resources.

" Full House

Located at the Dehua Village Wharf, this 10-room resort hotel commands an unobstructed view of Sun Moon Lake.

The log-cabin style hotel is decorated with oil paintings by the owner. High-ceilinged hallways, soft light, soothing music, and finely crafted wood furniture complete the feeling of simple elegance at this scenic retreat."

In the interest of fairness and transparency, the question should be asked how these businesses, amid many others, were able to be chosen for government promotion and what, if any type of benefits or services, were exchanged quid pro quo.

For almost each route the Taiwan Tourism Bureau advertises for a Giant retailer. Are there any other bicycle shops or rental facilities in the area? How might I get a business listed by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau? How are these routes being planned and selected for promotion? If I owned a business in the area would they promote me?

I have detailed my understanding of the problem HERE.

The need for clarity is a significant point of concern as the chairman of Giant, King Liu, is also a special advisor to President Ma Ying-jiu regarding bicycle infrastructure projects. Although it is not uncommon for governments and private enterprise to cooperate, this relationship begs for the government to embrace greater transparency in its planning and coordination of cycling routes as King Liu's primary responsibility is to the shareholders of Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and not necessarily to the interests of the private citizen.

If we look at other major bicycle projects like Seattle's Burke Gilman Trail, which is maintained by the Seattle Dept. of Parks and Recreation, or in Oregon, the Portland Bureau of Transportation bike trail system, the scope remains squarely on public services and citizen safety rather than providing advertising space for private enterprise.

Although the government might mean well, there are serious ethnical considerations that must be addressed when government and enterprise decide to ride tandem.

Wuling Video, Links and Giro

Bikeman just posted a fantastic video of last weekend's Wuling Challenge. For those who don't already know, the Wuling Challenge is a ride to the 3275m summit of the Central Cross Island Highway. The final 7km are brutal. Kudos to all those who joined and moreover to those who finished. I was hoping to be there this year, but alas, it was not to be. Lots of bike action this past weekend.

Taiwan Biking Links:

• The World Is Not That Big documents his cycling trip through eastern Taiwan. Some lovely pictures.

• Hiking Taiwan has temporarily hung up his boots for a bicycle. Check out his trip to Maokong.

• Crazy Guy on a Bike details his difficult ride up to Smangus. Aside from being a simple cycling destination, Smangus has also recently been at the center of a clash between indigenous rights and state power as documented by David Reid, a Taiwan based scholar.
• SUN-E has some great pics from the Da Xue Shan event that was also held this past weekend. Team Neko was there as well.
• And one from OZ on the three-seater MILF bike (and no... not the Moro Islamic Liberation Front).

Other Links:

• Dublin gets into Bike Sharing.

• Mike Joos illustrates my dreams. Wookie Bicycles!!!

• Golden State threatens to shower tickets on speedy commuters across the Golden Gate (Say that ten times fast).

• El Diablo, the crimson colored caricature from Germany who found fame in prodding Tour de France riders up the highest peaks with his pitchfork, has crafted a rickshaw in honor of the royal wedding. Prince Philip was overheard commenting that it was the most welcome gift from Germany since the Blitz and since a gaffe-prone Consort from the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg joined the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha... er... Windsor.

Don't Forget:

The Giro d'Italia kicks off this weekend. Last year's race was a spectacle. This year they decided to add a few more mountains and an active volcano. Maybe next year we'll see a pool of sharks. Watch it HERE!

Perspectives From Around Taichung: Circling The City

Posing Above Airbase

After slightly over doing it last weekend, I really needed to take it easy. I needed to ride. I mean, I REALLY needed to ride! Still, I did not want to get myself into any situation that would destroy my knee again if I started feeling pain 50km from home. I also really needed to ride with my good friend Michael Turton from The View From Taiwan. We hadn't ridden together in weeks and sometimes nothing is better than just shooting the shit on two wheels.

I invited Michael to join me on an easy ride around Taichung City. The idea was to take a slow roll around the edges of the city with maybe time for a long coffee at a pace easy enough to talk Taiwanese politics, culture and biking.

