2008/OCT - Gamania

05
http://brand.gamania.com/gvoice
2008/OCT
05
Gamania UIEW
2008/OCT
Biking
is just a small part of
Gamanians' lives
Gamanians play hard and work hard;
Gamanians cultivate a variety of hobbies and
lead fulfilling lifestyles
Prepare to be surprised by Gamanians'
different talents and devotion to their favorite
pastime.
Gamanians take pride in talented in different
fields and their aggressive, serious attitude
towards anything that catches their attention.
This differentiates them from the ordinary
folks. It is only natural to hear exclamations
such as "I can't believe Gamanians play
magics/I can't believe Gamanians sail across
the Sun Moon Lake as their pastime/I can't
believe Gamanians are capable of conquering
Taiwan's top 100 mountains" and so forth.
What you really should be asking is this: How
is it possible for Gamanians to engage in so
many different hobbies and be so proficient
at them at the same time?!
Gamanians are crazy about many different
things, but not out of silly intentions to
catch up with the latest fads or meaningless
impulses to do so; Gamanians are always
ready to learn about something new with
utmost seriousness and devotion. The same
can be said for their passion about bikes;
they have put their thoughts into action to
create Gamania's unique "bike culture".
In this volume of G!Voice, we will show you
how serious Gamanians are about biking and
the fascinating stories they had with their
beloved bikes!
Contents
Features
06 Why do you bike?
12 Fellow biker, show yourselves!
16 Gama bike story
24Gamanians' recommendations! The best biking routes with the best views
Special
15
30
38
The duel: motorcycles VS. bicycles
My first bike
Spot the differences on Hank!!
People
34
Maneuvering freedom - Hank
* Publisher: Albert Liu * Editorial Desk: Eric Chen * Directing Supervisor: Jean Chang * Editor-in-Chief: Sisi Chan, James Chang * Project Manager: Yoyo Dai * Creative Desk:
Misha Wu, Ayo Hsu * Text Editor: Rong * Art Editor: Michael Wu * Photographer: John Lee * Publishing: Gamania Brand Center * Printing: Fundation Digital Entertainment
Co., Ltd. * Special Thanks: Betty Wang
02 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
03
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
S
Do you know how many Gamanians are
biking now? In this volume's G!Voice,
let us take you to Gamanians' world of
biking–don't miss the exciting stories
submitted by Gamanians as they share
their biking tales of joy and emotions as
they mature from knowing nothing about
bikes to become novices in the bicycling
circle.
04 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
05
Physical fitness comes first! Build up your stamina
Bicycle is not only a tool for transportation but also the most convenient equipment for physical training you can find. In light of the growing
number of people suffering from cardiovascular diseases caused by obesity, biking has become more and more popular for its ease of use and
effectiveness. Let's take a moment to learn the benefits of working out through biking!
Do you know why Gamanians bike? How do Gamanians bike?
Based on the non-official statistical survey conducted within Gamania,
we have compiled answers submitted by Gamanians into the following charts:
BU1 - the headquarters for Gamania cyclists
When it comes to biking in Gamania, the first thing that comes to Gamanians' mind is BU1 because not only employees from BU1 bicycle work in pairs,
the office itself is literally a parking lot for various models of folding bikes. The slender and well-sculptured bodies of BU1 employees speak volumes of the
benefits of biking.
Benefit 1. Biking increases the rate of your heartbeat and facilitates calorie consumption
Report of investigation
on Gamanians' motivation to bike
When biking, all you need to do is peddle with your feet to go forward. The wind will help to slow down the increase in your body temperature
and in turn increase the amount of exercise you perform.
Benefit 2. Biking builds your muscle strength
[ The top five reasons that have motivated Gamanians to bike: ]
Being overburdened with work, most people suffer from the lack of physical exercises. This may lead to a number of health related problems
such as waist/back discomforts as one grows older. Biking is a good way to build your muscle strength. Additionally you can also bike on gentle
inclines to intensify your muscle training.
2
Started biking out of the wish to accomplish
the feat of biking round Taiwan
Benefit 3. Biking helps to slow the process of vascular aging and prevent vascular problems
As physical exercises help to accelerate blood circulation within the body, nitric oxide will be produced by the body system to make the muscles
14%
1
I need to lose weight, and I heard
biking is a good way to do so
37%
3
14%
For the sake of fitness; biking
is a good way to build stamina
surrounding blood vessels softer and more elastic. This would not only help to prevent vascular diseases but also improve blood circulation
throughout your body.
Advice from the experts
4
It is hottest trend right now;
everyone is doing it and I
must stay abreast with the trend
How long does one have to bike in order to revitalize his/her blood vessels? According to the experts:
For those under the age of 40 > 160 minutes of biking per week
7%
21%
7%
Others
For those under the age of 50 > 150 minutes of biking per week
5
To take part in the cause for
environmental protection; nothing
is as important as energy conservation
and carbon emission reduction
For those over the age of 60 > less than 140 minutes of biking per week
Be reminded that though biking offers numerous benefits, it is important not to over exert yourself; excessive exercises can
easily lead to sports injuries!
[ Average number of days engaged in biking (per week) ]
2～3day
35%
1day
46%
As we can see from the statistics, most Gamanians bike for
fitness reasons. Apart from the Gamanian Island Club (located
4～5day
on the 17th floor), biking is undoubtedly the most popular
14%
sport for Gamanians. However, a significant percentage of
5%
England's super soccer star David
Beckham also works out by cycling.
Gamanians only bike once per week. To achieve fitness goals,
（Image source: http://blog.sina.com.tw/piyopiyo/article.
php?pbgid=21812&entryid=572462）
most Gamanians still need to work harder (bike more often)!
Every day
06 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
Biking is great for your health!
07
Challenge - biking around Taiwan
Losing weight is of the utmost importance!
Let's break the Gamania curse!
