Taiwan Joins World Car-Free Day Celebrations

Over the past week Taiwan's major cities (except Taichung) participated in events leading up to World Car-free Day, which is held on September 22nd.

CNA reports on Taiwan Focus:

Taipei Deputy Mayor Chen Wei-jen said at an unplugged concert at Daan Forest Park that emissions from motorcycles and automobiles are the largest source of air pollution in the city since it no longer host factories.

"We hope our citizens will support the carfree campaign to reduce carbon emissions," Chen said, adding that Taipei boasts a convenient public transport system which comprises mass rapid transit and bus services.

In Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan, Mayor Chen Chu kicked off a mass bicycle ride across major city streets by cycling fans to drum up support for the carfree campaign.

Chen said CNN has rated Kaohsiung as one of Asia's five most cycling-friendly cities. The city has 26 cycling paths totaling 500 kilometers in length, she said, with plans to extend them to 1,000 km.

I hope some of you got out there to participate. Sadly, my city government is more concerned with the plight of large developers and their boozy entertainment empires to really give a rat's ass about World Car-free Day.

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Chinese State Journalism Takes a Stake in Taiwanese Cycling:

Check out this piece from Xinhua. It starts out as a typical human interest piece about Taiwanese cycling tourism, but two things rub me a little raw. The first is that, since this is the Chinese state media, it must have an angle. That angle appears to be to promote increasing Taiwanese reliance on Chinese tourism. The second is that Taiwanese cultural tourism is being "localized" by Chinese state media and some "Pan-Blue" stations in an obvious effort to have Chinese and Taiwanese citizens imagine each other as part of the same national community; a phenomenon which is simple fantasy. Of course, the other side of the coin is the risk of exposing years of propaganda for what it is...

and

The China Post reports that Taiwan's Action Blue Cycling Team will be helping the Clinton Global Initiative in raising funds to combat blindness in Africa. It is always nice to see Taiwanese people assert themselves on the word stage through this type of activity.

Tour of Changhua Prologue (120km)

The Team

Next Sunday I have another event planned. I have decided to "compete" in this year's Tour of Changhua.

Although I am fully aware that this is another campaign race designed to coincide with the mythical ROC 100 year anniversary, which explains the 100km length, I felt I needed to give this event another try after last year's debacle.

Although I still have some nagging health problems with my knee, I feel this go-round will be a much more positive affair.

To better prepare for next week, I joined the crew from T-Mosaic Bikes for a little reconnaissance of the route. I tried this last week, but drifted off course, so it was nice to ride with some folks who knew the route better. Moreover, it was nice to be able to take advantage of a slipstream. Thanks!

Cash delivers an inspirational speech

We met at T-Mosaic for a 6:00am departure. Cash Huang would lead on the bike, while Rocky Huang (no relation to Cash) drove the support car. The idea of having a support car is a strange and exotic luxury.

Cash has no idea what he is talking about

The team assembled and we rolled out toward Changhua across the Highway 74 bridge from the HSR station to the other side of the river.

The Bridge to Changhua

The opening few kilometers are just easy flats and rollers. As our train chugged along we ate up the stragglers of a half-dozen other clubs that were out practicing.

Mountain To Meeting Point

The first challenge for our early morning legs was in the form of a climb out of Fen Yuan. The hill is not that long and offers a couple sections of respite from 10% grades, but it can be a deal breaker at the beginning of a long race. Push too far in red on the inclines and you suffer the rest of the day.

I hung with two local baddasses, whom I named Frank and Andy Trek, until the very last bump, where we waited for the group to reconstitute where the road meets the Route 139 along the mountain's spine.

Dr. Wu (The Good Doctor)

The punchy rollers and false flats on Route 139 make for some fun riding. With so many people out it is easy to make friends with different riders from around the area.

Kevin, a bicycle engineer at Equinox Cycles

The first rest stop was Feng Shan Temple, which appears to be a sacred site of the Goddess of Cycling. Riders of all stripes line the plaza and vie for water and snacks.

You want it... we got it!

With so much cycling traffic, it has become a shrine to Taiwan's entrepreneurial spirit.

Fengshan Bike Emporium

Every free corner is filled with cycling goods, food and other swag riders might want from sunglasses to umbrella mounts for your handlebars.

A Bike Called Horse

Tea Eggs

Bicycle Worship

There may even be room for some worship as well.

Will Has A Blowout

Just as we were filling our water bottles, I heard a loud pop, like a firecracker. When I looked up, Will from our group was stranded on the side of the road with a blowout. His tubular tire had completely burst.

Nasty!

Luckily Rocky in the support car was standing by ready for action.

