Day 01 Singly sail

1／28 Zhunan to Taichung

Today is the first day that I go on my cycling trip around Taiwan. My first stop would be from my hometown Zhunan, to the place that I study in college, Taichung. It should be an easy trip, with only about 82 kms. 

I got up 7:30 in the morning, had some amazing garlic cheese bread for breakfast; hugged my parents and set off.

It chilled in the morning, but I took off my jacket on the way hoping to gain warmth through paddling more quickly. Everything seemed pretty smooth at first, not hungry or thirsty and without the urge to pee. I trust my strength and durability, for I believed that I could stay on the bike the whole time until reaching my destination. 

A few obstacles came on the way, for instance I almost rode myself up to the highway. I shouldn't have put so much attention on the GPS. Luckily I figured out a nearby route myself and shouldered the bike to pass the long bushes. Later on, I was back on track. Something went wrong with the GPS, again. I guessed that it re-routed. It led me to Sanyi which was located in the mountains, there I faced many upward slopes from different kinds of inclination. 

I persisted and determined to finish the track without getting off the bike, it was torture, but satisfying. However, I used most of my strength that day in climbing the hills of Sanyi, just when you thought that the climb has come to an end, you found it going higher after the turn. During the last turn, I was already exhausted and my legs were crying out of pain. I tried to squeeze out any last bit of strength in the leg muscle and that's when my legs went stiff. 

Out of no choice I halted the bike, my legs stood eerily straight on the ground but I was incapable of moving an inch. My lower body felt paralyzed and that's when the muscles above the knees started getting cramps. 

It was an awkward moment to stand by the bike with a "zombie" gesture and not moving. Cars and motorcycles just zoomed by me. It seemed to be a decade after I managed to stretch my legs. I drank some water, popped a few cheese cookies into the mouth and continued my journey. 

The rest of the trip was slow and in agony, I was moving in the speed of tortoises and every movement of paddling was killing me. I met some riders on the way, including two foreigners who thumbed up at me on the way, that really provided some encouragement, but with no extra speed boost. Oh yeah and I saw two old guys peeing by the road without any bushes for cover, so much for bravery.

I had "Bendong" for lunch at Tanzi at about 1:30, after acknowledging the need to consume food before being starved to death. It only costs 50 but was pretty rich in nutrients, I suppose.

I enter Taichung county at about 2 and was starting to receive familiar images, I followed my own memory and guided myself back to my dorm. I was pretty worn out, but after a nice bath and some rest, I was able to get back up to my feet. I went shopping for some mineral water and chocolates to carry on for the trip tomorrow. 

I have decided to travel directly to Chiayi the next day instead of stopping at Yunlin for the night. Hope my legs are up for the task!