After the motion picture Island Etude became a blockbuster hit in Taiwan, biking around Taiwan has also emerged as one of the latest fads for youngsters
today. Surprisingly, the fad has evolved into a trend influenced numerous corporations in Taiwan. At the age of 73, founder of Giant Bicycles, Mr. Li Chin-piao, led
Once upon a time, there was a kingdom known as Gamania that was famous for its bountiful harvests; the tangerines grown in Gamania
a team comprised of the company's managerial staff to complete the feat of biking around Taiwan, and this incredible achievement has become the dream of
were large and sweet. Though the delectable fruit was something that people living beyond the walls of the kingdom yearned for, Gamania
countless office workers in Taiwan. What about Gamania? Among the Gamanians, who has already accomplished this challenge?
was actually plagued by a terrible curse - everyone (which includes you) was susceptible to obesity!
Albert
BU1 - Chien Chih-hao & Ko Chih-chung
Honestly speaking, Gamanians (at least not all of them) should not blame the Gamania Caféas the culprit for making them fat; the majority
of Gamanians does not engage in physical exercises during the weekdays and transforms into Otakus during the weekend. In fact, given
their current lifestyles, it is only natural for Gamanians to put on weight! Biking is the best way to lose weight!
In the beginning, Albert toured around the island as a way to relax his
Believing in the catchphrase "Just do it! Such is true naivety!!" Chih-hao and
tensed nerves and to challenge himself. Little did he know, his act would
Chih-chung from BU1 packed their luggage and formed the "Overly Naïve
result in a trend within Gamania that drawn a significant number of
Fleet". The duo spent a total of 9 days to complete the round trip journey
employees to follow. In fact, Albert has biked around Taiwan more than
across the island. They experienced many memorable moments along
once; he has led his friend to complete the island wide journey for the
their journey, such as the encounter with a hospitable elementary school
second time this summer.
principle; leg-numbing slops with insane inclines; pleasant sceneries; the
dangerous Suhua Tunnel and so forth. But in the face of such adversity, the
Role model for those wishing to shake a few kilograms off through biking
Though he used to be a little overweight, Chen Chun-ting from BU1 is now a hunk with
a fit body! Chun-ting managed to lose 10kg just by biking alone and though he humbly
dismisses his success, he is already a role model amongst Gamanians and an inspiration
for those seeking to lose weight.
pair courageously
claimed, "there
was nothing to be
afraid of! "
Reminders for those wishing to lose weight through biking
1. As you bike your way towards good health, don't try to skip your meals or starve
yourself. Although biking can help to burn body fat, the body system will use up blood sugar
before it burns fat. If you deprived yourself of food, your body would not have sufficient blood
sugar to initiate fat burning and you may suffer from lowered stamina.
2. Remember to hydrate yourself! Sufficient intake of water is essential for all physical
exercises. It is recommended that you drink 500~600cc on an hourly basis.
3. You can use a number of techniques to burn more body fat during your biking
session. For example, take turns to exert strength on one foot to peddle your bike and switch
to another once every 4 minutes.
This simple technique will help you to
burn additional 20% of calories!
Things to remember before you set out to travel around Taiwan on your bike
Biking round the island is easier said than done! Make sure you are prepared for the feat by:
1. Choosing the right bike to ensure a smooth journey.
2. Create a feasible plan for physical training and follow through with it.
3. Plan the routes thoroughly and study the road conditions before your journey.
Don't forget to drink enough water while you bike.
08 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
09
Wishing to become trendy and cool? Start biking!
Answering to the call for environmental protection,
energy conservation and carbon reduction
Biking is the latest trend in Taiwan; if you want to become trendy and cool, you gotta start biking! Owning a great bike may also
According to the evaluation report conducted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), if mankind fails to take
reflect your financial status. Let's take a look what kind of bikes Gamanians own.
appropriate action to reduce green house gases emission around the world, by 2100, the average temperature around the world
would increase by 2℃ with the sea level rising by 50cm compared to that of 1990.
Energy conservation and carbon reduction is in both theory and practice; you can start by simply biking to work and cut down on
[ Types of bicycles owned by Gamanians ]
motor vehicle usage. This would not only save you a lot of money on gas, it is also great for your health. Presently, approximately
50% of Gamanians have embraced the concept of biking to work and have therefore benefited from improved health while saving
money from fuel consumption. It is simply a great way to kill two birds with one stone.
Road bicycle
11%
Cross country bicycle
Folder (folding bicycle)
25%
46%
Lady's bike
4%
14%
Others
[ Gamanians' preferred bicycle brands ]
Giant
DAHON
22%
14%
14%
Merida
36%
Others
Other than the renowned bicycle brand
names on the market, even Mercedes
Benz has forayed into the bicycle market!
14%
The annual Taipei Car Free Day is always held in September.
(Image source: http://tw.news.yahoo.com/photo/url/d/i/080921/5/20080921_2090783/20080921_20
90783.jpg.html)
KHS
(Image source: Benz)
Any other reason?
From the first chart, it is apparent that last year's year-end party prize (folder) definitely has swayed many Gamanians over and
persuaded them to buy the convenient and adorable bicycle themselves. Other popular contenders are the highly functional road
1. Just for fun
That's great, and it goes along with Gamania's core philosophy of "have a good game" . Biking will allow you to discover new
bicycles and cross country bikes; both are great for island wide tours or physical fitness. As far as bicycle brands are concerned, it
places while you bike your way around Taiwan, and you will learn to appreciate the beauty of Taiwan. Even the simplest alleys
is definitely surprising to see renowned bike manufacturers Giant and Merida not topping the chart! Instead, Dahon's folders happen
and lanes have their unique aesthetic qualities; when you slow down and carefully observe your surroundings, you will discover
to be quite popular amongst Gamanians for their elegant design and easy storage/folding. The designer brand Doppelganger from
Japan offers bikes with fashionable designs and multiple color combinations; features that appeal to a significant percentage of
many picturesque views around you.
2. Because my friends have bikes, so I gotta have one too...
You should be glad to have such great pals! Be sure to thank them for introducing you to biking.
Gamanians.
10 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
11
The BU Group > led by Liu Wei-li and Chen Hui-ching
Before we start, we would like to clarify that BU actually has several groups headed by Liu Wei-li, Chien Chih-hao and Ko Chihchung; however the summer season happens to be the prime surfing time for many employees in BU and therefore group activities
tend to decline. However, it is definitely a different story for these sports fanatics during the winter; having already accomplished
Still having difficulty finding someone who shares the same passion in biking?
Here at Gamania, we host group gatherings almost on a weekly basis!
