When it comes to outings and vacations, the first thing most Taiwanese people think of is going abroad, but they often forget that they’re actually missing out on an island that is unique in its own way – Taiwan.
In summer 2020, my school, Fuhsing Junior High, put together a bike trip that was supposed to start in Xi’an China and go all the way to Urumchi, tracing the Silk Road. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trip had to be canceled. After numerous discussions between the principle and the parents, they decided to let us go on a bike trip through Taiwan.
At first, when all the ninth graders received the news that we could go on a bike trip, I refused, thinking that it’s just a waste of money and that it would be very tiring. However, after some persuading from my parents and friends, I decided to go.
It’s Happening – the Bike Trip Begins
The author on her bike
Before we actually started the ride, we were all anxious and hyped up. For the trip, the school had chartered a bus to follow us in case anyone fell behind or needed a break. I resolved to not have to get on the bus at all even if I was tired. My goal was to never, ever give up.
Picturesque Scenes
Some sunsets are best seen while riding.
The first day we were still not used to riding so much and hadn’t adapted to the tight schedule. Therefore, we were delayed and had to ride until sunset, but thanks to that, the first day was the most memorable in terms of the scenery.
The first two days of the trip were effortless since the road was smooth and flat. However, the third day was on a whole other level.
Absolute Torture
Fuhsing students riding at twilight.
The third day was the most tiring and demanding day of all. We went from a light and relaxed mood the previous days into total misery. Up to this point, the hills had only taken us one to two minutes, then we would see the downhill and slide down with the wind.
However, there was no way that we could talk during the twenty-one kilometer uphill ride of the third day because we were too busy breathing as hard as we could. The good thing after such a big challenge is that afterwards, every uphill seemed effortless to us. No sweet without sweat.
A Touching Night…
The sixth day we rode nonstop. However, a secret event had been planned after dinnertime weeks before the trip. Parents had written heartfelt letters for their children. We were happy to receive the letters, but didn’t think too much about them – certainly no one thought we would cry since we are old enough and independent enough to not miss our mommies so bad. However, as soon as we opened the letters, tears were shed.
…Then a Refreshing Day
Rafting was a much needed change of pace.
The next day was a day that we all had been anticipating – water rafting.
We had been riding next to the vast and turquoise ocean for six days, all the while being baked by the sun, dreaming of jumping into the ocean. On day six we finally got to go rafting and enjoyed the cool and refreshing water. There were eight people per boat and instead of strenuous rowing, we splashed each other with water, whether we knew our boatmates or not.
Rain Rain Go Away
Fuhsing riders wet from the rain.
The ninth day was special only because it was raining. It was the first time we had been soaked by both the rain and our own sweat, which felt disgusting as we had to wear raincoats and shower caps. It was worse than just letting sweat drip off..
At five o’clock that evening, the first thing we heard when we arrived at the rest stop was that we had to ride another eight kilometers since the original route, a tunnel, was closing. We were totally disheartened.
However, a few minutes later a new announcement was made: the tunnel would be opened, but we had to be fast. We cheered. This was the very first time where everyone took their bike and started riding full speed.
Another Nightmare
Fuhsing Grade 9 – Spring 2020
On the tenth day, when we thought that the trip was coming to an end and there would be no more long, steep, and tiring climbs, we were wrong. We had to climb around a massive hill before we got to enjoy lunch and the breeze of going downhill.
During the climb, many of us had to get off our bikes to rest and then get back on again. When we got to the tunnel and began to coast down the nice long downhill, it was a huge relief. Riding uphill and then coasting downhill is just like how there are always ups and downs in life.
Final thoughts
Before this trip our principal told us: “There are some things if you don’t do now, you’ll never accomplish.” It’s true. If I hadn’t been pushed to go on an eleven day, 561 kilometer bike trip around Taiwan, I probably would never never have done it. Now I am happy I have this memory to be part of my life.
Without these classmates, friends, teachers, our principal, and GIANT workers, this trip would not have been an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience. Thanks to them this trip was a success.
Eleven days passed in a blink of an eye. I realized that time flies quickly and that we should all enjoy and cherish every moment in our lives. When we pulled back into Taipei, it felt like we’d only been away for an afternoon, when we’d actually been through eleven harsh days.
The bike trip was like life, consisting of highs and lows. If we try a little harder, take a few more steps, and get out of our comfort zones, we’ll experience things we never thought possible.
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