Time Trial This Saturday

A note from Craig:

For those cycling and triathlon enthusiasts. If you know of anyone else who maybe interested in this event. Feel free to email them.

Cycle 40km or 60km Individual Time Trial March 10th

There is a 40km and 60km Individual time trial next Saturday. Time trial events are extremely rare if non-existent in Taiwan so don’t miss out (one in September also) Its out near the international airport. Entries close Monday 5th March. If anyone is interested let me know and I will get the entries to in. I will be taking a van out to the race. Entry fee is approx NT$500.

For those who are new to the sport an individual time trial is where you are sent off at 20 or 30 sec intervals and ride against the clock. No drafting allowed.

If you are looking for other information on cycling, triathlon, running adventure racing and a few other weird and wacky sports please check the following two websites

http://www.taiwanracing.com
http://taipeiycc.blogspot.com

Regards

Craig


If you're interested in signing up, send me a note, and I can forward it on to Craig. Sounds like a blast...

Sunday Ride Time Changed

Gorgeous morning! Sixteen riders at 5 am- more later as Howard's group met up with us. The climb up from the coast was one of the best- clear, warm and dry.

I will be meeting a new rider (Davy) for a Helen's climb tomorrow morning. I am meeting at the Starbucks by the National Palace Museum at 8 am, so I will swing by school at 7:45. This is 15 minutes earlier than I had previously said...

I need to be home by 9:45- please feel free to come along and ride a bit longer with Davy if you're available.

Bill

Bryson Saturday Ride

Bill has written with more details and options for Saturday's ride:

The Saturday ride has several options, depending on how much time you have
and how many hills you want to climb (note that ride times only include
time actually spent riding - it does not include the usual stops at
BeiShinChuang, San Jih and Chin Shan):

1) 60k: Turning around after the downhill to San Jih is approximately
60k. Good for those who are not confident they are ready for long climbs
or 100k, or who have early morning commitments. Ride time: Approximately
2:30;

2) 80k: Going up to the YMS Saddle from Chin Shan provides an 80k ride
with a 16k climb and a screaming 16k descent to Tien Mou, with the
possibility of an intermediate stop at Starbuck's. Ride Time:
Approximately 3:00 - 3:15. Good way to be back to Tien Mou by 0900;

3) 85k: Going up from Chin Shan to the North Coast Race finish in Ta
Ping, and then up the back of Helen's (just like the YMS Challenge course)
and down to Tien Mou. Coffee available at either Helen's or any of the
Tien mou coffee shops. I understand that many of the riders who have
entered the NCR will likely do this route on Saturday, as NCR is three
weeks from this weekend. Ride Time: Unknown, but estimated to be 3:15 -
4:00, depending on your climbing ability;

4) 100k: The usual return to Tien Mou along the Coast Road. 20k of
flat terrain at a relatively easy pace from Chin Shan to Bai Shia Wan, and
then 30k of rolling hills to Tam Shui and Tien Mou. Coffee at Starbucks on
Tien Mou West Road. Ride Time: 3:20 - 3:45. Virtually guarantees a
return to Tien Mou by 1000, though recent rides have seen the group sitting
at Starbuck's by 0930.

Look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.

Social with Cycle, anyone?

Anyone interested in riding that's heavier on the
social and lighter on the riding? I appreciate those
of you with families need to be back early, but for
those of us still seeking our SO (in pubs :) and/or
late evening classes, the pre 4am wake ups are a
cow!!!

Something along the lines of Sat or Sun 7-8am meets at
the palace museum for a spin up to Helen's and a nice
leisurely chat? Back for lunch or even lunch together?

Davy

Riding in the Rain and Weekend Rides

Last Saturday's Lucas epic was awesome- 6:45 riding time, 120 km of hilly roads, 3425 m vertical climbing and 4950 calories (according to Peter). At one point, we were a group of two Dutchmen, two Taiwanese, a Canadian, an Australian, a Brit, and an American. Curt (riding from Lujyo) gets the rider of the day award for adding 45 minutes to the 5 am start and 45 minutes to the end.