Stop hiding at home; ride your bike and come join us!
island-wide tour and completed the north-cross route, the BU group offers customized routes for the interested bikers with
beginner courses and the advanced island-wide course available. Not only that, Chen Hui-ching from BU3 has also started her biking
group; employees wishing to experience the hilarious antics of "the Crazy Hui-ching" should definitely not miss her group!
The HR + IT Group > led by Huang Po-lin
Presently, HR + IT group is focused on beginner courses that are best suited for novices. Apart from the health benefits from
biking, the alternate goal for the group is to taste various delicacies and specialty foods available along the routes. Fellow Gamanians
wishing to break a sweat but has no weight-loss pressures might want to consider the joining the HR + IT Group.
Courses ranging from beginner to
advanced customized just for you!
The jovial HR + IT Groups
12 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
13
S
P
E
C
I
A
L
The duel of the two-wheeled
vehicles: motorcycles VS. bicycles
The R&D group > led by Lin Chun-te
Eco-friendliness, healthiness and body sculpturing; which of the two will
triumph?
The R&D group has already had a fair bit of experience in group biking and their trips are usually scheduled to last an entire day.
The advantage of biking with the R&D group is the opportunity to travel around the greater Taipei region in routes that you have
never thought of before. If you want to truly experience the beauty of Taiwan in full, joining the R&D group will be your safest
[ the duel of the two-wheeled vehicles ]
bet. If you are fine with the route the group has chosen, just let the group know and you will be able to ride with the group this
weekend! If you are looking to enjoy an exciting bike trip, join the R&D group now!
Carbon
dioxide
emission
50c.c. : 17.41g/km
100~125c.c. : 22.87 g/km
！
You will witness the beauty of Taiwan with
the routes we have prepared for you.
50c.c. : 50.35~54.9km/litre of gas
100~125c.c. : 37.46~40.61km/litre
of gas
Win!
0, regardless of bike type
Win!
Speed
Depends entirely on your leg strength and
stamina
Only when your heart starts to race when
you spot a hot babe
Increase in
heartbeat
rate
Increases your heartbeat rate and oxygen
uptake by a significant margin
Win!
Only possible if you run into someone else
Calorie burned
9.5 km/hour: 240 cal/hour
19 km/hour: 410 cal/hour
Win!
Fingers you use to accelerate or brake
Muscles
strengthened
Strengthen your lumbar muscles, which are
responsible for supporting your body
Win!
Very unlikely
Vascular
revitalization
Accelerates blood circulation by as much as
10 times; facilitates vascular revitalization
Win!
Not a chance
Likelihood of
successful
weight loss
90% chance of success
Win!
The hidden CEO group?!
Having had profound experience in islandwide biking, Albert is also the head of the
CEO group. In fact, he has already taken his
pals on his 2nd island wide tour. Although the
average age of members in the CEO group
is higher than other groups, the group is also
the most ambitious and willing to accept
challenges. But if you think joining the CEO
group would come with better meal and
lodging, you better think again.
14 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
The average number of motorcycles in Taiwan per square kilometer is 572.36,
which is 21 times the number of motorcycles in the US and 3 times more than
that of Japan.
Biking helps to reduce carbon emission and is more eco-friendly.
15
BD (Brand Dept.) Wang Hsin-hui > Getting my bike
Aren't the stories of Gamania bikers really fun, exciting and hilarious?
Who amongst the Gamanians are willing to overcome all odds to maintain their hobbies (and their
precious bikes)? Come along and learn more about Gamanians and their biking stories!
http://hsin0423.blogspot.com/
In order to put environmental protection into action (and to save a few pennies along the way), I have decided to make some
drastic changes to my daily lifestyle for this year!
1. No more air conditioner
I have decided not to turn on my air conditioner even if my room turns into an oven at 36℃, which means I would have to take 2~3
showers in a single day. On a second thought, that's probably not going to save a lot of water resources…
BU3 Chen Hui-ching >
The dawn of another tanning period in my life!
http://www.wretch.cc/blog/meggichen/
2. Start bikin
After seeing how splendid Ruka and Takeru looked on their bikes in the Japanese drama series Last Friends, my desire to buy a
bike reached an unbearable peak. I began my extensive research on bikes in the hopes of buying the perfect bicycle in the shortest
time possible.
As a designer, appearance certainly outweighs functionality in my selection for the right bike because I know I am not the sunny
girl type who spends a great deal amount of time outdoors. Therefore I have decided to look for a fashionable urban folder, which
Hey! It's healthy; it's fun; it's hip! I am leading a new lifestyle of
best satisfies my current needs. The Doppelganger 202 offers a black and white color layout (my favorite) along with a minimalistic
biking and chasing the wind, which means it's also the beginning
street style design. I am looking forward to visiting many places on my new bike to create new memories… and to get rid of
of another tanning period in my life! A lifestyle of biking… here we
some fat during the process!
go!
Betty's tips
I used to walk as an exercise, after watching a Japanese
variety show that demonstrated walking did consume more
calories compared to biking at the beginning. However,
after a specific amount of time, both activities would
use up the same amount of calories. But because of the
incoming wind while biking, the body temperature will be
080531 The beginning of my first ride from Bali to Danshui!
lower and one would feel less exhausted. Not only that,
biking is better than walking in terms of bringing up the
heartbeat rate and amount of exercise done within the
same duration.
080607 My second trip at Riverside Park.
A reflection photo is a must!
16 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
Climb up Datun Mountain!
17
Since I wasn't strong enough to lift my bike, I had to trouble my colleagues
to give me a hand. In fact, my coworkers helped me pretty much
HR Fang Yun-ting >
My folder from out of the blue
http://www.wretch.cc/blog/vinniefang
throughout the entire trip. And voila! Somehow I managed to make it to
Danshui.
Since I hope to be able to ride my bike on sunny days, I have thus named
my new bike "Hare" ( "fair weather" in Japanese), and it warms my heart
入手之旅
just to call my bike by its name. Although I didn't have the opportunity to
buy ROO D7 (which I really wanted), but this fated encounter with my
"Hare" is just as pleasant for me. I have finally become a bike owner!