Patriotic Taiwanese

On my way out to meet Michael, I was happy to meet two cyclists who called themselves the "Bicycle Brothers" or 鐵馬兄弟. These two young men were on the final day of their round-island trip, which started in Taoyuan. Each man had a placard attached to the back of their bicycle expressing his love for Taiwan. For many Taiwanese, a round-island trip not only signifies a physical or personal challenge, but it also reflects a desire to view Taiwan as a center and the intent to experience the country from all sides. The round-island trip has become a strong expression of a Taiwan-centered identity (a symbol that has often been subverted by Taiwan's political actors, especially if their loyalty to Taiwan is suspect).

I love Taiwan

Mountains And Road

As I made my way out toward the edge of the city near Dakeng, the mountains were clearly visible in the distance. With moist air blowing off the ocean, it is too easy to forget Taichung is surrounded by foothills and mountains that mostly reside behind a veil of dust and haze.

Michael The Pathfinder

I followed Michael on some winding paths between the graves near the notorious Ivy boarding school, and we worked our way into Shen Gang.

Twisting Roads of Tanzi

The Family Car?

Man Exposes His Bird

Before long we were on the Highway 10, which runs from Daya to Feng-yuan. I love this area as I always see the damnedest things out there.

Eventually we met up with Zhong Ching Rd. and took that to the base of Dadu Shan. As we were riding we briefly joined a group of very friendly cyclists on mountain bikes who were determined to get to Ching Shui. My favorite exchange came from this bunch:

Guy: Giant makes good bikes. Maybe you should buy a Giant.

Me: I have heard that Seven isn't so bad either.

It wasn't long before Michael had heard enough of the Giant worship, and after coming off a Giant himself, put the rubber down and had put the group a kilometer behind.

The Red Clay of Dadu Shan

We reached the climb up to Dadu Shan and although I can still climb, my endurance is really hurting. I can't wait to start the interval training to get my skills back.

The view from Dadu Shan was beautiful. It is easy to get stuck in the city hating on the traffic and exhaust. Luckily we have Dadu Shan sitting just above the city where a rider can get away and put the whole mess into perspective.

Foothills

From my earliest days in Taichung I have always been impressed with the fields of bright orange clay that over over the city skyline.

Our Fair City

The clouds and sprinkles of rain added a little drama to the descent off the hill as we barreled into Taichung city along Xi-tun Rd. and eventually a relaxed lunch before calling it a day.

The leg was getting a bit sore, but it was mainly along the IT band near the hip, so a little stretching took care of it and it was like hitting the reset button. A little knee soreness that also quickly abated, so a few more building rides before I try another long adventure or serious climbing.

Although it was short, slow and local, it was another wonderful ride.

The Great Xitun Intersection

From Singapore With Love: Kaohsiung to Taipei

Chance Meeting With Some Industry Guys

Last night I was privileged to meet up for beers with Xuyun, a rider from Singapore and a regular reader.

Xuyun, who celebrated his 21st birthday with beers at the Early Bird, has come to Taiwan with the mission of riding the length of the island along the foothills from Kaohsiung to Taipei.

His plan entails riding mainly up the Highway 3, but with a detour in Ershui to the 137 and a side tour through Sanyi. Here is the route.

What is even more laudable is his youthful sense of adventure and an unstoppable drive to "Get Action".

Xuyun is not just riding his shaky folding bike across Taiwan for the challenge and the hardship.... Xuyun has plans to arrive in Taipei victorious, where he will then meet up with a girl and woo her with his tales from the road.

Friends and readers....

This is what living life and living youth is all about.

You only live once.

Cheers!

Xuyun

Good on ya!

From Mad To Normal: Expat Describes 20 Years Of Cycling Taiwan

In a wonderful feature for Travel In Taiwan, veteran traveler and cyclist, Mark Caltonhill lays out his 20 years of cycling Taiwan in a few short pages. Mark has seen cycling move from utility transportation to leisure sport in just a few short years.

Caltonhill's article is both informative and entertaining. My favorite section is his review of the bikes. Sadly, for Taiwan's bike retailers, touring bikes and mountain bikes are the same thing. You really don't need a heavy tourer, but a good, steel tourer with racks, long wheelbase and drop bars is hard to come by.

You can read the whole article HERE.

Thursday Night Fights (Video)

Each Thursday night I like to attack Dadu Shan, the hill overlooking Taichung City, and work a little on climbing and bike handling.

Some riders don't like riding in Taichung during the day, let alone at night.

I really enjoy it. With lights, you can see cars and drivers can better see you.

