ALI Shan Hill Climb - The Big Blow!

Many sections were under repair

I came, I saw, I got conquered!

On Sunday 3rd of July myself, Gary, and and Nick took part in the Alishan Hill Climb held by TUAA. It was 79km of climbing, more or less, from sea level to 2,200m. The favorites were the usual characters but Akai from the Action Cycling Team had been seen many times training on the hill so he was the one to watch.

We set off at 5:30am, it wasn't too hot which was good. My legs felt really good I have to say, for the first 71km! We set off climbing after 20km of flat, and soon the pack was thinning out. After about 35-38km, Sean Smith attacked. Sean is from NYC and was previously a long-distance biker, and had won the EGAT Tour of Thailand a few weeks earlier, so when I saw him go I went too.

A guy from Equinox seemed most interested in chasing us but together we really put the hammer down, soon putting ourselves out of sight of the chasers. As we hit the middle plateau section we were going very well, taking turns like teammates. We both sensed that this was the chance. And with first prize being $20,000 US - 650,000NT$ - with second being a still decent $4500 US - we were happy to work like that.

The lower slopes...

50km went by, then 60, 65, and I felt good. But then at 70km, my legs began to tighten. My head felt full of mist. My breathing became laboured. I was suddenly having trouble holding Sean's wheel. He turned and said 'Man not far to go, we got it!'

And then I cracked! I blew. Hit the wall. Whatever you want to call it, I was done. I let him go, had to, then regained myself and got a rhythm again, but was going slow. Akai passed me at 73km. Then, in the last 3km, despite still being in with a chance of third, another 8 riders passed me.

Gutted.

I really should have climbed the mountain before the race, but work wouldn't allow it. I think also I peaked a little early, in Singapore, where I was flying. Also, I've never climbed 79km before! Killer!

In the end, better men beat me, on the day. Still, a great experience, and I gave it 100%.

Next year, I'll be back!