On May 12, 2008 (the weather was not bad), two of my close friends
2
who have a knack for doing astonishing acts suddenly messaged me on
MSN and asked me if I wanted to shop for a bike with them. I gave it a
Not surprisingly, the route is full of cyclists
during weekends. And the further I go,
the more uneasy I became… why were all
these people wrapped up like this?
thought for a moment…
(The voice in my head echoed: haven't you been making a fuss about
getting a bike since last year?)
6
I couldn't believe I actually made it to Danshui; this only goes to show
that nothing is impossible.
”Oh, sure!” was my reply.
The duo then told me that they were going to get their bikes tonight.
Despite having said that I would not complete the entire trip, I have
Tonight?! That would qualify as an astonishing act.
3
Don't laugh at the lady above; as
hot as it might look to be dressed
that way, that's how you should
be attired when biking. If you want
an example of inappropriate biking
attire, look to the left, that's me. successfully sold 3 identical bikes (as shown below).
To be honest, I have stayed out of the world of bicycles since the 4th
Hey Dad! Thanks for helping us to get the bikes home.
grade, and therefore a bicycle with gear system is a fairly amazing product
for me.
On that very night, the three of us took the new bikes for a road test on a
road near their place
Hare's maiden voyage:
Dadaocheng→Danshui
On the sixth day after getting my new folder, my biking experience came
The gals: Was it comfortable to ride?
Me: Umm, I don't really know, but as long as I look conspicuous enough on
the bike, it should be fine (talk about being shallow and vain).
somehow managed to follow my colleagues all the way to Danshui. I
couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by a sense of self-admiration. It's too
And when we stepped out of the store before 9PM, the happy owner has
to 3 days of biking to work from home (approximately 9km per trip).
Honestly speaking, I didn't know how I was able to find the courage
4
bad I didn't install a cyclocomputer on my bike, or it would have been a
truly rewarding experience. After eating to my heart's content at Danshui, I
was ready to take the MRT home before I found out that I had to ride to
Hongshulin Station in order to get my bike onboard. That was my first bike
outing; a day that was filled with surprises.
Most of the route has a bicycle path to provide a pleasant riding
experience. But when it came to uphill's, a novice like me certainly couldn't
make it. I really had no choice but to walk and drag my bike along… for
every uphill. Let me apologize to my coworkers here; I am sorry for being
such a newbie.
to accept the invitation from other experienced Otaku riders from the
company to ride to Danshui. So on that day, I woke up at 8 and took care
of my dogs before I left home. Before 10 o'clock, I took my precious Hare
and boarded the MRT at Dingxi Station to Shuanglian Station before riding
to meet up with my friendly Otaku colleagues at Dadaocheng (I found out
later on that bike access isn't available at every MRT station; thankfully it is
available at Dingxi Station, which is nearest to my home. Phew!)
7
When my colleagues saw me, I could see their surprise as they asked me,
I didn't give lunch too much thought as I
watched for my bike. I couldn't afford to
keep my eyes away from the bike as it
may be stolen at any time.
"Are you really going to ride in a pair of shorts without a hat?"
And I thought, "Relax! It's just biking, not an expedition to the South Pole!
I am not going
to ride all the
The incredibly
crowded bike
store.
way to Danshui
with you
guys anyway,
there's no need
5
for all that
The part that I dislike about this picture the most is the
fact that I am not in it! I think I was below the stairs
when this picture was taken…
preparation!"
The money we spent for these bikes was enough for me to
travel to Japan once more.
18 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
8
It was quite fun actually; would have
been more fun if I had prepared for
sun blocking.
1
That was me buying FIN (sports beverage) and apple bread
before I set out on my first trip with Hare. I thought my trip
would not be too different from a picnic (I only knew how
hopelessly naïve I was afterwards).
19
BU1 Chi-hao >
On the third day of our island wide tour, we encountered this term once;
Day 8 of our hurried and overly na ï ve tour
came across different things and people as we made our way through
many interesting things took place during the four days after that and we
dozens of townships, counties and cities. On the eighth day of our trip,
we encountered this term again, but at a different location - the Tropic
http://marcochien.pixnet.net/blog/
of Cancer.
6AM; another day to be awake in the wee hours of the morning. I
We went on our way and eventually came to Chiayi City. There is a
have become numb to waking up in early morning at this time. During
place in Chiayi that we simply had to visit; it is not a historic monument,
the island wide biking tour, it seems I have become both physiologically
nor is it scenic sport or well known site. But as hard-pressed as we were
and psychologically accustomed to start my day at 6AM. When the
for time, we just had to go there. (Please be reminded that this place is
alarm sounds, I would bolt and sit right up in my bed and remain in a
worthy of visit for the two of us only; for those wishing to complete the
state of trance for 3 minutes, followed by performing these chores:
island wide tour, this place should bear no special meaning and we would
Go to the washroom → wash and dress → organize luggage → load
not be responsible for the time you will waste coming here). Yes you've
luggage on my bike → start off on my way
guessed it! This is the very home of Ko Chih-chung in Chiayi.
5
Day after day… I feel more and more like an automated robot =_=
1
Although we have never been here before, seeing the landmark felt like a reunion
with a long lost friend
The view at the break of dawn; a different kind of beauty lies within the haziness.
7
6
The loyal canine of the Ko Household (who
does not recognize his young master); it is a
rare sight to see a dog barking at a member of
its owner's family
Who would have thought a simple and innocent area like this would witness the birth of
Ko Chih-chung, the innocent mountain monkey?
3
The Chianan Plain (at least that's what we thought). The vast plain seems to be endless
in the horizon and the scenery is just as good as what you would find in Hualien –
Tatung region.
After a short rest and mindless chit chat, the duo bid the Ko family farewell
A straight road ahead with an endless, vast plain in sight; you would
and continued their journey northwards. Along the way, the two came
probably imagine the ride to be leisurely and pleasant. In reality, the plain
across a house that's covered in sprayed paints of angry protests…
offered absolutely no obstruction to the ravaging northeast monsoon.
Holding back their tears (due to the poor biking conditions), the duo
2
persevered and peddled on.
Getting ready to go! The first stop on Day 8 for
the "Overly Naïve Fleet" – Chiayi
8
4
Don't mind the bridge; the river should be one of the most well known river in Taiwan.
(Bazhang River, where a major occupational work hazard incident occurred)
20 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
I wonder what atrocities the household had committed to deserve
these graffiti of angry accusations
9
Seeing what is on the truck somehow reminds me of some coworkers
in my department; I won't say why, so don't waste your breath.
21
BU1 Liu Chia-ying >
My DAHON and MuP27!
Steve Tsai from R&D >
Zhonghe City Biking Committee Cup - Hongludi Mountain Biking Invitational
http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=317&t=433916
http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/steve-tsay
We arrived at the gathering spot sometime after 8am and there were already many participants
After deliberating for days, I have decided to show off
On a day off, I shopped around at the bike store for a bit. Not prepared to make many changes
my Blackie!
to my bike, I replaced its brake with a K-brand brake and bought an ultra bright rear light by SUN (I
waiting. I was genuinely surprised by the number of cyclists who signed up for the event and
have decided that the original front light can stay). Since I was going to the Fishermen's Wharf
needless to say, we would be seeing some expert cyclists in action today. The RM30 year old
with my coworkers, I wanted to remove the CATEYE CC-RD100 from my other bike and install
division RM30 has been scheduled as the second group to go. Once the gun sounded, I sprang
it on Blackie. Unfortunately, I found the cable to be too short and I certainly didn't have time
ahead of everyone else and accelerated to roughly 30km/h. Surprisingly, almost everyone rode
to buy a new cyclocomputer. So I end up fastening the cyclocomputer on the horizontal bar
slowly on even ground. I have yet to recover from the muscle fatigue from completing three trips
beneath the handle. I
at Hongludi last Thursday; as soon as I came to the incline, my legs grew soft. I really should
had a great ride that
learn to better adjust myself prior to an event. Once I got to the incline, another cyclist whizzed
day and Blackie is
past me, followed by three other riders. Before the corner just ahead of the finishing line, another
certainly superior to
cyclist overtook me and my ranking fell to the 7th place. If the first six contestants to finish the
510A in terms of its
race were given the opportunity to step out in front and receive the prize, I might have struggled
performance; I could
for it. However, we were told before the event started that only the first five contestants to
make the inclines that
complete the race would receive a prize. So it wouldn't really matter if I finish in the 6th or 7th
I wasn't able to climb
place. When the results
before.
were out, I found that I was
only 4 seconds behind the
5th place. That's quite a
1
considerable gap…
2
The picture taken on the first day Blackie arrived; the bike looks
quite simple and plain. This is Blackie in its original state.
A group shot taken after we have arrived at the Fishermen's Wharf. Can you
spot Blackie?
1
For some reason,
people can still
easily recognize
me after I put my
fancy sunglasses
on
The group dismissed in the afternoon when we returned to Dadaocheng and I rode back
to Tucheng slowly by myself. When I passed by Banqiao, I went to the Giant store on
4
Minsheng Road to get a canteen rack and bell for Blackie. As a result, I ended up buying
Here's Kuma
demonstrating his
explosive momentum!!
an extra Allay cushion, T-brand cushion pouch and a spare inner tire. Although it put a
great dent in my pocket, it was definitely nice to see the store owner carefully adjusting
customers' road bikes.
2
5
The champion finished at 7 minutes and 30 seconds. Apparently, he
broke the record for Hongludi.
You are almost there
now, Kuma! Keep at it!!
6
This is Blackie in its full glory taken on October 27.
3
A cheap and simple canteen holder; this will have to
do for now
3
Kuma and A-hao, eagerly waiting for the recreational division race to
begin. That's the numbers they were given.
5
4
22 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
Clipping the rear light onto the cushion
pouch; it offers quite a steady grip.
6
And we have finally arrived; Hongludi is really an
extraordinary incline to overcome!
Cushion; a little overpriced. M-size.
23
Taiwan is full of breathtaking views and sceneries, but if
you are one of those who simply do not have time to bike
around the island or are afraid of the physical exhaustion
from long trips, we have got good news for ya! The
following is a list of recommended biking routes submitted
by novice cyclists and master cyclists from Gamania. Feel
free to check these routes out and join our ranks!
For marvelous views:
Dadaocheng → Danshui
Data
Distance covered: 10 km ~ 40 km
Sights along the route: Huajiang Waterfowl Nature Park,
Keelung River/Danshui River estuary, Bali, Shezi, Machangding
Memorial Park and so forth
The route from Dadaocheng Wharf to Danshui River has been very well
planned and it is arguably the best route one can take for leisure biking
[ Route map ]
in Taipei. The route has few inclines and cyclists can enjoy the beautiful
riverside sceneries and the magnificent view of the horizon between
the sea and the sky disappearing. In the route from Dadaocheng to
Fishermen's Wharf
Danshui, you will pass by Bali and Shezi along the way. The route will take
approximately 2~3 hours to complete.
Danshui
In addition, bike rental services are available at Dadaocheng Wharf and
you can rent a bicycle at the wharf to complete a round trip to Danshui.
Alternatively, you can also rent a bike at Dadaocheng and return it at
Mangrove Ecological Museum
different service locations at Guandu or Bali. Furthermore, ferry service
(two services per day) between Dadaocheng Wharf and Danshui is also an
option if you suddenly feel lazy on the way. However, you may only carry
folders onboard the ferry; if you have a larger cross country/road bike, bite
Guandu Riverside
the bullet and ride it home.
Extended route
You can also take this route at Riverside Park in Yonghe and
peddle along the riverside; the path will lead you directly to
Danshui. The route has few inclines along the way and you can
spend an entire day riding back and forth at a leisurely pace.
However, you should pay attention to traffic safety during
weekends and holidays due to the crowd.
Dadaocheng Wharf
Friendly reminder
You will find numerous beverage hawkers selling their drinks
at obscene prices along the riverbank from Dadaocheng to
Danshui. It is recommended that you bring your own water
bottle as a natural and healthier way to quench your thirst.
Should you feel hungry along the way, you can ride to Danshui
and enjoy the delicious food at Danshui Tourist Old Street.
