Day 16 Wed 28/10 - Dinner with an old couple in Tataka

Total Distance : 37.1 km
Today's Temp : 12 - 25c
Average Speed : 5.6 kmh  max: 32.0
Time On Bike : 6 hr  34 min
Average Climb : 4%  max: 17%
Total Altitude : 1562 m  max:2610 m
Today's Spending : 0
Total Distance Todate : 499.7 km
Total Spending Todate : NTD 2176

Today's ride was short at 37.1km,nevertheless it was by far the toughest! As you look at the statics above. It took me 6 hr 34 min to cover this distance excluding rest with an average speed of 5.6 kmh. Though it was not the steepest like in Mt Hehaun and Wuling which have excellent road , but the same cannot be said today.
Not only roads were bad , in fact a few stretches of the road was still under repair and untarred with gravels. I had to get down and push hard on several occasions so as not to overstress the worn out chain. I could had stop early at 3.30pm and camp,but the knowledge of a visitor centre and the scenic views at the summit of Tataka tempted me to continue,despite in an adverse conditions of Hunger,Fatigue and Cold !! With the fog getting thicker,the only way to maintain my body heat was to keep cranking...and cranking...until you saw the signboards and some big empty parking lots , the feeling is good ,the energy reappear,the legs in better motion and you started yelling " Yesss,I did it again !!"  At 5.00pm just before dark, I reached the visitor centre but was disappointed at the scene,the centre was near to empty except for 2 workers. I push my bike to the reception, the door was closed,so I knocked,came one girl that is very friendly to tell me the reasons about this sorry state after the 88 typhoon. Tourists are shying away as the only excess road had been badly damaged. The restaurant ,shops and hotel were all running out of business and temporary closed. She told me if I have a tent , I can camp in the car park which has a well maintained toilet.It was very misty and cold out there as I shilvered to setup my tent beside a van and a big rubbish bin ( with cover) so as to block away some of the cold winds .One old couple in their 60-70 yr old were awekened from the van,most probably was disturbed by me .After saying sorry, we started the conversation in mandarin plus some broken hock kien, we became good friend , they told me they like the cold weather and the mountain scennery here. They drove up 4-5 times a year here from Shanlin ,Kaohsiung which happened to be my journey ahead. They invited me to share the dinner together.A simple dish of a pot of hot fishball white carrot soup ,a can of fried sotong and rice,more than enough to enlighten my battled muscles and hungry stomuch. Went to bed early as no dinner to cook .Sweet dream for tomorrow - DOWNHILL !!!!

                                                  I am entering the Yu-shan National Park.

                                                             Guanfong - one of the view point

                                              Road damage by falling rocks at the bent

                                        Shipping containers were the better choice

                                                         View from another angle

                                                                   Tongpu tunnel

                                                                       Tongfu tunnel

                                                               Start of the gravel road

                                                 Looking down the way I had cycled

                                                               Amazing at the height.....

                                                                  Smiling me - always

                                                                         Bad road continues

                                                  No shame of pushing if you can't ride

                                                      Pushing is harder than riding

                                  Fu chi ( husband and wife ) tree near Tataka covered in thick mist

                                                                       Poor visibility

                                                              Finaly - A moment of joy !!

                                Visitor center temporary closed - no accomodation and restauran

                                Friendly old couple who cooked and share dinner with me

                                                 For the first time , I put on my warm clothing

                                             Well maintain restroom near the car park

                                    An old couple's van , a giant rubbish bin and a cyclist tent