Vortex Velo

Taiwan Bikepacking Trip Day 7: Train to Dawu, Ride to Hengchun

We decided to jump on a local fast train from Taitung to Dawu and then rode our way to our southern most destination on this trip. Tomorrow we head north, keeping a keen eye on this Typhoon forming off the coast

Taiwan Bikepacking Trip Day 6: Yuli to Taitung

After a rest day we ventured further south. We decided to head over a mountain to go from the East Rift Valley to the coast. Yet again we had pristine mountain roads to ourselves and descended to the surf coast. After lunch we had a nice tail wind which pushed us down to the city of Taitung.

Taiwan Bikepacking Trip Day 4: Xincheng to Yuli

Sun was out for the first time 🌞 A nice tailwind made for a mellow cruise down Taiwan's East Rift Valley. Day off tomorrow so plenty of time to see what Yuli has to offer 🍻

Taiwan Day 3: Taroko Gorge

Finally a dry day to explore the wonder of Taroko Gorge. The gorge wasnt in the best shape after an earthquake in 2024 but we managed to climb to around 1500m before heading back down. The most amazing views.

Day 2: Luodong to Xincheng

After another wet start we made our way further south. A lot more climbing and riding through tunnels today with a lot of monkeys to spot along the way.

Taiwan Bikepacking Trip Day 1: Taipei to Luodong

Wet start, amazing climbs and even better descents

I am fortunate enough to be heading to Taiwan for a 2 week bike packing trip. Follow along on here where I will post some photos along the way

Busy family times and a trip to Japan scheduled, I am taking a break from the workshop. Back in November, see you then.

This week for we are talking about the surprisingly brutal damage that sweat can do to your bike. This was a bike that hadn't had the bar tape changed for a while and had been festering for a long time. In hot humid climates, be on the look out for early signs of surface rust and get on top of it early or you'll end up replacing costly components and compromising safety.

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Another day, another service. This french beauty came in for a Premium Service and a couple of components including new chain, cassette and headset bearing. Got it back looking like new again 🇫🇷🥖

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This week's we are focusing on chains. Chains are arguably the most important part of a bikes drivetrain as they interact with the crank, cassette and derailleurs. There are a lot of chain lubricants on the market but as a general rule, I use the recommendations from Australian company . Check out their l**e testing at https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/l**etesting/
Checking chain wear and condition and application of chain l**e is part of my pre ride check and I suggest to make it part of yours.

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Had this one in for a Premium Service and Brake Bleed.
Came up an absolute treat.

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