Prologue
Approaching the end of my sabbatical year in Taiwan, I realised I hadn’t seen much of the country outside of Taipei. Then, as I was browsing kit at the Taipei Clubhouse one day, Tsai, the assistant Clubhouse manager, said, “We’re organising a Tour of Taiwan.”
Great, I thought – here’s my chance to see it from the bike. After signing up a few days later he remarked, “You’re joining us on the tour?” And with a smile, “This will be your graduation from Taiwan.” I had no idea the weight his words would carry.
As an average amateur, any ride over 100km feels long. How I thought I would manage this kind of distance day after day remains a mystery. But still, I found myself packing up and hurtling towards this unknown adventure.