24 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
25
Extended route
For an easy ride:
Dunhua North Road → Dunhua South Road
The warehouse section located on basement floor B1 of the
Far Eastern Century Park is the perfect practice ground to
become familiarized with the environment. Since all warehouses
appear to be identical, you probably would have a hard time
Data
Distance covered: around 9.5 km
Sights along the route: Far Eastern Plaza, LV Dunhua South
Road Store, Eslite Bookstore, East Business District, Haagen Dazs,
Taipei Dome
finding your way around, and most likely lose your sense of
direction entirely. If you are looking to strengthen your memory,
this is a good place to go. Your fortified memory may come in
useful in the future when you navigate your way at Gamania's
warehouse in the basement.
Dunhua South-North Road is one of Taipei City's major thoroughfares with
the most greenery. Dunhua South Road, specifically between Keelung
Road and Hsinyi Road, has a sidewalk with few pedestrians and rich green
shades. Biking along the sidewalk in different seasons offers different
Friendly reminder
experience. If you want to experience a casual and leisure time in an urban
Be reminded that the roads in the neighborhoods around the
setting, Dunhua Road will be your best bet.
park are fairly narrow, which means disputes of the right of
way between drivers and cyclists tend to occur frequently.
Be sure to watch for the traffic. In addition, the park is like
a vacant town during weekends, and you might want to go
somewhere else instead.
[ Route map ]
[ Route map ]
Taipei Sougshan Airport
Atrium
Chunghsiao Road Intersection
Far Eastern Plaza
Gama
For a ride without pressure:
Your home → Far Eastern Century Park
Data
Distance covered: Please do the math
yourself
Sights along the route: Eiffel Tower,
the Glass Pyramid
The Far Eastern Century Park is one of the most
Extended route
Speaking of Dunhua South Road, you simply can't afford to
miss the east business district! If you happen to take this route,
you might want to check out the Eslite Bookstore and SOGO
Departmental Store along the way.
notable landmark of Chunghe Industrial Park. It is
a colorful architecture with spacious sidewalk all
around, and you simply have to visit if you have the
time. Though the park covers a wide area, a bicycle
will suffice as a convenient means of transportation.
Regardless of your commuting needs, meeting your
client or visiting a vendor, the industrial park offers
Friendly reminder
a wonderful biking environment without pressure.
Note that Dunhua South-North road is not entirely separated
by dividers for cyclists; when you get on Dunhua North road,
you will have to cycle on the sidewalk and deal with pedestrian
traffic.
26 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
27
Endurance trial: Danshui → North Sinjhuang → Balaka Highway
→ Erziping parking lot
Data
Distance covered: 10 km
Sights along the route: Tien Yuan Temple, North Sinjhuang,
Datun Mountain
[ Route map ]
Tien Yuan Temple
If you wish to advance from a novice cyclist to intermediate, Balaka
Highway will make a good choice. The highway begins from Danshui and
many cyclists prefer to drive to Tien Yuan Temple before they start their
biking trip. The good thing about this route is sparse traffic along the way;
it is a popular route for aspiring cyclists to build up their stamina as the
7-11
route is entirely uphill. It would require quite a bit of stamina to complete
the entire route. If you found yourself exhausted, you may take short
breaks along the way. When you reach the destination and make your
way back, the route becomes downhill, making the return trip much more
pleasant.
The route along Balaka Highway is densely covered with trees; the weather
is tolerable even in direct sunlight. Due to Yangmingshan's relatively high
altitude, you will find the mountain breeze to be cool and pleasant. It takes
roughly half a day to reach the destination. You may also make your way
Datun Mountain
to Zhuzihu to try out the tasty free range chicken dishes. It is a great route
if you are looking to have fun and to enjoy specialty foods along the way.
Extended route
The Erziping parking lot also happens to be the entrance point
to the summit of Datun Mountain. To enjoy a bird's view of
Taipei City in its full glory, you need to make it all the way to
the top of the mountain. However, be forewarned that the
incline gets quite steep as you approach the summit. If you
ran out of stamina, it would be easier to just drag your bike
along. When you eventually make it to the summit, the view is
guaranteed to worth your while.
Friendly reminder
When you make it to the Erziping parking lot, chances are, it
will be crowded with people. For those of you who wish to
attempt for the summit, it is a good idea to avoid weekends
and holidays.
28 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
29
My first bike
There are many kinds of bicycles available in the market with a variety of different functions. So just how should one go
about choosing a bike that is easy to ride and convenient to use? What are the tips involved in selecting the right bike?
The following section will cover the basics about all you need to know about bicycles to assist you in buying your very
first bike:
How to choose?
S
P
E
C
I
A
L
Important concepts to bear in mind
when you shop for your bike
Tips to choosing a folder
According to a number of fellow bikers, "fit" is of the utmost importance when
choosing a bike. In fact, buying a bike is just like buying a piece of clothing; it
must offer the best fit in order to be comfortable to use (and less likely to cause
The most important thing you should consider when buying a folding
sport related injuries). Before you shell out your cash for your bike, be sure to
take measurements of your body, such as shoulder width; lengths of your limbs
bike would be its folding mechanism; every bike manufacturer has
their exclusive (or even patented) folding mechanisms. When you are
and so forth. Choose a bike that can be adjusted to according to your body to
shopping at the store, don't hesitate to test the folders and see if
achieve the best fit; after that, select the model, color and other accessories
they were easy and convenient to use. Here are a couple of factors
according to your personal preferences.
you might want to look into before you buy a folder: do you need
to exert a great deal of strength to operate the folding mechanism?
Things to note before you get your bike
Be sure of your needs: since bikes come in a wide variety of models, the
Set your budget: depending on their performances and specifications,
perfect bike for you will depend on your needs. Naturally, bikes manufactured
bikes come with varying prices that can go from a few thousand to several
for specific purposes are less suited for activities that the bikes were not
hundred thousand dollars (NT$). The cost of a bike is mostly related to
designed for. For instance, if you attempt mountain trails on a bike that has
the materials. After you are sure of your own needs, you can hunt for a
been designed for normal road conditions, you will probably exhaust yourself.
suitable bike that is within your price range.
When you shop for a bike at the store, be sure to try out the bike in order to
Can the folder be easily stored without complicated operations? Is
get a feel for the bike you have chosen; see if the frame is of appropriate height
the buckle of appropriate tightness and secure? Is the folder light
and check the brakes. These are the details you should pay attention to while
enough for you to move around?
choosing the right bike.
