東海岸狂風逆襲

　　環島果然就如同人生，什麼樣的狀況都會碰到，進入第七天的A-Team環島活動，由台東知本騎到三仙台，天氣狀況不佳，先是上午遭遇強勁的東北季風，下午又是傾盆大雨，還好當日里程數僅85公里，且爬坡路段不多，A-Team的成員們逆風冒雨北上，仍順利地按照預定時程前進。

　　在台灣東岸路段選擇濱海道路前進，本是為了讓大家能欣賞沿途的東海岸美景，不過隨著鋒面來襲，一早就是烏雲密布的天氣，僅管很幸運的並沒有下雨，但迎面而來的強勁東北季風還是讓車隊的行進速度，明顯的比前幾天都慢了許多；鋐光董事長林文華就開玩笑說道，昨天還有幾個騎得特別快的隊員超越會長羅祥安，一路往前衝，但今天大家都乖乖跟在會長後頭躲風，可就苦了騎在第一個、頂風向前的會長。

　　中午車隊在「東河戀」咖啡館停留用餐，餐館的布置充滿異國風情，並面對著太平洋與夏原海水浴場，讓大家在用餐之餘，還能一邊吹著海風欣賞海景或是打個盹。

　　下午風勢漸小，車隊的行進也更加順暢，不過卻是暴風雨前的寧靜；當A-Team的成員們進入東河老街，在東河舊橋拍照及享用著名的東河包子後，隨後前往成功的路上，天空就開始下起毛毛雨，不久雨勢更開始轉大，所有隊員們只好在強風大雨下小心前進，最後終於順利騎抵三仙台收兵。

　　因為北風強勁，讓所有人吃足了苦頭，又因天侯不佳，看不到大家期待的海岸美景沿途，也沒能走訪三仙台勝景，稍嫌可惜，但會長羅祥安表示，環島正如同人生一般變幻無常，這趟旅程至今，大家一直在經歷考驗，有雨水、有艷陽、有爬坡、有逆風，每天都有不同的試煉，但也唯有如此體驗，才算是不虛此行。

　　雖然環島車隊遠在東部，但到了週末，有越來越多隊員的眷屬前來，像是會長羅祥安的太太及小孩，還有鋐光董事長林文華的子女、媳婦，以及榮輪公司員工等，都一邊遊覽東部的好山好水，一邊為車隊加油打氣；這也正是騎車的好處，除了讓人走出戶外，享受休閒生活，還能增進親子、家人的互動，就像羅會長的小孩就在用晚餐時，唱了首歌祝福媽媽母親節快樂，讓羅會長的夫人也開心的說道，這真的是她有生以來最有意義的一次母親節，她也同時祝福全天下的媽媽們，都能度過一個幸福、快樂、有意義的母親節。

Through Strong Head Winds On The East Coastline.

Cycling around the island was just like pressing through life; you could meet every possible situation. The weather was not good from Taitong Jhihben to Sanhsientai on the seventh-day of the tour. A-team riders endured a strong wind in the morning and then the downpour of rain in the afternoon. However, they still followed the schedule because it was only an 85-kilometer ride with fewer uphill climbs today.

In order to let the riders see the fantastic view of the east coastline, it was arranged that they rode along the sea-front road. Luckily, it didn't rain under the cloudy sky. The head winds obviously made the pace of the team slower. The VP President Victor Lin joked that several riders overtook Tony Lo quickly during yesterday’s ride; nevertheless, they all stayed riding behind Tony to hide from the wind. It was really hard work for Tony to take the lead.

The A-Team riders stopped at the Donghe coffee shop for lunch. The coffee shop setting was full of exotic culture with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and Siiayuan Beach. After lunch, some enjoyed the sights of the sea and some even took naps.

The rain and wind subsided in the afternoon and it made the group riding smoother. However, it was the calm before the storm. After taking photos at Donghe Bridge and eating the famous Donghe steamed buns with stuffing, a light rain began and then turned into heavy rain heading towards Cheng Gong. They rode carefully under the strong wind and pouring rain before arriving at today’s finishing point, the Sanhsientai.

A strong wind challenged the riders to cycle a little harder. It was a pity that the riders were unable to see the fantastic coastline view that they had expected and visit the Sanhsientai. Chairman Tony Lo said, “Cycling around the island was just like life, constantly changing. During the trip thus far, everyone had experienced sunny days, rainy days, the mountain crossing and the head winds. Different trials every day made the riders’ trip more worthwhile.

A lot of the A-Team members’ families came to Taitong to support them on the weekend, such as the wife and child of Chairman Tony Lo, the son, daughter and daughter-in-law of VP President Victor Lin, Sun Tour staff and so on. They not only enjoyed the great scenery of the eastern part of Taiwan but also showed their support to the A-Team riders. The cycling afforded people the chance to enjoy life and outdoor leisure, increasing the opportunity for interaction with their family. The son of Chairman Tony Lo sang a happy Mother Day’s song to his mom during dinner. Tony Lo’s wife said happily, “it was the most meaningful Mother’s Day ever”. She wished every mother in the world had a happy and meaningful Mother’s Day.