A Dream Start to My Taiwan Tour

Taiwan Stage 1 – Taipei to Hengshan 71 Km (Sun 11 Nov 2018)

Weather: 18⁰C min – 29⁰C max, mostly sunny

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“Smile, breathe and go slowly” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Awakening to a perfect blue sky added to the excitement of this first day of my bicycle tour around Taiwan. I could hardly gulp down breakfast quickly enough and was on the road by 9 am. Another country, another exciting adventure. Who knows what delights lie ahead of me as I circumnavigate this beautiful island!

Taking extra care to stay out of the way of those mad motor scooters, I soon reached Dadaocheng Wharf where I picked up the fabulous Datan River bike path that I followed for the next 20 Km. This was cycling at its best … a path that we could only dream of in Sydney.

Being Sunday, there were people everywhere enjoying all kinds of outdoor activities in the late autumn sunshine. Cyclists had to share the path with thousands of runners competing in the Banqiao Marathon. It was crazy at times, weaving in and out, dodging cyclists and runners. Those who were not running or cycling were playing tennis or baseball on the riverside courts. Sporting facilities are well catered for here in Taiwan.

When I was able to manage an occasional sideways glance, I couldn’t help noticing how attractive the scenery was along the path. On my left there were lovely wall murals and on my right were beautiful river views, marshlands and lotus ponds.

A feature of today’s ride was the famous “Old Streets” at Sanxia and Daxi, both of which are mind blowing. Food, food, and more food! It was well worth pushing my bike through the throngs of tourists.

But the highlight of the day for me was finding a 7-11 store completely taken over by a large group of cyclists who had just completed a serious social ride together. Bikes and lycra everywhere! I particularly enjoyed talking to an English speaking rider born in South African (not knowing at the time that they beat Australia by 40 runs in the cricket played in Hobart today).

Dinner at a good little restaurant in Neiwan Old Street (near where I am staying at Hengshan) completed a perfect day. Having worked up a healthy appetite after 71 Km (and an elevation gain of 616 m) I made short work of two entrees and a main course … all for a total cost of 300 New Taiwan Dollars (equates to about A$13).

My first day of riding in Taiwan has been even better than I was expecting. Taiwan is indeed a beautiful country and it’s people are extremely helpful and courteous.