A look at the designer brand bikes
It is therefore important to choose a bike according to your needs.
With the trend of biking gaining popularity, many designer brands in the
[ Category ]
fashion industry including Gucci, HERMES, CHANEL, LV and so forth have
also launched their own limited edition bikes. Not only that, renowned motor
vehicle manufacturers such as BMW and Benz jumped on the bandwagon
Figure
Types
Functional overview
by offering bikes that bear their trademark logo. A trend of extravagant
sport is definitely gaining momentum.
Commuter bike
Professional touring bike
Mountain bike
Road bike
Triathlon bike
Trail bike
BMX
30 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
Major selling features include ease of use and durability; suitable
for normal road conditions.
Modified from mountain bikes; best suited for extended trips.
The limited edition bicycle (China Red) designed by Gucci
before the Beijing Olympics; is priced at approximately
NT$ 120,000.
Suitable for various off road conditions such as mountain trails
and forests; comes in a variety of selections to cater to different
cyclists' needs.
The best choice for the speed hungry; only suitable for decent
road conditions.
Special bikes designed for triathlon events; these bikes features
design and incline angles that are distinctively different from road
bikes.
HERMES bicycle that emphasizes hand finished leather parts;
NT$ 127,400.
Boasts incredible tire traction! You can complete expert level
courses with huge rock faults or adverse road conditions with a
trail bike.
Used to perform various tricks; BMX bikes are extreme sport bikes
designed for street and dirt tracks.
A bike by Gucci that
features genuine
guccissima hide for all
leather parts; comes at
a hefty price of NT$
187,700.
(Image resource: Gucci, Hermes, Chanel)
The CHANEL bike that features its renowned black matelasse leather in unique
patterns; NT$ 484,200.
31
Maintaining your bike
Endless bicycle accessories
for you to choose from
Bike maintenance is crucial regardless of the nature of your bike usage (be it touring or short trips).
A big part of the fun about biking is the variety of fashionable accessories for enthusiastic cyclists
Thankfully, basic maintenance can be performed quite easily.
to choose from. But you should bear in mind that when it comes to accessory shopping, the most
Quality cycling apparel efficiently manages moisture.
important factor to consider is safety. The following is a list of the common optional bicycle accessories:
Name of accessory
Functions
Cleaning
Lubricating
No matter where your destination is, it is always
After you have cleaned your bike, the next step is to lubricate it. Start with
important to keep your bike clean. Dirt and filth
the chains; clean and apply anti rust oil on the chains before drying. Avoid
not only make your bike unsightly but also may
using grease or lubricants that are higher in viscosity; choose lubricants
damage its finish or accessories. When washing
that have been specifically designed for chain lubrication. Now proceed to
your bike, gently scrub it with soap water and
lubricate the gear system; be sure to apply a little lubricant to all rotating
Cyclocomputer
Measures speed, distance covered and so forth
wash away the foams; dry it with a piece of clean
structures in the front and rear transmissions to make your bike run more
Cycling apparels
Offers moisture management and fast dry features
linen.
smoothly.
Helmet
Protect cyclist's head
Gloves
Protect cyclist's hands
Front and rear warning lights
ighttime alert
Canteen rack
To place water bottles
To prevent trouser leg from getting caught in the crankset teeth
Reflective strap (for trouser leg)
It is also a good idea to take your bike down to the store for inspection
and maintenance once every two months to extend its lifecycle and period
of use.
Primal Wear Laughing Lab Bike Jersey Men's. USD$ 69.95.
Bell
To warn other road users in your way
Portable tools
For outdoor maintenance
Sports sunglasses
Useful for long-distance trips
A well-designed helmet adequately protections a cyclist's head.
Radere Arizona Bike Jersey - Men's.
USD$ 75.
Limar Carbon 909 Bike Helmet.
USD$ 82.93.
Giro Skyla Bike Helmet.
USD$ 40.
Fox Flux Bike Helmet.
USD$ 99.95.
Gloves protect cyclist's hands from friction.
Why isn't my bike equipped with a kickstand?
As most people have noticed, most professional mountain bikes
do not come with kickstands. This is mainly because the design
for bikes in competitive events is primarily concerned with weight
Pearl Izumi Select Bike Jersey - Women's.
USD$ 70.
Dakine Cross X glove 08'.
USD$ 24.5.
Pearl Izumi Symphony Full-Finger
Bike Gloves - Women's. USD$ 30.
Pearl Izumi Slice Bike Gloves Men's. USD$ 30.
Head and taillights offer warning to other road users and pedestrians.
reduction; any extra weight might change the outcome of the race.
And for this reason, the kickstand, which has the least to offer in
terms of functionality, becomes the first component to be removed.
In fact, most of the mountain bikes (not designed for road use)
available in the market today do not have a kickstand since the bike
would be covering bumpy terrains; the kickstand might become
damaged while one is cycling and could result in danger.
32 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
Cat Eye HL-EL520 Front Bike
Light Reviews. USD$ 34.93.
31-LED Bike Light with Torch.
USD$ 18.
Cat Eye TL-LD1100 Rear Bike
Light. USD$ 40.
Descente Harmony Print Tank Bike Jersey Women's. USD$ 55.
33
P
E
O
P
L
E
Completion of the three cross routes* is the way to go!
(* north-cross, central-cross and south-cross)
A significant number of Gamanians has taken up biking. In fact, some are expert cyclists with years of experience. In contrast, Hank is
really a rookie in this field with less than a year of experience in biking. Hank is well aware of the fact that he has started late, which
is why he worked extra hard to keep up with the other Gamanian cyclists. His efforts soon paid off as he completed his challenge of
the three cross routes this July.
In terms of technicality, the three cross routes are actually much harder compared to the island wide tour. If we were to rank the
difficulty of level ground biking at 2, the difficulty of the three cross-routes would fall at 8~9, which is a steep increase in the level
of difficulty. In order to complete the challenge, Hank trained himself extensively in the hopes of accomplishing his goal. The most
important preparation one should complete in order to challenge the three cross-routes would be physical training. The steep uphill
and downhill sections of the routes are dramatically more difficult compared to biking on ordinary roads, and this is why one ought to
be in his top physical form at all times before taking on the three cross routes.