Rocky to the rescue

At 7:00am, he simply ran across the street to one of the vendors, and purchased a complete bicycle tire... not tubes mind you... but a tire. Where else in the world can you do that?

Ride My Dorcus

Contemplating Headwear

Tea Farms

We were soon back on the road for the descent off the mountain into Songboling. I descended like a valkyrie through the tea farms and pineapple patches. The thrill of a solid descent can really make a ride.

Highway Blues

Before long we were back on the flats and chugging at a good clip toward Changhua. Having crossed the halfway point, we were relaxing into a pretty good rhythm. Then... the full force of the sun started taking its toll.

Cash needs to calm down

Another rest stop brought spirits and hydration levels back up to acceptable levels, and a little Red bull in the veins never seems to hurt (unless mixed with vodka shots).

Bike Path

The route covers some really nice cycling routes (yes, I just complimented a Taiwanese cycling route) and then we turned directly into a nasty cross-head wind.

From Lukang up it was a brutal march into the wind. With both the wind and the sun conspiring against us, we hobbled back to Taichung.

I felt pretty good and have developed a riding plan for next Sunday. Now I hope everything goes smoothly and it can be a lot of fun.

Waiting

Clips, Links, Videos... and cyclocross disc brakes

Team Neko took a little tour out to the Huisun Leisure Forest Park, a route I detailed a bit a few weeks ago.

I also had the pleasure of joining T-Mosaic Bikes for their Moon Festival BBQ. It had all the makings of a great party... including the guy who obviously missed the course in college on the effects of Scotch whiskey on the human mouth and body.

In other goings on...

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Taiwan Links:

With the anniversary of ECFA coming in the midst of an election year, it is not surprising to see the big industrialists out trumpeting the benefits of such a trade deal with China.

TAIPEI, Taiwan – The start of the Free Trade Agreement between Taiwan and China which will become fully operational after Chinese New Year will grant Taiwan’s bicycle industry free access to the Chinese market. The big 3 Taiwanese bicycle manufacturers, Giant, Merida, and Ideal Bikes, are actively investing in the mainland market.

“Our future lies in China and one of our goals is to develop this rapidly expanding market”, said Tony Lo, CEO of Giant Global Group at the press conference hosted by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) at last week’s Eurobike show. “The best platform to build up this emerging market is the Taipei Cycle Show which is taking place from March 7 – 10, 2012,” said Lo.

Sadly, the economic boon promised to Taiwanese has been anything but, while the social and political price appears to be staggeringly high. Much of the problem is that ECFA is not entirely driven my economics, but by Chinese racialists and their nationalist ideologues. Many of the "ripe" numbers have been provided by the Chinese side.

Taiwan's big three manufacturers are rushing into China hot and heavy... while other manufacturers are quietly retreating from rising costs and strong-arm government moves to commandeer private enterprises.

Also:

• NTU President calls for improved bicycle parking.

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Information:

Jean from this great blog... and this one... would like to remind TIC readers to become a part of the greater global conversation on cycling by contributing and participating in discussions in the lead up to the Velo-city Global Conference for 2012.

Why should cyclists in Taiwan be concerned about other cycling communities or contribute information and experience to a conference that will be held in North America?

The answer is simple. Taiwan is a part of a larger global community of cycling and there is very little known about Taiwanese cycling outside the manufacturing sector. Furthermore, Taiwan's government seems keen on building bicycle infrastructure and has routinely sent staff and representatives on research junkets to find out how other countries are building and fostering their different cycling cultures. Often Taiwan's representatives haven't a clue what we want or need. It would be great if they could hear it from some other "authority" who may know a little more about our resources and our challenges.

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In Other News:

• At last... the disc brake cyclocross bike is back in a big way. I was way ahead of my time.

• Poor bike path design kills? In Taiwan I am aware of cases of riders being seriously injured by bad designs. Tort Law good... Tort Law bad.

• Cycling's Wonder Woman withdraws from Worlds after EPO allegations. Just when I was thinking I could still get sponsored for the pro ranks at 37... sheesh! Another rock star dream dies. Oh... and she's French.

• Cyclists don't do it on the first date. Help change a negative stereotype.

• New York's Bike Visionary.

• What do you get when you cross a large predatory cat with the name brand of shut-in geekdom? Answer

• Timor cycling for peace.

• Teenage female cyclists embark on a scandalous multi-day bike tour... in 1940.

• Using your Garmin as a forensics tool to fill missing time.

• The Economist waxes on safety.

Changhua County (100k)

This long weekend could have seen more riding. Instead of riding I spent some time with friends and family.

That isn't to say I didn't get a ride in.

