風櫃嘴之役

for original posting and vidoes:
http://roberthsiaosblog.blogspot.com/

Every biker (cycling) in Taipei knows 風櫃嘴 (Fong Guei Chuei ). It is like the Holy Grail of amateur/casual cyclist wishing to test their abilities by climbing from plain ground to about 600m without stopping (不落地). 6.6km may seem short for cycling, but when it's nearly 6.6km of uphill,whao! it's no easy task!

Located near the heart of Taipei municipality, it starts off

from the road next to Palace Museum (故宮) then it goes into Yang Ming Shan National Park. From the satellite image, we can see that the route gradually goes from urban district into mountainous terrain.

And I did it!!!

I completed the whole trip whithout stopping!!!! By stopping, I mean taking a rest along the way, etc.

Ok, enough boasting! Some pics!

view of Danshuei River at 6am

圓山飯店 Yuan Shan Hotel

the start of the trail

all energetic before the climb!

Both my old classmates, and now a lovely couple

Since I'm a single old bachelor, this will be my love for now...

Since I'm riding hard right now....

no pics until I'm at the top!

Finally! The infamous 涼亭 is in sight!

The view is great, but...

where did all the smile and energy go to?

I'm so out of breath!

A lot of climbing trials here..

next time, I'll try hiking here

I wonder what 風櫃嘴means?

And since it's all downhills from now on till the way back..

all smiles and energy are back!

It's bird! it's a plane! its superman!

(it's an eagle)

it's all downhill from now..

and lastly, some videos: