Xincheng to Donghe: Flying with the wind


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Statistics for today
Distance 155.10 kms 96.31 miles
Ride time (hours) 6.55 -
Avg speed 23.6 kph -
Statistics for trip to date
Distance 239.10 kms 148.51 miles
Ride time (hours) 11.27 -
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Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016

We took a long break to wait out some dowpours yesterday so we're in the hole in terms of getting to Donhe, we were expecting to leave ourselves only 120k today, but in the event it's more like 150 to 160. We committed to getting there tonight so we just have to grind it out regardless.

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Riding through Hualien City.
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The road is a lot flatter today. The wind is pushing us right along. It seems strange that with all these nice beaches we pass that there is not more development. The equivalent in Mexico, for example, is lined with all-inclusive beach resorts.

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Angry waves.
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A touch of Gaudi in Taiwan.
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Temple entrance.
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Temple, statue of Guan Yin behind.
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Black on green.
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First tunnel of the day, far from the last.

It wouldn't be Taiwan if we didn't run into a big climb somewhere along the way. It goes quickly knowing we will be back down on the coast for more wind-assisted riding. The scenery is brilliant once again; we look down the sharp cliffs to see turquoise water and pounding surf. The proprietor at a cafe where we stop for coffee and passion fruit jello hear's us speaking French and joins right in. The first time I've run into a French-speaking Taiwanese since I've been here.

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Photo stop.
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Fanshuliao River Gorge.
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Coffee and passion-fruit jelly. The woman who runs the cafe speaks French.
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Egret.

The afternoon brings rain but we're not stopping to wait it out today. It gets cold and miserable for a stretch.

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Rain is coming, wind is already here.
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I think I see a cheesburger over yonder. With bacon.
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Tropic of Cancer monument.
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A rare break from the cycling.

The last few hours are mostly dry; we roll into Donghe completely exhausted from our 155 kilometer day (I like to call it a "metric century" when it's over 150k). A shower and a massive cheeseburger brightens the mood.

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The restaurant in Donghe, "Low-pressure surfers."
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Last night: 5-star hotel. Tonight: bunkbeds. A little yin with our yang.
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A truly awesome burger and fries, but after 155k just about anything will taste awesome.