Inspired by our original success with Team Tai-Rooga, I wanted to see the Taroko Gorge by bike another time. I brought along some new riding companions to enjoy Taiwan's longest and most scenic downhill ride to the sea.
Surrounded by clouds and chilled by a strong wind, the riders do all they can to stay warm while they wait for the sun.
Unable to wait any longer, the riders begin to ride east, into the mist.
Within minutes, the sun breaks through the early-morning cloud cover, and the race to Tienhsiang begins.
The rapid transformation from heavy cloud cover to clearing blue sky causes the riders to pause for a few moments to take in the stunning beauty.
Hot coffee at 10,000 feet ... an offer these riders can't refuse.
Hehuanshan the Beautiful.
After a short climb, the road twists through a narrow pass.
Breathtaking high-mountain scenery near the edge of the treeline.
Endless downhill, plentiful tight corners, piercing blue sky and glorious mountains. Welcome to the Central Cross-Island Highway.
Puffy white clouds keep the sky and the riders company.
Tayuling's famous Chihuahua out for an early morning stroll.
Pedal, glide, brake, turn, look at beautiful view. Repeat.
Only one significant climb interrupts the otherwise continuous 85+ kilometers of downhill from Huhuanshan to Taroko.
Looking out from within one of the many tunnels on the ride.
High-speed switchback.
The road snakes sharply below, indicating more steep riding ahead.
Tienhsiang Catholic Hostel's new doorman.
Refreshments after Day One at the Grand Formosa Taroko.
Riding near the bottom of the always impressive Taroko Gorge.
Narrow roads and high traffic make the bottom section more dangerous than the comparatively empty upper section.
One of the final tunnels before exiting the Gorge.
Splintered into two groups now, the second group poses by Taroko's famous gate.
