After crossing the Tropic of Cancer, the weather has turned tropical. Today, it was hot. 30c and very humid.
After our morning exercises in Tainan, The entire A-Team set off for the journey to Kaoshung. An 85k journey down the western coastline of Taiwan.
With the cycling team from KMC leading the way, we breezed through Tainan. It was good to be sheltered for the first part of the trip from the heat and humidity by the tall buildings.
As we reached the open road, the pace accelerated. Everyone has started feeling comfortable and confident in their cycling abilities.
We made a short stop at WeiShin Aluminum. A company unknown to most of us, but actually one of the suppliers of extruded alloy to key A-Team alloy component makers. They provided a gracious welcome with fireworks, lots of cheering and accommodating staff.
With a short rest, we left in the blistering mid morning heat to our lunch stop in KaoShung City. The lunch was served in a very traditional Kaoshung restaurant offering more than 12 different courses of delicious Chinese food.
Satisfied, we casually rode through Kaoshung scenic harbor. being far ahead of schedule, we stopped for coffee and casual chatter at the Famous Kaoshung Fisherman's wharf.
Sufficiently rested, we departed the wharf to tackle the final leg of today's journey, to the outskirts of Kaoshung city. The pace was fast with the entire group swiftly moving along at 25 ~ 30 KPH.
As we reached today's days finishing point, we refreshed ourselves with some iced bean curd and plenty of water. We are all now team mates. We all sat in the cool grass at the Kaoshung harbor park for a couple hours reminiscing on the days accomplishments.
The day was capped of with an incredible dinner at a famous fish restaurant where we sampled some of the most exotic sushi in all of Taiwan. Between all the food and toasts, the Japanese A-Team advisors prepared colorful head bands for all of us, and soon everyone was singing and dancing to Japanese music.
It's late now. We have a shorter day tomorrow. We have now completed about 40% of our journey and we're looking forward to crossing the mountains to Fong Harbor where we will experience the beauty of the eastern part of the island.
More to follow.
Bob Margevicius, Vice President of Specialized .
|
 |
|
2008/5/7 |
||