Today represented the un-official end to the Tour De Taiwan. We completed a 120k journey from Yilan City to KeeLung. We have now surpassed the 1000k mark and will ride an additional 29k between Keelung and Taipei.

I could tell the fatigue is setting in today. The speed was slower and not as much chatter within the peleton.

We departed early after our early AM exercises. The road to Keelung is a heavily traveled coastal road, bustling with trucks, cars, motorcycles and bicycles. We all safely proceeded single file along the coastline working to maintain a constant pace.

The group stopped a couple times before lunch to take in the breath taking scenery as we progressed toward Keelung.

Lunch was served in a traditional local restaurant where we enjoyed locally caught fish and home made delicacies.

Initially the afternoon ride seemed less challenging, until, the group agreed to add an additional 20k to round out the ride to 120k. We toured Keelung harbor area, which is one of the most efficient and productive ports in the world. We will finish up at the Evergreen hotel in Keelung.

A short rest at the Evergreen was followed by the final diner of the tour. It was a traditional Chinese gala event with speeches, reorganization and thanks to everyone for a safe, successful event.

The event concluded with a autograph session where everyone signed everyone else's jersey. A wonderful sendoff by the TQM partners capped off a memorable evening and event.

Tomorrow, we ceremoniously travel from Keelung to Taipei. A 29k journey. It promices to be eventful with lots of media attention.

More to follow.

Bob Margevicius, Vice President of Specialized .
2008/5/13