Waking up early in the morning before sun rise packed our bags and ready to roll at 6:00 am. I forgotten to inform our host what is the exact time we will depart from his house. We had a brief chat and mentioned about the timing before we head to dinner yesterday but.... Anyway, our host prepared bread for us as breakfast and it was so nice. The kids are preparing themselves to go school thus they are sending us off. Just one note for the school children in Malaysia, those in Taiwan go to school by themselves without the parents driving the freaking huge pricey "van". They walk, cycle, take a bus, etc and managed it independently. The daily schooling time was from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm then Saturday still have other activities to attend. How about you, student in Malaysia?
We are riding along Provincial Highway 1 (台1線, a.k.a 縱貫公路、西部幹線) which was the very first highway that connect most major cities from north to south of Taiwan. Along this highway you will find the longest bike path in Taiwan. Spread across Provincial Highway 1 with the length of 78 kilometers. You will enjoy the view of paddy field, farm land or city, not to forget many other nice small POI along the path too. (Didn't manage to snap more photo thus recommend you to refer to this link http://www.wewill.com.tw/tw_main_news_detail.php?no=83).
We are supposed to go Tainan (台南) where most of the recommended foods was in that city. But if following Provincial Highway 1 will just touched the border of the city. At one point when we stop for a rest decided to check if we could take our lunch in Tainan but found out we are approximately 10 kilometers south of Tainan city center. Without much regret we just proceed and not detour into Tainan city center anymore.
A short distance from where we decided to leave Tainan from our must go POI, we found a place for lunch. Went into a shop selling Taiwan local style of Bento (便當) and we are so happy to dine here. The food was fantastic with the price so reasonable. Then you will get free soup and cold drink as well. Later I notice this shop was near to a university (遠東科技大學) thus majority of the customer were student, that could be the reason it was selling at lower price. Besides enjoying good lunch we can have a look at the "future" of Taiwan (or the chicks....lol).
These bread were prepared by the host which taste so good. Thanks to them we had a good night sleep and breakfast to kick start the day.
The kids sending us off from their house, hope will have chance to meet them again.
This bike path is longest in the country and along the way we passed many farm of local fruits and vegetables.
Need to get more stuff to "burn" while riding.
We didn't see any suitable way to release some fluid from body. I thought the hospital will be best with much hygiene and better appearance toilet to go.
End up we go to a toilet from nearby convenient store though I prefer to do in hospital. (Any difficulties can get some advice from the nurse...lol)
Looking for sunblock cream in several convenient store and pharmacy yet no where to get the type I want. Since this is SPF50 I had no choice but get this.
Before we hit the road, chill out with a can of coke first.
Not everywhere in Taiwan has dedicated bicycle lane, most of the time we share it with motorcycle. And some parts of the road are just open wide for everyone to use.
The weather is hot and I almost finish my water, buy a back bottle in case can't find any store later on. We had a check on the route here and found out we are too far down south from Tainan.
Taking advantages of air-conditioned room we slowly enjoying these sundaes.
Spotted this special shop for lunch and it turn out we found the right place for lunch.
This meal cost me less than US$2 and it was so delicious.
When entering Guanshan town (關山) you can see many pineapples almost everywhere. This section of the road I didn't stop for many photo shooting because all are same. Just keep pedaling to race with wind.
We are slightly ahead of time, rest here for a longer time while contacting a friend in Kaoshiong (高雄) to find out any nice homestay to stay.
It's hot, it's early, it's time for icy break....
This time we got bigger bowl than earlier shop and it cost the same. I like this one because the syrup was brown sugar. Yummy!
By far this is the best place we ever stayed during this tour, and it was free...thanks to David Kuo (my fellow colleague)
Went out for dinner and found name of this place "misleading". I am quite sure reaching Kaoshiong of Taiwan but I see name like Harbin (哈爾濱) which should be in China.
Alright, enough for the day and that's all for Day 05 of Tour de Taiwan.
The actual ride route on day 05 with elevation profile and speed graph against distance.
Ride detail from my Garmin Edge 800.
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