Cycle Touring in Taiwan: A Summary

Yesterday was our last ride from Lukang to Taichung with a brief stop at Rainbow village. As I write this Larry and Grandma Friday are nestled in their suitcases ready for our flight home tomorrow.  After over 1900 kms,  here are some of our thoughts about...
Larry’s Day

Larry’s Day

December 11,2023 - Taichung - Puli - 61kms - Puli Town B&B December 12, 2023 - Puli - Renai - Puli - 56 kms - Puli Own B&B Gordon:  “You know,” Larry said, “I’m the thoroughbred in the Bike Friday stable.  Grandma Friday has fat tires, a heavy frame...

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Made in Taiwan

Made in Taiwan

December 8, 2023 - Hulong Village - Taichung - 74km - DLINN Hotel  When something is labelled “Made  in Taiwan ,” it is very likely it was made in or around Taichung, the Taiwanese capital of light industry. The city is also the birthplace of Giant bikes and...

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The Smile Seaside

The Smile Seaside

December 6 - Shimen to Hsinchu - 38 kms - H & M Hotel December 7 - Hsinchu to Hudong - 45 kms - Pomelo Homestay Gordon:  A sign on the coastal bike trail told us that we were on The Smile Seaside and we were inclined to agree.  After six days of cloud...

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Ending our first day at the Love hotel

Ending our first day at the Love hotel

December 5, 2023 - Taipei to Shimen Reservoir - 50kms - One Plus One Motel As we pulled up to the motel they were proudly advertising their three hour rate . Hummm, could this be a love hotel?   This is a luxurious version by contrast to the ones we have seen in...

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Taipei: A Reunion with a Friend

Taipei: A Reunion with a Friend

Twenty years ago our friend Mel connected us with one of her former Taiwanese students who needed a place to stay in Victoria. Bruce stayed with us for a month, and during that time he was game to join in on whatever we were doing. He even joined us at a protest where...

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Taipei: First Impressions

Taipei: First Impressions

Our hotel is located right in central Taipei near the Taipei Main train station. I’m amazed at how quiet it is here. Like Japan, the cars and scooters are much quieter than their North American cousins.  On the small roads and lanes life is relaxed and friendly....

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Time Travel to Taiwan

Time Travel to Taiwan

Starting the sketchbook! We leave Victoria on Wednesday and by some time traveling magic we skip Thursday and arrive in Taipei on Friday. That’s not completely true. When we leave Vancouver it will be the wee hours of Thursday morning, but when we arrive it will be...

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