[Dajianshan]

Reporting from the Beautiful Island, Formosa (Taiwan) on a beautiful afternoon in Taichung County.

I thought I'd put my bike through its paces and work on some bike handling skills. I took off to the mountains near my house and hit one of my favorite back roads. I had never been too far up, so now was my chance.

My choice of tires sucked for the occasion. I went with the Michelin Mud 2 + Cross Jet combo because I was anticipating dirty pavement, loose clay and spots of mud. I was right, but I really needed something with more grip on the rear. I slid and spun at 42psi. It made going up hills a hike and coming down hills dangerous. The front tire held pretty well, but I got a pinch flat in the middle of nowhere and raced a thunderstorm to fix it.

The ride was beautiful and the scenery unmatched. The trail was just brutal. My bike felt great though. I rolled along so smooth and comfy. More comfortable than I had ever anticipated for the conditions. Totally impressed. The elements I had to contend with were the tough part. I got a little bloody in a fall and I swept up against some elephant grass too, so I got my badges for the day. Here's the pics:

 

[lousylegs]

cool report, and probably one of the more exotic locations for a cross ride that has been posted here

 

[Pablo]

I'm jealous. Would a mountain bike have helped, or was the cross bike fine?

 

[Dajianshan]

It was a good time.
A tank would have been nice.
Honestly, the cross bike got me through. Actually it was really capable... maybe some different tires and new legs...would have worked out better. The pictures don't show it, but it was quite technical. I was also being extra cautious, so once I become more familiar with the behavior of the bike on that terrain...then my [email protected] might drop.