Today we depart slightly earlier than usual to make sure we get to taste the food which is highly recommended. Reached the shop 5 minutes before 6:00 am and the staff was all busy preparing to start the business. I can see few customers queuing for their take away order while finding out if we could order now for dine in.
After filling up our "tank" it is time to burn the fat. We are heading to Sun Moon Lake (日夜潭) where we need to climb a short distance of road. This lake was on a higher ground at 748 meters above sea level with the east side of the lake resembles a sun while the west side resembles a moon, hence the name. The first view on the lake when we enter at the intersection caught our attention most and spend a little more time taking photos. Later we decide to go to another side of the lake in anti-clockwise direction. Found the bike path that circled the lake thus taking the advantage of the path to enjoy the lake view in different direction.
Bike riding around Sun Moon Lake was not part of our plan but the scenic view make us do it. Before I do the write of my ride researching on the bike path around Sun Moon Lake for more to introduce and it surprise me. Sun Moon Lake bike path was rated top 10 cycling routes that'll take your breath away by CNN. It was the only path in Asia, besides the Karakoram highway which partially in China, being listed. The lake was the largest in Taiwan and the bike path stretch to the length of 33 kilometers. Though it was a bike path but one small section was not meant for cycling. You will have to push your bike up while climbing up the stairs, this section was never mention in any of the material introducing the bike path. Overall experience was worth it despite cursing during the push on my bike at some path. We did not complete the path around the lake because it will consume too much time. It would be nice if we were her last night then will be able to spend more time going one complete round.
One reason I talked too much on Sun Moon Lake is because the rest of the day is just me chasing the wind although this day we did longest distance in one single day. Anyway we do some interesting POI along the way too, like JiJi Train Station (集集車站). From Sun Moon Lake till the destination of the day Chiayi (嘉義) was descending thus make it easier for us to hit the longest distance in one day. But the route we took to JiJi was mostly with strong head wind. From what I read online a plan to build a bike path that link JiJi with Sun Moon Lake, but one stretch of the road we ride do not see any bike path yet and full of truck carrying sand and aggregate. Entering to JiJi then we follow a bike path that show us the rural area of the town before entering to town center.
A note worth to mention, from Shueli (水里) to Jiji (集集) is a tough ride. We have to cycle against strong wind. This place was not near any seaside yet the wind was easily 20-30 kph. [Added on 8th April 2013 @ 4:13 pm]
In JiJi town a must visit POI was the train station. This station was part of the line called Jiji line which was originally built to to facilitate the construction of power plants in Sun Moon Lake. The station is one of the few remaining old stations in Taiwan. It is said that the earliest Jiji Station was constructed only of wooden planks.
Took our lunch in Jiji town then we proceed our journey. It was getting warmer since we are going south which is nearer to Equator. We wanted to find a place to cool down, probably something to eat with ice cold drink. Then saw a shop selling ice dessert next to a bike shop, decided to bring my bike in to check my brake which I lose the brake power. End up we went to another shop recommend by the shop manager. He lead us to the place with another bicycle from his shop. Had my biggest ice dessert or in my country local language called Air Kacang a.k.a. ABC.
My Garmin shows battery low stop by to connect my mobile battery pack to charge my Garmin. It was longest ride and longest time too, that's why my Garmin energy almost depleted completely. Pushing few more kilometers then we are reaching today destination. We will be host by a friend of mine 謝宗衛 who also like to cycle touring. The couple show us where to have our dinner and again we were treated with a nice meal.
Nice place to stay thus have to help promoting so that on my next visit can still find it operating.
A shot of my bike condition and the Guest House owner's car reflecting a view of my wind breaker.
This is the post my friend Da Yang sent to me so that will be our first stop of the day.
Found it and we are the first dine in customer. Saw few customers queuing for their take away order.
Their shop is at corner and this is the sign you should see if you want to try their meal.
This morning was cold and need a hot meal to warm up my body. Patiently wait for the food being prepare.
Served hot and fresh....yummy!
From Puli we have to climb up to reach Sun Moon Lake, I didn't fill up my bottle and finish mine half way climbing. Refill my bottle from the 1.5 litre PET bottle.
Take advantage of this viewing deck to rest and enjoying the view too.
This is the view I am referring, although I wish to stay longer here but I am sure something better is waiting for me further ahead.
My motivation...
Refilling...I need to get more water to keep as spare.
Here it is, the entrance to Sun Moon Lake using Provincial Highway 21. At this intersection you have to decide going left or right to circle the lake clockwise or Anti-Clockwise.