Saturday morning I decided to put in 100k over Bagua Shan and around Changhua to get a sense of how my legs are feeling at the over 50k mark. I've been pretty consistent with my Wednesday 50k TT with averages around 31-32kph for a night course with traffic and lights.

A 50k route is different than a 100k or 160k, and they all require a specific ride plan depending upon your fitness and your goals.

My ride on Saturday lacks the usual pictures as it was hazy and I was busy riding or suffering in the furnace of the Changhua Plain.

I had a few things going against me. The first is that I had lost a lot of sleep with imaginary conversations and concerns from work filling my head to the point of getting only two hours of real sleep each night. Rest is one of the most important factors directly correlating to physical performance. Sadly, it is often the most neglected.

The second issue was the heat. I awoke at 6:00am to suit up and get out the door, but I collapsed in bed again to catch an extra hour. By the time I got out the door I didn't stand a chance. I had forgotten the sunscreen again and made a quick pit-stop at Fen Yuan to baste myself in enough white fluid that I may have been mistaken for the star of a Japanese movie.

The climb up Bagua Shan has a few sections at 10%, but it quickly comes to an end at the Route 139 along the ridge of the mountain. Bagua Shan is tricky because it seems flat, but when you check the Garmin you find that you're pushing a 7% incline. You can quickly wear yourself out. Lots of little rollers to keep busy on.

As I approached the final two kilometers before the descent into Song-bo Ling, I meekly passed a couple of hard looking guys kitted out in fan jerseys. From the looks of things it was Alberto Contador from Saxxo Bank and his minion.

I politely nodded and gave a polite "Good morning!" in Taiwanese, and then I continued at a pretty hot pace around 40kph. As I looked back, I noticed I had a wheelsucker. Mr. Saxxo Bank on his matching Specialized Tarmac was enjoying my draft. Game on!

I kept at it while Mr. Saxxo Bank abandoned his riding buddy to chase me down.

As we got to the hump just before the big drop, he made his move and put four or five bike lengths into me just up to the base of the hill. I then did the same to him on the climb until my cleat popped out. He passed and then I edged him out over the hill before gaining speed for the descent.

A real key to descents and road riding in general is to train yourself to look where you want to end up. Focus on the open spots and the bike will follow. As human beings we are hardwired to focus on objects, but in cycling this often leads to disaster. You gotta look where they ain't.

By the time I finished my descent, I was very much alone again and my scrimmage was over.

The plunge out of the tea district of Song-bo Ling to Er Shui is an absolute rush. I hit 67kph and could have gone faster if the traffic hadn't stopped up on the straightaway. Then the knee ache started in.

I tried to cool it and stretch it. It isn't as bad as before, but annoying.

This led to a final 50k that could only be described as a series of fits and starts. Bursts of speed combined with bursts of .... non-speed. I got a little lost and had to slowly assess my situation, but nothing serious.

The heat was just getting unbearable. A final popsicle provided the fuel I needed to make it home.

It was really a rough day on the bike, but as always... a good day on the bike.

Carbon/Disc All-Purpose Taiwan Road Bike: James Reveals His Ultimate Taiwan Machine

Photo by Michael Turton

The hard part about building up a bike for Taiwan is trying to figure out how you are most likely to use it. This creates a bit of a conundrum, as Taiwan's unique riding features lead to two very different types of bicycle.

Taiwan has some of the most amazing roadways for a fast road bike. Without snow, and a healthy construction industrial complex fueled by local politics, the roads are often beautifully paved. There are long stretches of flat, fast tarmac all along the western plain.

The mountain roads are also pretty nice, but with Taiwan's typhoons and heavy rains, there are many roads that are under constant repair. There are also hundreds of rough mountain roads that string across the central mountain range. These offer high adventure and technical bike handling, but they are often worth the reward.

To tackle these two conditions with one bike is a daunting task, but not impossible. I did that with my old Salsa Las Cruces.

Now, James Murray from Warehouse 185 has introduced his own take on the ultimate Taiwan bike.

This new rig is a carbon composite frame, which will be featured as a Warehouse 185 house model. It offers internal cable routing, disc tabs, and room for knobby cyclocross tires in the 32/38mm ballpark.

This bike is also built up with a few intriguing extras.

James is using SRAM Apex, the groupset that is making the triple chainring obsolete. This is matched with a Mtb derailleur for a rear cassette range from 11-32 teeth.

The wheels are Crank Brothers Cobalt 29ers to be strong enough for the hard stuff and the stresses of disc brakes.

Ah... now for my favorite part. This is one of the few road bikes out there that is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes using a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the front. The added hydraulic cylinder is not as stramlined as a typical road bike... yet. The technology is evolving rapidly and the industry interest in hydraulic disc brakes is certainly there. It may only be a matter of time before the hydraulic discs move from dirt to pavement.

