LESS PLANNING AND MORE MOMENTUM

Chasing the wind and sun on a touring bike and sleeping outdoors might sound easier than expected. Actually, it needs a nudge of momentum to go through a not-so-easy bicycle camping trip. “It often happens impulsively the night before. As a rule of thumb, I would never go if I planned a trip seriously.” Dean Chen once went with his impulse at 9pm and took the train next morning to the Taiwan northern most county, Keelung to ride his bicycle along the coast to Yilan.

As an impulsive traveler, Dean planned to go to the hot spring in Tai’an, Miaoli this time. However, he found out the desired campsite was full right before he left Dajia, Taichung. Even though he eventually booked another campsite at the last minute, getting to the new campsite required riding several sections of 18% uphill with 30kg of gear was utterly unexpected! “I knew it was hilly, but I never fathomed the intensity of the hills!” Dean said with a wry smile. Turned out his 15kg bicycle was not fit for these treacherous hills but more suitable for bike paths and paved roads.

Despite being an extremely busy C.E.O. of Willing Industry, Dean has the guts to leave his comfort zone and explore the great outdoors. Out of his busy schedule full of various outdoor activities such as windsurfing and SUP (stand up paddleboarding), he takes impulsive trips whenever he can to “enjoy time away from home without a fixed schedule”. On this 100km round trip to the hot spring, his companion had severe cramps while climbing a steep uphill. He resorted to calling the campsite for help and his friend ended up hitching a ride on the small farm tractor. Later that night, sipping wine and trying to wear off the cold breeze, they had such a cherished memory sitting by the warm mini portable fire pit at the campsite talking about the day.

Even if you are unable to complete a planned route, there can still be value in the experience. Dean remembers he once planned to ride the east coast from northernmost Cape Fugui at Keelung all the way to the southernmost point, Kenting. Not only did he encounter a cold front, but the freezing rain on the first two days prompted him to take a train from Nanao, Yilan to Taitung. The fortuitous meeting with a group of cyclists and the subsequent enjoyable long chat turned the impromptu train ride into an accidental beautiful journey.

Snake bites and several overnights at the temples had never deterred Dean from planning more cycling camping trips. To him, the best way to vacation by bicycle is to take train rides and cycle within cities. In Europe, he often saw senior couples traveling by trains and cycling around their destinations. When asked if he would stop taking cycling trips when he gets old, Dean said that he would tour Taiwan by taking easier routes. Apparently, the extremely steep uphill that made him ride slower than walking did not dissuade his mind of steel the slightest bit.

Bicycle Touring For Beginners

Here are some tips Dean provides to readers who want to start bicycle touring: travel light to keep the bicycle lighter, wear bright-colored clothing for safety and reserve tickets if planning to take train rides. The most important thing is “Just do it, do not over-think it!”

Bicycle: Ridgeback Expedition, about 15 KG (30lb.)

Front wheel rack: 2 small bags (clothes, food)

Back wheel rack: 2 saddle bags (sleeping gear, cooking gear)

Gear: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, selfie stick, camping table, camping chair, pillow, 2 camping pots, compact hiking gas stove, inner tubes, mood light, broccoli, instant noodle, coffee, hip flasks, toiletries, ear plugs, medicine, nutritional supplements and clothing.

Touring Bike Mini-encyclopedia: Different from road bikes and mountain bikes, touring bikes are capable of carrying heavy gear in multiple racks and are comfortable even after prolonged periods of cycling. Wider and more durable tires make riding steadier and safer but the tradeoff is lower speed and will also mount touring bikes with accessories such as racks for luggage,