The Saturday Bryson ride was bumped back half an hour due to rain at 4:30, but a group still managed to fit in the 100 km ride. In general, the rain policy is that if it's raining hard, the ride is a no-go. Bill sends a text message to those on his riding group list if he cancels one of his rides. I post a comment to the blog entry if I cancel, but you're also welcome to text me if in doubt (093-014-4184).

This Saturday, I intend to start the Bryson 100 km ride departing from TAS at 5 am. Leon, Chris, Rock and I plan to climb up from Jinshan or ride the race course finish. We should be back to TAS by 9 am.

Sunday morning, I'm meeting Curt for a mellow spin up Helen's. I need to be home by 10ish.

My weekday rides seem to be settling into a routine:

Tuesday 5:15 am Saddle or Satellites with Dave, Chris, Mike and Rock. We meet at the Section 7 bus circle and pick up other riders at the Chung Shan North Road/Tien Mu Road intersection. 32 km. Back to Tien Mu by 6:40.

Wednesday 5 am Bryson Extended Wimpy Hills. Larger group of riders. Meet at TAS, ride the flats out to Guang Du, climb up to Four Corners, ride the ridge to Starbucks/7-11. 28 km. Back to Tien Mu by 6:25.

Thursday 5:15 am Horse Stable Road Intervals with Dave, Chris, Chris, Mike, and Rock. Again, we meet at the Section 7 bus circle and pick up other riders at the Chung Shan North Road/Tien Mu Road intersection. Two easier 2 minute intervals, followed by six hard 2 minute intervals- enough to make you ill. We stay on the same section of Horse Stable Road, so anyone is welcome to come out even if you just plan to ride a portion of the 2 minute interval.
Back to Tien Mu by 6:25.


I met a rider at Sean's the other day who said he'd love to come out with us, but he needs to get into shape first. I understand this sentiment, but the best way to get into shape is to ride with a group that pushes you and gets you up and out of bed! With the exception of the end climb on the Saturday and the brisk paced Tuesday morning ride, our other rides are really open to anyone with a road bike who wants to get into shape and enjoy some good riding company. There are also versions of the Saturday ride that are shorter and easier than the full 100 km.

Hope to see you out there!

Bill

Sunday Ride

Missed the Sat. rides - so will be riding Sun. Will go up the mtn. from the DaZhi/NeiHu side (either Spider or its parallel road) - over the other side and down a bit until it connects to Helen's - that's about 1/2 way up Helen's so will go up Helen's - and then back down past the Palace. If feeling ok, go back over mtn. instead of through tunnel back to DaZhi. Heading out latest at 6am - but negotiable back to 5am if anyone interested. Easy to meet just this side of tunnel - contact if coming.

dave
wittry@apcomputerscience.com

Saturday Rides

Lots of options tomorrow!

As posted below, Simon is departing TAS at the reasonable hour of 7 am. I am meeting the Bryson crew at 5 am. The Bryson ride will be the standard 100 km flat ride, returning to Tien Mu between 9 and 9:30. This is a great ride- highly recommended.

I will be heading up Helen's and across the valley to explore the New Territories on a Lucas special ride. Lucas promises beautiful scenery, little traffic, and regrouping at the top of the hills (he hasn't been riding much recently). I don't expect to be home to Tien Mu before noon. Definites: me, Peter, Curt, Lucas, Harry. Hopefuls: Dave, Ron, others?

Hope to see you out!

Bill

Saturday Feb 24 Ride

I know the epic team is heading out for 100's of KM on Saturday Feb 24 at some ridiculously early hour, but I won't make it.  I am meeting a new rider at 7:00 at TAS.  Plan to head up Helens.  Depending on weather / legs, drop to North Coast, down toward Lucas, or back home.  Thanks, Simon

Tourist who likes cycling looking for info

Hello Taipei cyclists!

