風強雨大人情濃

　　5月5日是A-Team環島車隊的第二天行程，由新竹出發，經台中縣巨大公司，終點為彰化大村的美利達公司，長126公里；一早出發時即已風強雨大，不過所有成員們仍決定按照計畫，繼續他們的環島行程。出發前，除了做好各項防雨的措施，領隊林惠忠也不斷對大家耳提面命，務必以安全為第一優先，若是個人身體有任何不適，就要立即改搭接駁車。

　　雖然沿途大雨不斷，但由於順風的助力，車隊的速度並未減緩，上午的行程仍按照預訂時間順利進行，也因為大家特別謹慎，整個上午一路平安，沒有成員發生意外事故。車隊在中午抵達位在台中縣的巨大公司，由巨大董事長劉金標率領眾多公司同仁親自迎接，並以他去年騎車環島的經驗和大家分享；他說，雖然下雨天剛騎上車時，會覺得全身溼答答、不舒服，但是時間一長，反而會覺得很涼爽，不過當然要時刻提醒自己注意安全。他也很高興看到這些自行車產業的經營者，除了生產，也自己親身體驗，了解自己的產品，相信將能為台灣自行車產業帶來向上提升的動力。

　　過後，車隊沿台一線繼續向南前進，僅管風雨依舊，不過來到自行車產業的大本營台中縣和彰化縣，濃厚的人情味卻讓大家感到心中暖暖的。車隊先是在清水遇到維樂公司員工夾道歡迎；接著來到追分車站時，佳承的歡迎隊伍早已守侯多時；準備進入彰化市時，又有美利達公司一行十餘人的車隊前來迎接陪騎；接著來到彰化縣政府後，更是由彰化縣長卓伯源親自迎接。縣長卓伯源在致辭中表示，他對A-Team的21家企業經營者能親自騎車環島，覺得很感動；A-Team不只製造產品，也親自驗證產品的優良，拼品質，也拼體力、拼形象，今天A-Team環島車隊冒雨騎車的毅力更是值得推崇。隨後他並與多位縣府主管、TBEA理事長楊銀明、輪彥國際董事長阮素琴等人，陪同環島車隊騎自行車前往今天的終點美利達公司。

　　當車隊在中山路上往美利達前進時，又見到榮輪員工們守在路旁為縣長及環島隊員們鼓舞加油；隨即來到美利達公司，百餘名美利達員工除了夾道熱烈歡迎，並向縣長卓伯源、會長羅祥安和副會長曾崧柱獻上鮮花，作為A-Team環島車隊第二日行程的完美句點。

　　雖然今日的天氣不佳，不過會長羅祥安認為，天氣本來就有晴天、有下雨，這正如同經營企業一般，本來就不可能盡如人心，有成功，也會有挫折，所謂「風雨生信心」，正符合A-Team的精神。




Inspirational Cheers of Encouragement, Together with Strong Winds and Downpour

On May 5, A-Team cyclists planned to ride from Hsinshu to Taichia, Giant's corporate headquarters, then make their final stop at Merida’s corporate headquarters in Changhua county. Regardless of the torrential downpour and poor conditions that morning, the group decided to continue their round-the-island trip. Before setting out on the second day’s 126-kilometer ride, all riders donned rain jackets and protective gear. Tour leader Bike Lin also kept reminding all riders that safety must be their first priority. Lin cautioned his riders that they should take the shuttle bus immediately if they didn’t feel comfortable or safe while riding.

In spite of the pouring rain, the strong tail wind during the morning ride made for smooth going, and there were no injuries. At Giant headquarters, the first stop of the day, A-Team riders were welcomed by Giant President King Liu and the Giant staff. King Liu shared his valuable round-island experiences. He said on rainy days, they would be dripping and feel uncomfortable while riding; however, they would feel cooler in the end. King Liu also reminded the riders to always keep safety first in mind. He was so glad that the participating owners and managers not only focused on production but also experienced their own products for themselves. He believed it would be a great motivation and help keep the Taiwan bicycle industry moving upward.

Afterwards leaving Giant, the A-Team continued to ride southward along Provincial Highway No. 1. Although it was still raining, riders were warmed by the inspirational cheers they encountered along the way, especially at Taiwan’s major bicycle centers, Taichung and Changhua County. The riders were supported all through Taichia by most of the Velo organizations, and listened to the singing of the Jagwire organization at the Juifen train station. As the group neared Changhua City center, ten employees from Merida greeted the A-Team riders and joined the ride leading to the Changhua City Hall in a great showing of corporate support. Changhua County Mayor Chuo Po-yuan welcomed the riders as they arrived at City Hall. During the brief speech, the Mayor was very impressed by the A-Team’s round-island trip group formed by owners and managers of 21 major Taiwan bicycle companies. He said that the A-Team not only focused on manufacturing, but also personally testified to the high quality of their products. He commented on their efforts to improve their product quality, physical strength and image as well. He expressed accolades for the A-Team's perseverance in riding on such a rainy day. Afterwards the Mayor, several City Hall officials, TBEA Chairman Ying Ming Yang, and Wheel Giant President Grace Ruan joined the ride to Merida headquarters, the day’s final stop.

On the way to Merida, Sun Tour staff lined the street and yelled their support for Changhua County Mayor and the A-Team riders. Upon arriving Merida, A-Team riders were welcomed by more than a hundred Merida employees. The Merida staff also showed their support by presenting flowers to Changhua County Mayor Chuo Po-yuan, A-Team Chairman Tony Lo and Vice-Chairman Michael Tseng. It was the perfect finish to a long second day.

Although the weather was not good, Chairman Tony Lo thought the weather was just like running a company: it couldn’t be smooth all the time. It could be either successful or frustrating. Gale-force winds and pouring rain can be confidence-building, just like it has been for the spirit of the A-Team.