Saturday Race Report

Despite the heavy rain last night and early this morning, Leon, Bill and Reedus met down at Sean's shop at 6:45 this morning to meet up with the Henry and the Columbus boys for the trip out to Taoyuan. White Dog was initially surprised that Seymour was a no-show, but then he mumbled something about "fair-weather rider" and the boys were off...

There were around 100 racers for the spin down the coast. The main group stayed together until the climb up to the Linkou Plateau. The steep grade in places was reminiscent of Spider Hill or the Horse Stable Road. Leon and Steve managed to keep the lead mountain goats within reach and regrouped on the treacherous descent. Bill and Henry formed a small chase group behind.

Leon and Luke (Tom's grandson) pushed the pace for the lead group of six, but the finish came quicker than either Leon or Steve expected. They were beat out in the sprint by a young rider on a trick bike, but Luke managed 3rd overall, Leon 4th and Reedus 6th.

Overall placings for the day included 1st for Luke in the M20, 1st for Henry in M30, 3rd for Bill in M35, 1st for Leon in M40 and 2nd for Steve in M40. Not a bad showing for the Team Columbus boys!

We were fortunate to meet up with a couple riders from Ilan, Mark (3rd in M40) and Caine (6th in M25).


The M40 Boys...

Several riders asked about Seymour, but the general consensus was that the quick climber would have had a rough day in the saddle given the need for power along the coastal flats and it is probably just as well that he stayed in bed. Undoubtedly, his family relished the rare site of Seymour off his bike on a Saturday morning.

Next race: May 27th out near Fulong...

-Bill

Saturday Race

There will be a 48 km road race this Saturday starting in Taoyuan,
out near CKS Airport at 9 am. The race follows the coast road, turns
into the hills for a brief loop, and then finishes back along the
coast road. This should be a rather small race- let me know if you'd
like more details.

Bill O'Brien

P.S. Stage 4 of the Taiwan Cycling Club Championships will be held on
the 27th of May out near Fulong. Mark your calendar- more details to
come...

2006 Tour of East Taiwan Results

The Tour of East Taiwan was held this weekend, with the Hualien to Taidong leg on Saturday and the return leg on Sunday. Steve Seymour won his age category and Leon took second- impressive results!

Saturday's results:
Overall
Age group

Sunday's results:
Overall
Age group

General Category results.
Overall


Maximus and Greg were also tearing it up. I believe Bill and Bill were riding the challenge race as well.

Any stories or photos, boys?

Bill

YCC Annual Helen's Climb

Hello cyclists.

Recognize anyone in this photo?



This is the crew of 50 or so who ascended Helen's in May 2002. I'm hoping we can get a large group together to do it again this May.


Mark your calendars:

Sunday, May 28th at 8:00 am in front of TAS.

Helen's is a great climb- once you get out past the National Palace Museum, there are very few cars and lots of beautiful scenery. Helen's mobile coffee van has great lattes, peach smoothies, waffles and more. You will be well rewarded at the top!

There are quite a few cyclists on this email list; it would be great to have a crowd for the ride this year. All ability levels are welcome for this climb- mountain bikers, touring cyclists, roadies- anyone on two wheels.

Here's the map of the route:



If you download the Google Earth file at right, you can select the Helen's route and play it to give a feel for the ride if you've never done it before. Here's an elevation map of the climb:




Please let me know if you have any questions. This weekend would be a great time to go for a spin up part or all of the climb. It certainly makes it easier if you get out for a few rides before the 28th, but don't let that keep you from coming if you don't!

Hope to see you next month...

Take care,

Bill

Friday Ride

Is anyone available for a spin sometime tomorrow?

Bill