Sunday, October 30, 2016

Another lovely day on the Taichung 46

misc_DSC03422
The entrance to the Taichung 46 (Zhongpi Road) off the 8 southeast of Dongshih

Today I went up to the Taichung 46 with Iris and Dom for some excellent riding (map link). Pics below the fold...

misc_DSC03425
The white spots are bags protecting the fruit from chemical sprays. Forgot the camera was set to 400 ISO, so things are a bit washed out...

misc_DSC03426
The opening climb is easy. The government is obviously trying to promote this area as a tourist area full of leisure farms, but it seems an uphill struggle. Not many tourists in the area on a Saturday.

Harvesting betel nuts.

misc_DSC03431
Iris grabs the first of many pictures.

misc_DSC03433
Dom ponders an intersection. The farms are all nicely signed, but the road is empty.

misc_DSC03437
The area is criss-crossed by streams. Be sure you go right round the loop. The left side is much steeper...

misc_DSC03439
Helpfully mapped.

misc_DSC03440
Dom learns that I make my red sauce for pasta with Asian basil.

misc_DSC03443
The road is forested in some sections, and lined with fruit farms.

misc_DSC03449
At this point, approximately the 2.7 km mark, some serious grades begin. Fortunately the 25% section is the worst on the whole road. After that it becomes more reasonable 8-15% grades.

misc_DSC03450
Iris, a powerful rider, ranges far ahead of me on this brutal section.

misc_DSC03455
Green hills and winding roads. Heaven.

misc_DSC03457
For winter?

misc_DSC03461
A car battery, likely to power a radio, is all that remains of a lean-to.

misc_DSC03464
The road ascends to over 900 meters and offers ever more spectacular views out towards the ocean.

misc_DSC03471
Dom considers how he can best obtain all this fruit.

misc_DSC03472
Fruitful hillsides.

misc_DSC03476
Dom discovers I make my red sauce for pasta without red wine.

misc_DSC03480
Iris captures forest sounds.

misc_DSC03481
Near the top.

misc_DSC03485
Once you cross the ridge, you can see down the valleys to Dongshih.

misc_DSC03497
The day was so clear you could see all the way across Hsinshe to Tatu Shan on the other side of Taichung city.

misc_DSC03505
Dom descends. This descent is a blast -- switchbacks, steep, and plenty of great views. The road surface is awful in places, and it is covered with forest litter. Not recommended after rain.

misc_DSC03506
Orchards.

misc_DSC03512
A great descent.

misc_DSC03516
The power of nature: this gourd vine climbed a telephone pole and grew out on the phone line.

We raced downhill to Dongshih and grabbed lunch at my favorite place in Dongshih, then desserted on mango ice. Hope to see you on the next one!
_______________________
Don't miss the comments below! And check out my blog and its sidebars for events, links to previous posts and picture posts, and scores of links to other Taiwan blogs and forums!

3 comments:

Steve Fenton said...

Glad to see you didnt end up on the floor this time

Matt Stone said...

Looks like a nice ride indeed.

On another topic – the Gay Pride march in Taipei over the weekend – some mysterious copy editing at the Straits Times in Singapore, in its coverage.

Comparing this AFP report, which appeared over the weekend in the ST:
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/calls-for-marriage-equality-in-taiwan-gay-pride-parade

...with an almost identical version of the AFP report appearing in RTHK:
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1293677-20161029.htm

The Straits Times chose to remove the following phrases ""How long will 'tongzhi' have to wait?" – referring to the Chinese term for someone who is gay..." which was a slogan on one of the placards.

It's quite a short piece, so space doesn't seem to be an issue. I'm thinking this is an example of some subtle self-censorship. Not sure of the reason though.

The gay community has struggled in Singapore for years, so perhaps ST doesn't want to be seen to be putting ideas in people's heads?

And of course, marching and waving placards in Singapore is also a no-no...

Domenic said...

What stunning revelations on this ride! Imagine my surprise! Cheers for showing us around.