Bike Trip from Xindian (新店) to Hsinchu (新竹) , Part 5

Bike Trip from Xindian (新店) to Hsinchu (新竹)

2018/02/17-18, Part 5

   I believe John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States was right when he said that "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride." I would add 'sense of achievement' to his words. While in a car or on the motorcycle the engine carries you from one point to another but the movement of a bike depends solely on the rider him- or herself. The engines of a car and a bike, the rider, need both fuel as energy. While a car needs a gas stations we riders need food and drinks and don't pollute the air. The bike is clearly the cleanest and most efficient form of transportation known to mankind. 

   Riding along the Taiwan Strait in this state of mind it seemed that all problems have gone, and beside the road condition there is really nothing to worry about.  



My old converted mountain bike

   Taiwan might for someone be a little rough but in my experience it is a very safe place. Ten years ago while there was no ‘bike awareness’ and therefore no ‘official’ bike route around  Taiwan I already rode around this tobacco leaf shaped island. At that time I converted a Mountain Bike into a touring bike with two panniers mounted on a rear carrier and a fixed bag mounted on my handlebar. It was much heavier and slower than my current bike but the excitement and simple pleasure of bike riding was the same…

   An inseparable part of all of my bike adventures is not sleeping in a hotel or a hostel but on a nice quiet and natural place in my sleeping bag not far from the road. Even the Taiwanese think this way of staying overnight is dangerous but I’ve never experienced any problems, may they be human or natural causes.

   Taiwanese are basically very friendly and helpful to tourists. Once in Taidong, the eastern part of Taiwan, I went straight into the mayor’s office of a small town and asked if I could stay overnight on the terrace made of wood. They not only agreed but after I pitching up my tent a workers returned with her child on a motor-scooter and asked me ‘If I need help’ or if they ‘could buy anything for me.’ 

   Many bike tourists stare on their GPS and monitor their activities on the smart-phone while riding. I try to absorb the nature, the view and the things beside the road. I don’t give me any time frame therefore I have the time to compose my photos and can react to new experiences.
Beside the road there is a blue sign of the Taoyuan Seashore Bikeway with a simple map showing the tourist attractions along the road.

Taoyuan Seashore Bikeway Map

   Rushing bike travelers might not only miss this sign but also the Baishajia Lighthouse (白沙岬燈塔) which cannot easily be seen from the road.

Baishajia Lighthouse (白沙岬燈塔)

   The Baishajia Lighthouse is situated on the Guanyin coast, and it is the second tallest lighthouse in Taiwan. A circular pathway has been built around the lighthouse which can also be used to access the Guanyin beach recreational area. The white structure of the Baishajia Lighthouse is even more dazzling between the blue sky and the ocean. After it officially came into use in 1901, the lighthouse had already become a famous attraction Taiwan during the Japanese occupation era. A century later, in 2001, it was selected by the Council for Cultural Affairs as one of the "One Hundred Historic Sites in Taiwan". The main structure of the lighthouse, its surrounding walls, and the sundial from the Japanese era were chosen the following year as the first county level historical site of Taoyuan. It is currently the most well-preserved lighthouse from the early Japanese colonial period (Taoyuan Tourism).

   While having fun the time was flying. I suddenly realized that it was already late afternoon while there were some kilometers to ride. Crossing a bridge I've noticed the sun slowly descending into an ocean. While stopping to capture this moment I’ve decided to take some time and left the main road to ride as close as possible to the shore. 

(to be continued...)