The final stage in Taiwan, 5 laps of a 10km city circuit. Fast, rain, cobbles but safely got around. Bunch kick at the end.
Thanks for a great race Taiwan, to the organisers, riders and teammates.
And for you Strava folk
Friday, March 29, 2013
Hanging out in Indonesia
Uploads speeds are killing me, so the final Tour de Taiwan video is not up yet...
After the race, and a great breakfast (LCHF tastiness), we spent the day traveling back to Indonesia, Surabaya to be exact (via Hong Kong). All went well, and with Stage 7 only being just over an hour long, not too tiring.
In Surabaya, the next day we were brought on a tour of the Polygon Factory - many brands, not just Polygon are made and painted there. We even got to see our new bikes (getting them in a few weeks) in an early stage of production. It was great to get a proper grasp of how the thing I spend so much time with is made.
Riding in Surabaya was difficult to say the least. I have never ridden in such traffic and pollution before - it was very difficult for training, but there was a nice stretch we rode up and down a few times with no traffic, fresh air and beautiful views. To say it is hot here is an understatement - between 30-37C, but, and this is the important bit, close to 100% humidity - I'm adapting, but it is tough! Still, I see the photos of the snow at home and am really appreciative to be here.
The following day, we rode to Malang where I am now - no pollution, great roads and lots of climbs. Where we stay, the accommodation is very basic by European standards, but normal/good for traveling in Asia. BUT, we have an amazing group of people around us, a cook, mechanic, a guy for motor pacing (or simply riding behind us with spare wheels/water) and some of the most friendly people in the world. My current life would not be for everyone, but before I cycled, I travelled a lot and have been able to slot straight back into it. I find myself smiling a lot.
Originally, we were to race the Tour de Thailand next week - unfortunately, it is not happening for us now, so I'll be here for about 10-12 days then off to the Philippines for the next race.
After the race, and a great breakfast (LCHF tastiness), we spent the day traveling back to Indonesia, Surabaya to be exact (via Hong Kong). All went well, and with Stage 7 only being just over an hour long, not too tiring.
In Surabaya, the next day we were brought on a tour of the Polygon Factory - many brands, not just Polygon are made and painted there. We even got to see our new bikes (getting them in a few weeks) in an early stage of production. It was great to get a proper grasp of how the thing I spend so much time with is made.
Riding in Surabaya was difficult to say the least. I have never ridden in such traffic and pollution before - it was very difficult for training, but there was a nice stretch we rode up and down a few times with no traffic, fresh air and beautiful views. To say it is hot here is an understatement - between 30-37C, but, and this is the important bit, close to 100% humidity - I'm adapting, but it is tough! Still, I see the photos of the snow at home and am really appreciative to be here.
The following day, we rode to Malang where I am now - no pollution, great roads and lots of climbs. Where we stay, the accommodation is very basic by European standards, but normal/good for traveling in Asia. BUT, we have an amazing group of people around us, a cook, mechanic, a guy for motor pacing (or simply riding behind us with spare wheels/water) and some of the most friendly people in the world. My current life would not be for everyone, but before I cycled, I travelled a lot and have been able to slot straight back into it. I find myself smiling a lot.
Originally, we were to race the Tour de Thailand next week - unfortunately, it is not happening for us now, so I'll be here for about 10-12 days then off to the Philippines for the next race.
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| On a nice section of road 30km from Surabaya |
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| Post ride recovery |
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| Mark (Ireland), Edgar (Spain), the Indonesian riders and I |
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| 1,000 year old temple close to Malang |
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| Mr. Harry (team owner), Edgar and I |
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| Dinner |
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| Really nice roads in Malang |
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| Eddie and I after a long climb at a fuel stop this morning :) |
Saturday, March 23, 2013
2013 Tour de Taiwan Stage 6
Zipping along the coast, a few climbs and then back along the coast for a hectic sprint finish.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
2013 Tour de Taiwan Stage 4
114k, Cat 1 and Cat 3 towards the finish - cooler and even some rain - just like home.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
2013 Tour de Taiwan Stage 1
Stage one of the first big race of the year, Mark Dowling and I are the Irish contingent on the team here.
Internet permitting, I'll try to do one for each stage.
Internet permitting, I'll try to do one for each stage.
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