1000 km Cycling Tour

The Taiwan Cyclist Federation is again sponsoring a 1000 km supported tour of the island August 5-15. You can't beat the price- US$100 for students or 11000 NT for others- and all hotels and meals are included. This is a great opportunity for someone either on island or off.

The link is here:

http://www.cyclist.org.tw/en_home-03.asp

Send it around to your friends!

Bill

Saturday Riding

As far as I know, the Bryson Ride is departing TAS at 5 am tomorrow for a 100 km spin out along the flats and back.

I just received a text from Davy saying that he is meeting at Taipei 101 at 7:30 am to lead a "leisurely beginners bimble to Helen's." He said he will be passing by the National Palace Museum at 8:15.

I am meeting Peter for a ride out towards Jinshan at TAS at 9 am. I'm racing in the Giant Cup Sunday, so I'm not sure how far I'll go, but I know Peter is planning on lunch at Camp Taiwan, so he will be going all the way to Wanli.

Have a good weekend of riding!

Bill

Tour de Pig

The Course:
45min + 1 lap Criterium race around the Tien Mu Baseball park ( A.K.O TPEC park)

The course is the inside loop (1 road south of pig n whistle road) so we limit traffic problems. Start at the top of the hill with a rolling first lap so everyone knows the course. Rotate in a clockwise direction. Finish at the 6 white lines at top of hill.

Sprint prime at the end of 5 laps (includes the rolling first lap) the line is the 6 white lines at top of hill.

Date:
Friday 1st June

Meeting Place:
Pig n Whistle 5.15am

Start Time:
5.30am

Entry Fee:
NT$100

Prizes:
Sprint Prime Male: 10% of all entry fees
Sprint Prime Female (if 3 or more female riders): 10% of all entry fees
Male 1st: 20% of all entry fees
Male 2nd: 10% of all entry fees
Male 3rd: 5% of all entry fees
Female 1st (if 3 or more female riders): 20% of all entry fees
Female 2nd (if 5 or more female riders): 10% of all entry fees
Female 3rd (if 7 or more female riders): 5% of all entry fees
Clydesdale 1st: 5% of all entry fees
Over 45 1st: 5% of all entry fees
If there is 7 or more female riders then the extra money can be given away for fun prizes- oldest cycle kit, worst haircut, best raleigh 10speed etc....

Notes of Interest:
Going through red light at own discretion. (outlawed in September)
be cautious on corner by cinemas and downhill corner
Nudity at your own discretion
No one is to pull out at the 11th hour (You know who you are)
If the pack is disrupted by a loose dog, person or car, 2 whistles will be blown and group must return together
1 whistle will be blown to determine sprint prime lap and the final lap.
If you happen to crash, get back on your bike and finish the damn race without bitching or moaning!


Questions to be asked:
Will Dave W continue his fine form of smoking it up the hill for the finish line?
Will Bill O'Brien take victory in his penultimate race in Taiwan or will he make friends with Jose Cuervo again?
Will Sean don the Columbus kit and give the young fellas a run for their money?
Will Seymour and Reedus make an appearance?
Young vs Mature members of the team
Which country will be atop of the podium

See you on the start line.


Craig Johns
www.taiwanracing.com

May 26th & 27th Giant Cup & Weekend Riding

Recent Races

I still need to post updates from the Tour of East Taiwan and last week's Fulong race- we had some great finishes. Update and photos to come...

Weekend Rides

There is a 4 pm Friday Cultural College spin followed by a cold one at the Green Bar. Meet at TAS.

Saturday morning meet at TAS at 6 am for a spin out somewhere. At the moment, the plan is to ride the coast road to Jinshan and then ascend from there, but plans could change.

Any thoughts for Sunday?

Giant Cup

Sign-ups have mostly closed for the Giant Cup race in Taichung on the 26th & 27th, but if you missed the deadline, it might be possible to sneak you in- let me know with a comment at the end of this post.

Details on that race (courtesy of Craig):

Saturday:
XC - mix of dirt trail and road
Downhill - I hope you have good medical insurance (weight back is recommended....)
Sunday
Road Race - course is flat
Climb - apparently has a hill in it (weight fwd a good idea)

Saturday 26th May MTB (XC)

30km - RE, REM
8km - M15, M20, M25, M30, M35
6km - M35, M40, M45, M50, M55, M60
4km - W20, W30

Saturday 26th May MTB (Downhill)

All categories 1.2km of pure adrenaline rush

Sunday 27th May Road Race

4laps (44km) - RE, REM, M15, M20, M25, M30
3laps (33km) - M35, M40, M45
2laps (22km) - M50, M55, M60, W20, W30

Sunday 27th May Road (Hill Climb)

All categories 2.5km


Cost is 300 NT for the first race with 100 NT for each additional race.

-Bill

Saturday Morning Ride

Anyone up for a short ride Saturday morning? I need to be home by 9 am. I'd be happy just to get out for an hour or so, but I can go longer, too.

If you've been meaning to do a particular ride, I'd be happy to show you the way...

Bill

Taipei Traffic Laws Enforced

Victor sent out an email update on Taipei city bike law enforcement:

Starting September of this year, there will be fines charged for bicycle violations. They are similar to motor scooter fines, you must:
have front/rear lights
wear helmets
follow traffic signs
not run red lights
not ride in recreational areas (like parks)
not ride against traffic
etc…

Beware...

Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Taiwan

ESPN is showing the Tour of Taiwan and Paris Roubaix over the next couple of weeks. The Tour is on today and tomorrow at 11 am, and Paris-Roubaix is on tomorrow at 10 am.

A full schedule is available over at www.bikeman.org.