This particular route goes from Wu Chuan West Rd. to the Taichung Industrial Park, and then through the back door of the Tung-hai Market. I then cut across Taichung Harbor Rd. and hit Art/International Street, before coming down Xitun Rd. and back onto Wen Xin.

I normally complete the loop in just over 45min. but I was taking it easy and thus I thought I could get some video.

Sunny Day On The Miaoli Route 130

Old Building in Jhuo Lan

This Sunday was a big day for me as it was my first attempt at getting back into a solid ride schedule.

The original plan was for a short, but hilly, 50k around Nantou. Unfortunately, plans fell through and so I met up with Dominic A. to take advantage of some beautiful weather on a ride up the Highway 3 to Miaoli Route 130 and back. It seemed a little ambitious for me after my long rehabilitation with leg troubles, but I have been having some good results and decided to give it a try.

Jhuo Lan Market

I met Dom in Nantun Dist. and we slowly warmed up through the city before snakign our way out to the Hou-Feng bike trail. I abhor the trail, but it leads to a great back road that completely bypasses Dong Shih and goes right to the base of a little that separates Jhuo Lan from Dong Shih. The hill serves as a wake-up call for any rider as it is steep enough and long enough to make it a pain.

Dom Poses

We capped the hill and plunged into the wide Daan river valley before stopping in Jhuo Lan for the first coffee of the day. My legs were a bit out of shape, but workable and I wasn't feeling any discomfort. After coffee we made a brief spin through Jhuo Lan before climbing into Miaoli county.

Looking Out

The water level in the reservoir was looking depressingly low, so I didn't take any decent pictures, but the dive off the hill was an absolute thrill.

Looking At Low Water Levels

Ginger Is King

After a few more undulating hills we hit the turn-off to the Route 130. I was happy to get off the Highway 3 as it seems I was not made aware that it would be turned into an F1 motorcycle race way. I am sure those guys all get home and bitch about how they were pushed off the road by careless drivers.

Menace On The Roads

The Route 130 is quick with introductions and immediately starts at a 12% grade. No easing in or fore play on this hill. It just gets more and more vertical. I was trying to save my leg and working hard to push on a 39 to 27 gear choice after being so badly out of practice.

Another One Of Taiwan's Generous Strangers

As we made our ascent under the full heat of the sun, a random stranger on a scooter stopped us and invited us to share some freshly picked plums. The boost in blood sugar was welcome before continuing up the mountain.

Half Way On The 130

Although the weather was not its clearest, we could still look out over southern Miaoli.

Steep Enough?

The final third of the climb starts to get pretty rough and I was trying to ignore a growing "awareness" of my knee. It became clear to me that I might be over doing it.

Hey... This Isn't The Mile High Club!!!

Near the top we stopped for another coffee at the Mile High Cafe, which offers views and an assortment of cooked fat. My recommendation is to stick with the beverages. The wait staff is friendly and accommodating. They invited us to bring out bikes into the restaurant.

Crazy Man Pedals Folding Bike To Top

The Final Push

Soon, we were off again to make our final push to the top.

Ride To Eat

When we got there, a round rider with legs and a Pinarello Dogma accosted us and asked if he could take our picture. He then produced the biggest camera I have ever seen a cyclist carry and snapped a couple photos. His jersey was priceless. It read, "Ride To Eat."

Great Road

I was really looking forward to the descent. My bike felt like it was working telepathically as I flew through the corners. Then, just as I was settling into a thrilling set of switchbacks, a silver Honda Civic saw me coming and made a last minute jump into the road to get in front of me, where he promptly rode his brakes all the way down the hill with me firmly planted on his ass. It was soooooo stupid. "I better jump out and get in front of that bicycle because bikes are slow." Grrrrrrrrrr!!!!

Long-Tan

At the bottom of the hill we snaked through the freshly paved back roads and punchy little hills before a rest stop at the Long-tan Broken Bridge.

Dom At Bridge

My leg was beginning to bother me, but the pain strangely subsided when I increased my effort and stood on the pedals. The discomfort would come and go.

Heading Home

Before long, we were on our way to the Highway 13 into Houli and Fengyuan, before meeting back up with Taichung.

By the time I got home I was feeling a lot of discomfort, but not as bad as before. I think I will continue to massage and ride to get back to 100%.

It was a lot of fun riding with Dom today and I was glad to be there for his longest ride to date. We ended just over 100km.

No it is time to ice my knee and continue with my muscle work. Splendid ride with a wonderful bike and good people.

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