This bike is really a great study in the form of a Taiwan Bike.

For more information on this bike and its components, or on the availability of this frame, feel free to contact James Murray at Warehouse 185.

185 Warehouse

321 Buzi Rd.

Beitun Dist.

Taichung, Taiwan

Tel:o4-223-93185

http://zh-tw.facebook.com/pages/185che-ku/134381256607731

Warehouse 185 is located HERE

Changhua Route 137 Is History

Liu Family Shrine

After two weeks off the bike, I met up with Michael Turton for a looper around the Tri Mountain Area of Bagua, Hu, and Xiang mountains in Changhua County. They're really more like various parts of one really long hill, but it makes for a nice day of pedaling.

Why Do You Ask, Two Pigs Fucking?

I have spent a lot of time over the past several weeks preparing for the Wuling Challenge, so now that that is over, it was just nice to have a lazier day in the saddle to poke around and find things. The purpose of this ride was more historical than fitness oriented.

Michael to Ershui

We headed out down the ugly part of Highway 3 into Mingjian, where we hooked right toward the town of Ershui. The roads on that end are absolutely wonderful. Lots of fruit farms and treelined lanes.

Christianity is a common sign of an indigenous comminuty

I was interested to make it back to Ershui as I am interested in its history as an indigenous "refuge" village, where the people of Davale (Beinan) would withdraw to in times of war or during headhunting season.

On this occasion I think I may have better located the former bamboo palisade. There are numerous other clues around if one just takes the time to look for them.

Savage Creek

We continued along the Route 137 at the base of the hill and stopped to check out the Liu family compound.

Michael tells it as it is

There are still several fine examples of mid and late Qing architecture and artwork.

The Liu family rides

Although the family shrine has been "restored", a few things remain from earlier days when this large Hakka family was trying its best to eke out a living and negotiate with other local power brokers.

Panels

There are still Liu family members living in the compound, but mainly from older generations.

Longyen Season

We failed to find one of the old kilns near Huatan, but it was a good ride nonetheless despite the steady headwind from all sides.

Double The Fun

We headed back to Taichung, but not before witnessing another amazing display of thinly veiled innuendo.

Kou Yao Ding (The character Yao uses a Jiao in it.. coincidence... or not?)

On my way back I ran into a rider named Paul on his classic Colnago Conic. What a beautiful looking bike. We rode a couple kilometers together to shoot the shit about bikes before I was off for home.

It was just a real nice day for riding despite the heat.

Paul

Shoot The Bike: Taipei Bicycle Film Festival Seeking Submissions

The Bicycle Film Festival in Taipei is looking for cyclists and filmmakers to submit their works for this year's festival for Bike To Work Day through the month of October.

The film festival is to help promote bicycle commuting in the hopes of encouraging 20,000 cyclists to bike to work instead of driving or riding a scooter.

The organizers encourage riders to use the Riverside Bike Lane, where they will provide feed stations along the way supplying bananas and water to desperate riders.

Organizers are also requesting submissions of photos and movie files revolving around the themes Bicycle.Memory/Bicycle.Traveling/Bicycle.Life. to present images that best portray cycling in the city and they are offering a NT$60,000 grand prize and several smaller prizes.

Photo:

Gold medal*1 : NTD 60,000, a certificate of merit

Silver medal*1 : NTD 30,000, a certificate of merit

Bronze medal*1 : NTD 10,000, a certificate of merit

Excellent award *60 : each gets a voucher of NTD 2000 , a certificate of merit

Movie:

10 winners: each gets NTD 5000, a certificate of merit

• Bicycle.Memory hopes to find images or video depicting Taipei's old bicycle culture to create links to the past.

• Bicycle.Travel is seeking submissions to depict traveling around Taipei by bicycle.

• Bicycle Life is for submissions that show Taipei's modern bicycle culture.

• Photo submissions may be in either color or black and white and be in 6 million pixels at either 2000-3000 dpi JPEG or TIFF formats. The submission should be the original image without a frame.Video files should be in submitted on disk with mpeg or AVI files no more that 15 minutes in length. Each submission should contain a brief description under 100 words.

All submissions should be sent to:

105臺北市內湖區港墘路117號【BFF自行車電影節 徵件】

BFF Bicycle Film Festival

No. 117 Gang-chien Rd. Neihu Dist. Taipei City, 105

You can download an application HERE: 活動詳細辦法與報名表下載

Be sure to follow the link at the top to see some of the great trailers for some of the movies that will be screened at this year's festival.