Tour de Taiwan 2013 with BlackBeauty: Tour de Taiwan Day 02

A decision was made to leave later than plan since the distance is shorter for this day. Wake up almost 8 am and slowly pack our stuff before heading to a breakfast store. It was Sunday and you can see families are going out for breakfast. Again the breakfast was paid by the host Winnie Soon and her hubby Charlie.

Left the town at about 10 am an the sun is already on top of our head. The heat is warmer compare to yesterday and by the time we reach the center of Taichung city it was hotter.

The city center of Taichung was so busy because it was Sunday and we could decide where to stop by for visit. Then we just took a photo in front of train station and proceed to day 02 destination.

Basically there are 2 way to go Puli, our day 02 destination, either by Route 136 or Route 6. Originally my course was planned on Route 6 but when locating Puli with Garmin it took us to Route 136 which I guess should shorter....it was a big mistake by choosing that route. First it start with some nice scenery on a small gradient climbing. Later the sign warn us to be extra careful on turn because it was continuous turning road at 12% gradient. I am totally dumb in when someone told me about 12% climb but after 500 meters distance I finally learn what that figure meant. From my understanding it means "Welcome to Hellish Climb"!!! According to my search online, 12% gradient is 12 meters elevation gained in the length of 100 meters distance. In other term it was about 7 degrees angle.

The climb is just unbearable thus I decided to push my bike that weighted 35 kg together with my panniers. Along the way, seen several sigh saying few kilometers climb of gradient 12%, 9%, 7%...etc but nothing about rolling down. Then saw a luxury coffee shop and decide to stop for a break but it was already noon time thus might as well get our lunch here. After lunch still climbing non-stop till 3-4 pm we finally see the top.

At the end of down hill slope we met an awesome Taiwanese guy at a convenient store. He did several expedition in Taiwan and one of it catch our attention, walking hundreds of kilometers. He then left us with his old faithful, aged Vespa that has a spare wheel hanging at the back, continue his own journey to the opposite direction. Of course he is not the only great explorer we met in Taiwan.

And again we reach our destination late and this time we are not so lucky to have rescue car. We were recommended to stay in Puli Guest House but not easy to find with both GPS with different mapset loaded. At last we have to rely on Google map.

What a day!!!

Need to fold and park so we do not trash the place we were blessed for. At least the bike still clean after just one day ride from Taoyuan to Taichung.

This fella was awake early to wait for us....lucky me not wake up in the dark or else...

We are taking our own sweet time to pack and didn't know we will be facing a big challenge today.

Rolling our to get our breakfast from nearby store.

Taking our breakfast before heading out...food wise not so bad but I can't take too much in the morning.

This is one extraordinary scene I saw while having my breakfast. The mother is using a stroller to bring her toddler out for breakfast and with the same stroller it was used as a scooter baby seat. I find it dangerous but I was told this is common practice.

A group photo before we rolling....

Went into Taichung city center and found no POI to visit thus we just have short visit to the train station which is always the best landmark for photo shooting.

Wanted to find a POI to visit end up in one of the night market but we were there at the wrong time.

Suspecting road ahead was the start of climbing thus take a break get enough supply before going up.

This route looks like having a lot of recreation parks. From the map it also shows where to visit and some famous POI.

I guess Dark Knight was once here setup a temporary base to have his vacation. Lol

P/S: That is not the Batmobil, it was my BlackBeauty.

After this temple I am into the stage of suffering...should have pray here for easier way though.

I am completely exhausted and no more energy to go on....hot day plus crazy climb is not the right combination.

Found a retreat spot...just push on and decide later even though it look pricey kind of restaurant.

Not happy with the timing and condition, got to find a better route avoiding more climb. Let's see if Google map can help us.

Wanted to show the background but turn out it was too bright. The balcony is a good place to sit to enjoy the scenery.

Hoping this plate of rice would give me more energy to climb.

After lunch it was harder to climb and pushing is the only way I could do....

Many cyclist or motorcyclist stop and rest here so I thought this could be the top of the mountain. From the expression you know I regret taking this route.

Weeeeeeee........it was down hill~~~

At last the smile back my face when we start rolling down. The only expectation from a crazy climb was the adrenalin of down hill.

This what we waiting for....a sign showing down hill!!!

A great guy we met who has been travel around Taiwan by walking.

Looks like everyone who using route 136 will have their break here.

We have to use Google to find exact location.

Finally found it and we planned to put up a night here. The owner was a Japanese who has been living in Taiwan for more than 15 years. He speak fluent Mandarin and perhaps some Mingnan as well. Thanks to Watanabe-san of Guest House Puli 埔里背包客之家 for the hospitality.