Today's stage of the Tour de Taiwan was by far the toughest. The combination of the fatigue from the 700k we have cycled, with another 100k including 1,100 meters of vertical climbing proved to be a challenge for even the most accomplished cyclists.

We started the day from the hotel in Cheng Gong Town. Little did we know we would be fighting a strong head wind over the entire 100k distance. The morning route was along long stretches of ocean road. In many sections the surf was crashing at our feet, and the ocean spray cooling us off.

This first leg took us again past the Tropic of Cancer where we all posed for pictures and to sneak a little rest for the long journey ahead.

We stopped mid way for lunch in a small fishing village between Cheng Gong Town and Hualin. There, we enjoyed an incredible fish lunch. From there, we rode to a peaceful coffee shop filled with a huge collection of vinyl record albums. We relaxed to the "Sounds of Silence" and selections from Barbara Strisand's greatest Hits. It was a great retreat from the long journey ahead.

At precisely 1:30PM we left for the final leg. It was 50km over a tough mountain pass with over 500 meters of climbing. The course took us through some of the most beautiful inland sections of Taiwan. There were natural green canyons, long waterfalls, and endless orchards and farms filled with organic fruits and vegetables.

With the tough final leg, we finished the tour at nearly 6:00PM. 8 hours in the saddle. As the last rider approached the finish, the entire team was on hand cheering.

The Hualin hotel (FarGlory) is magnificent. It is elevated more than 500 meters over both the ocean and Hualin. All rooms have a spectacular city or ocean room.

Dinner was in a local restaurant specializing in shell fish. We all had our fill of lobster, crab and shrimp, while we toasted to Tim Ti (the Taiwan national team coach who accompanied us on Hualin part of the journey), as well the teams accomplishment. Overall, it was a great day!

Tomorrow we travel from Hualin to Yilin City. A 90k journey that will take us through some of the most beautiful coastal area of Taiwan.

More to follow.

Bob Margevicius, Vice President of Specialized .
2008/5/11