This is the minimum you could expect to get from Sun Moon Lake. Plenty nice spot to enjoy the view around the lake.
Group photo from higher ground to capture most of the lake.
This is how to setup a camera for a group photo...lol
Wanted to have a photo focusing on the lake but we were in the dark :(
At last got ourselves with brighter look but the background is not as good as previous photo.
Stop over at visitor center to find out how to maximise our limited time to explore Sun Moon Lake.
Giant Bicycle has an outlet at visitor center offering bicycle renting to visitor to Sun Moon Lake. In case you would like to explore Sun Moon Lake with bicycle can try get one bicycle here.
From this point you can start cycle on Yuetan Bike Path.
Starting point on Yuetan Bike Path, will post the video as well.
Another group photo at Yuetan (月潭).
This spot was a revisit for me, my first visit to Sun Moon Lake two years ago was first arrive here.
This section of the bike path was the best. I love this part and the view was magnificent too.
The platform is quite strong in holding weight above but a notice board recommend to push bike. For those new to cycling better push across while slowly enjoy the view of the lake.
Exactly this spot where I am sitting brings up lots of memory. I was here with Lil' Monster but this time I am alone.
In fact I am not alone, BlackBeauty was with me all the time. Lol.
Love this path and requested a photo from my ride partner.
Along Yuetan Bike Path, the advantage was seperate from other vehicles on the main road.
This is a good place for family outing, should bring along family to this nice place for a swim.
Really envy this family of 6 enjoying their swim in the lake. Parents scouting around to ensure safety of the area while the children queuing up wait for their turn to jump into the lake. Lol
This newly built building looks awesome, part of the building was visitor center. The stretch of benches is really a nice place to relax.
One of the port in Sun Moon Lake and I believe from this port you can take a ferry to Lalu Island which is visible from this photo. Lalu Island was considered to be the home of the Thao ancestral spirits.
One for the record of our achievement.
This looks like the start of the bike path and we decide to make this point as the turning point to proceed on.
Just another break we took and usually we prefer to have it near to convenient store in case we need something form the store.
This is the first river I cross on the bridge that still have water flowing through. Perhaps it is nearer to the reservoir thus having more water.
Starting of JiJi town bike path, found it the moment we entering the town border.
I like this jersey from G Club : Campaign For A Lane 5th Edition (CFAL5) unfortunately it was not UV protected.
JiJi train station, one of the oldest station in Taiwan with only one rail built to cross the station.
At the entrance to JiJi Train Station, they are still operating this station but not many train depart or arrive here anymore.
This is all the schedule they have for this station. Due to single track crossing this station thus not much of schedule for the station.
You have to choose only either one...I mean either Shuili (水里) or Longquan (龍泉) and not the chicks. Lol
Managed to capture the right moment when the train arrived to the station.
Wait for my train ride back and can't decide if I should dump my BlackBeauty.
One of the old train on display.
At the exit of the station you will find a notice board showing you where you can enjoy the scenery with bicycle. The path was nicely drawn for visitor.
Can you guess what is this giant sculpture? It looks like a Penny-farthing to me, how about you?
Still on bike path but this section inside a farm land.
The weather is extreme hot as we getting further south. Need to stop more to cool down in the air-conditioned area. Got this big bottle of sports drink to get ourselves hydrate.
This is the icy desert shop recommend by bike shop store manager.
I got myself an ice dessert with the choice of 4 toppings. Looks quite big bowl and it was.
Preparing my mobile battery for Garmin charging.
This village name make me feel so proud of myself. This is "Lim Peh" Village!!!
Shows that is line up to perform in art center, looks like quite an happening place to be.
This building is unique, after I stop to snap photo then saw it was art center. Now that explain why it was so unique.
Can't help to snap additional photo due to the nice backgraound. The sky with such clouds as backdrop is perfect for photo (IMHO).
He is happy...if my memory not corrupted he should be seeing the road sign saying we are close to destination. Lol
Checking in to a friend's house, they will host our stay for tonight.
Hello? Hello? Trying to get hold of our host for the night. Since we arrived earlier than plan thus need to wait a while for them. Don't forget to try their doughnuts which is quite famous in Chiayi, 奮起湖甜甜圈.
I order beef noodles but our host for this night ordered another five deck of dumplings (小籠包) for sharing....a very good dinner we had. Thanks to 謝宗衛 and his family.
The actual ride route on day 04 with elevation profile and speed graph against distance.
Ride detail from my Garmin Edge 800.
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