Physical training and adequate preparation are equally important
Completing the three cross routes is definitely no easy feat, and Hank certainly did a lot of preparation before hand.
The first and foremost preparation would be the physical training as we have mentioned earlier on. After the experience of two
island wide tours, Hank became aware of his lack of stamina. After he has made up his mind to accept the challenge, Hank created
a practical menu of physical training for himself; it started with a simple task of riding along the Riverside Park, followed by biking
to work. According to Hank, the greatest pressure of biking to and off work came from the struggles over right of way with
motorcyclists and drivers. This is in fact rather dangerous and therefore he opted to practice on roads with less traffic. His preferred
After giving up biking for 25 years, Gamania CFO Hank was not able to resist CEO Albert's temptation and went ahead to
attempt the incredible feat of biking around Taiwan. Hank received zero physical training prior to his island wide tour and he
even had to borrow a bike from someone else. When Hank returned from the trip, he was so drained that he remained in his
bed for five consecutive days to recover. But from the experience, he also fell in love with the freedom of biking!
34 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
practice routes include Hongshulin → North Sinjhuang, Tachia Riverside Park → Choumei Bridge, Sungjen Road (where he resides) →
Shihting. On average, he was able to cover 40km on a daily basis.
35
In the next phase of his training, Hank started to practice on routes with incline such as Hongshulin → Balaka Highway, Feng Guei
Tzuei section, Chishan Road → Shengren Waterfall → Chungyang Community and so forth. The trick is to start with gentle slopes
and gradually moving on to harder sections while trying to adjust his speed and peddling frequency to prepare himself for the three
cross routes.
The next phase of his plan involved the preparatory work prior to the trip. Before he set out, Hank collected extensive information
about the three cross routes including route planning and gear preparation. Without adequate preparation, one is more likely to
panic when he encounters contingencies that he wasn't ready for and give up halfway easily. Fully prepared for the challenge is a
good way for one to fortify his mental state in order to overcome the daunting challenge.
That's how I conquered the three cross routes
During the three cross route trip, Hank and his teammates planned routes that would take 8 days to cover:
Total distance: 700km
Total elevation climbed: over 10000 meters
Expert's advice
Day 1
Taoyuan Tahsi → Chilan
Day 2
Chilan → Lishan
Day 3
Lishan → Wuling
Don't mistake training on level ground to be mindless
Day 4
Wuling → Puli
repetition of round trip biking; according to Hank, the
Day 5
Puli → Tongfu
most important task during level ground training is to
Day 6
Tongfu → Shihchuo
Day 7
Board a bus to Yuchin
Day 8
Yuchin → Chishang
Out of the three cross routes, the most difficult section to
build muscle strength in order to minimize the need to
take breaks while riding uphill due to insufficient muscle
strength. In addition, you might also want to shift to
larger gear while training (which would require greater
Expert's advice
strength to peddle) in order to build your leg strength.
overcome would be from Mount Tayu to Wuling; half of the
For those inspired to challenge the three cross routes, Hank has the following tips:
80km stretch is comprised of uphill sections. Although the section appears to be extremely small on the map, it happens to be
1. A
void over exerting yourself: due to the harsh topological profile of the three cross routes, it is easy for some to over exert
the most physically draining portion of the route. Apart from that, the Tatachia section is another section to watch for as it is
characterized by steep uphill. When you reach alpine areas of 2000 meters above sea level, the oxygen concentration in the air
becomes thinner. Hank suggests that when you come to such areas, it is better not to rush to reach the top in order to prevent
rapid loss of stamina.
themselves by biking at high speed in order to flaunt their stamina. This would result in increased number of breaks taken along
the way and making the task of completing the daily target distance all the more difficult. Therefore, the best way to challenge
the route is to ride in a comfortable and relaxed manner.
2. F
ind the pace that's works for you: although Hank was not number one in terms of top speed achieved among the members
of his team during the three cross route challenge, he managed to be the first person to reach the destination. His secret
to success lies in speed allocation. Since the inclines along the routes are irregular, maintaining a constant heartbeat rate
becomes a crucial factor to successful pacing. Hank recommends keeping the average heartbeat rate at 130 bpm to achieve
the best pace. If you are wondering how you can keep track of your heartbeat while biking, Hank recommended a powerful
cyclocomputer that is capable of keeping track of rider's peddle frequency, heartbeat rate along with the angle of incline.
Using the instrument, you will be able to gauge yourself and avoid over exerting or underperforming. But be informed that the
cyclocomputer is somewhat costly and it is recommended only for those who are serious about taking on the challenge.
3. A
void becoming out of breath: while it is true that long tours involve sprinting, it is probably a good idea to avoid getting out
Garmin Edge 705，
NT$ 15000！
(Image source: http://udn.monday.com.tw/
gdsale/gdsale.asp?gdid=1032318&sw=2ad7
3265f1e6a659&act=20080903-34)
of breath. When you become out of breath while biking, it means you have over exerted yourself. Be sure to adjust back to
the normal breathing rhythm in order to conserve stamina.
4. B
e sure to prepare sufficient water: regardless of the situations, water will be the most essential supplement you need during your trip. On a related note, you
should also prepare various tools of bike maintenance for the trip should your bike encounter mechanical problems along the way so that you won't be forced
to retire from the trip due to faulty bike.
After word
Hank claimed that he never knew the benefits of biking. When Albert told him that biking not only offers physical training but also provides a sense of "freedom",
he didn't really understand what Albert meant. But after being enlightened to truly appreciate the freedom that biking has to offer, he has became addicted to
the indulgence in his newfound hobby.
36 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
37
Spot the differences
on Hank!!
Open your eyes wide and try to find the 10 differences between the two images. The answers are provided at the
bottom…hey, make sure not to peak!
每一個念頭都叫你放棄！
遊戲橘子關懷基金會與零下40度搏鬥的21天記錄片
《征服北極: Beyond the Arctic》
2008年金馬影展閉幕片
38 G!VOICE×05｜Oct. 2008
Answer
A The color of his cap B The color of his gloves C The color of his shoes D The Gamania logo on his clothes E There is no logo on his pants
F The bike's logo is different G Bridge column H There is an additional car behind him on the left I There is an additional pillar (bridge column)
to his left J Two additional tents at far right
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