I'm coming to Taiwan on a holiday in april and one of the things i'd
like to do is cycling in the hills around Taipei.
Your website was already very informative, but what i haven't found yet
is a place where you can rent bikes (road-racing or MTB's that is).
Any info on that subject is welcome, as well as extra route descriptions
and maps (i have downloaded the google earth file already). What i'd
like to do are loops starting in or near Taipei of max. 70km.
If their's anybody that wants to accompany me on these rides (in the
period of 10-14 april) feel free to contact me as well. I'm not looking
to go racing though, just enjoy the scenery and climb at my own pace.

You can send a mail to: kdewinter@scarlet.be

greetings,
Kris

Friday Ride

Listening to the rain last night, I wasn't sure I'd get up and out this morning, but I ended up meeting Rock and Michael for a few intervals; as usual, I was glad I got out.

Bill is going out at 6 tomorrow for an easy recovery ride. I'm meeting Peter for a 101 loop at 7 am from school. All welcome!

Bill

Thursday Ride

It was a bit wet this morning, but Ron, Chris, Chris, Rock and I defied the Bryson text cancellation and rode the 101. We finished up with a nice Starbucks coffee in Tien Mu and plans for some intervals tomorrow morning. We're meeting up at the bus circle at 5:15. We'll swing down by Blockbuster for a warm up down by Takash and then we'll do a few repeats on Horse Stables. We should be home before 6:30.

I may take Friday off, but I'm excited for the Lucas epic on Saturday. Harry has now signed on. Lucas says if it's raining, we'll have to change the route, though- our tires will slip out on the incline... I think the Saturday Bryson ride is going at 5 am again, so I may just meet up at TAS then. Curt and Peter will be the final arbiters of time. More to be posted tomorrow.

Bill

Wednesday Ride

It was a bit too rainy for me this morning. I know that Rock made it out and said it wasn't actually that wet...

I'm planning on the 5 am Bryson ride tomorrow from TAS. I know this ride is usually weather dependent, but unless it's pouring out, I think I'll be there- perhaps not on the new bike, though...

Bill

Tuesday Ride

Great spin today- ten out for the 101 climb. My legs are toast, but Mick assembled my new bike today, so I'm going out for a very easy Reed Point spin tomorrow morning with Rock and Chris. I'll swing by TAS a little after 6 am to see if anyone else is out- I'll aim to be back by a little after 7.

Bill

Biking Routes, Google Earth, Pics with Friends at Waypoints

Hi all,

I'm attempting to map out every ride, every waypoint, altitude profiles, etc. - a sort of "Northern Taiwan Biking" guide. Thought it would be fun for you to contribute if you wish - simply, you could take your camera on rides (for non-weight-wennies, anyway) and snap a shot of your group - then send it to me with the names of the folks on the ride. This serves 2 purposes - it's fun and, if you show the waypoint in the background, you'll be helping new folks find the location. This is all easier viewed than explained - so I invite you to look at the site below - in particular, view the Google Earth file for the "All Routes" row. Each waypoint in Google has a website link attached to it - the best example so far is the "Satellites Top" waypoint - click it and see 8 or so of us at the top of Satellites...

http://www.apcomputerscience.com/biking/

Also, we're going to have to name one of the waypoints after our mentor Bill O'brien! So far, he's taken care of naming some of them after friends - let's find one for him before he leaves and immortalize him.

dave
p.s. suggestions for the site welcome

Re: Monday, Feb 26 Ride

 

 

For Monday, Feb 26 - If the weather is OK, I plan a longer ride from Tienmu through Danshui to Jinshan, then over Jinshan hill.   May adjust dependent on weather.  Just back from 2 weeks in the US, so not a fast pace.  Meet at TAS at 7:00.  Thanks, Simon Moore

Monday Ride

Marcus, Kaight, Bill, Curt, Dave and I spun up to Helen's this morning for a recovery ride. Bill and Kate said they counted 19 riders at yesterday's ride. Bill confirmed the plan for Wednesday- do it all again at 5 am from TAS. Curt and I continued over Helen's to meet up with Lucas. Lucas was out for five hours yesterday scouting out Saturday's route. He claims that the gradient in places will be very steep.

