Jackie's Taiwan bike trip (Jackie sent photographs later and these follow the text below.)

Day 1- 2

Sorry I don't have picture sending capability but picture this: rain. There was a typhoon nearby so on the first day of the bike ride. It rained for 70 of the 80 kilometers that we rode-sometimes a driving rain. Unfortunately they couldn't get my pedals on right away so I had to ride in tennis shoes most of the day. On the second day, I got my pedals so it became much easier going up hills, also the rain stopped. Still a little windy but mostly it helped move us along. 112 km the second day. We have seen interesting sites that the typical tourist might miss: an elaborate funeral procession, wedding reception where the bride wore a blue gown, factories next to homes next to rice paddies. We are riding giant model: rapid-straight handlebar road bike. Quite nice. We have 36 riders in the group. Good logistical support. Today I got a flat tire and they just replaced the wheel. Back on the road in moments. Lots of good food. They say the average rider gains 2 kilograms on this ride. I feel well prepared for this adventure thanks to all the preparatory ride with the Ojai Cyclists group. Thanks much guys.

Days 3-6

The rain has stopped. Now warm and humid. Day 3 was 76km, day 4 was 125 km, day 5 was 98km, and day 6 was 100 km. On day 3 one rider crashed when taking a photo while riding. He had to stop suddenly. He was taken to hospital and is back on the ride. He is a doctor from Canada.  One thing to get used to is that motor scooters can use the bike lanes...and sometimes they travel in the wrong direction. Day 6 was the most challenging so far with lot of climbing. All those training rides up Arnaz grade are paying off. 

Day 7-9

Finished my bike riding adventure today. Day 7 was nearly level but the head wind was so strong we were all exhausted by the end of 120 km. Day 8 was a recovery day. Only 73 km and then a train ride through the mountains. Today was day 9, the last day. Two long steady climbs. One 13 km the other 11km. Then downhill into Taipei. The rain this morning kept things cool. 33 of the original 37 riders finished. I was most impressed by those without clip in pedals. Amazing. Roads throughout Taiwan were consistently well paved. Traffic lights were cool because they had countdown timers to tell you how many seconds until the light changes. Met some great people. Lots of terrific memories.