I'm meeting Bill, Kaight, Marcus, and Curt tomorrow at 6 am for the 101 spin. I will be back in Tien Mu by 8 am.

It's looking like Saturday's epic will start at 5:30 from TAS. Peter, Curt, Lucas and I are definites. We'd like other company.

See you out there?

Bill

Sunday Ride

Great ride this morning- 16 or 17 riders showed up for the spin out to Jinshan. According to Bill, that's a new record...

I'm meeting Bill tomorrow morning at 6 am at TAS for a spin up Helen's. I'm hoping to run into Lucas up there, but I'll probably be back to Tien Mu by 9:30 or so.

I'm looking to do a mellow Elspeth's Hill or Reed Point Monday, maybe a Saddle ride Tuesday and then a repeat of the 5 am Bryson Jinshan ride Wednesday morning. I'll post a ride time for Monday/Tuesday sometime tomorrow.

See you out there?

Bill

CNY Riding & March North Coast Race

There were 13 riders out on the Bryson Ride this morning- a new record!

A number of riders are here over CNY, so please feel free to post your planned rides here (see this prior post for how to post). For me, I'm joining Saturday's Bryson 100 km departing from TAS at the ungodly hour of 5 am. I may climb over Jinshan rather than return along the coast.

I will be riding regularly through the week, and I'll post my rides a little in advance. I'll probably stick to mornings for the most part.

My big CNY ride will be a week from this Saturday with Lucas and Peter. I'll post more details closer to the day, but I think it will be 6+ hours out in the New Territories (on the other side of the valley). Should be fun...

If you're interested in racing in the March North Coast Race, registration closes at the end of the month. Get your 500 NT into Sean at the Giant shop ASAP. Here are two maps that were recently posted at http://www.cyclist.org.tw/.


See you out there!

Bill

Miscellaneous Riding Notes

Sorry for the dearth of postings this past week. No excuse, really...

Unhappy with his Giant, Chris found a new mount on last weekend's ride.

Last Sunday, I got out on the coast ride with Dave, Land, Chris, Curt, and Harry for a pre-North Coast Race practice spin. The discussion turned once more to designing a jersey for the Yangmingshan riders; Harry has some new ideas- more to come...

Wednesday's Bryson Ride again gathered ten riders for the 5 am start from TAS. We now have another Chris along to join the three Bills. This is a great ride. We're back in Tien Mu before 6:30- all are welcome.

Leon and I headed joined the Columbus Team for the www.bikemen.net hill climb Team Time Trial yesterday (I know, I had never head of one, either). The ten teams of nine departed every three minutes for the 25 km ride.

Team Time Trial profile.

The team score came from the top six riders' times. The very powerful e-Ma team took out overall honors, but Columbus Team finished just behind. I would highly recommend this ride if it is held again. Photos, results and information (all in Chinese) are available here.

Leon powers the team in to the finish.

Team Columbus takes second overall.

In other news, Craig has set up a website for information on triathlon, cycling and running events in Taiwan (and around the world). Visit the site at www.taiwanracing.com.

An event passed along by Victor is the Shuang-Qi Duathlon on March 10th (the day before the Jinshan Marathon). Registration closes March 1st. Check out the event description here on www.taiwanracing.com.

Looking for a challenge? Big Joe emailed to report that the Satellites have now successfully been ridden on a single speed. From what I hear, it wasn't pretty, but there was no stopping til the summit...

And finally, I'm putting together plans for Chinese New Year riding next week. I will be sending around emails this week to organize the longer rides, and I will post the results here. If you would like to be included in the email deliberations, drop a note to the disposable email address ycc@eml.cc.

See you out in the hills!

Bill

Sunday Ride

I'm meeting Chris, Mike, Curt and Dave at TAS at 6:45 Sunday morning. We'll head out along the coast and climb up from Jinshan. We should be back in Tien Mu by 10:30ish.

All welcome.

Bill