Bike Tour Wish List: Taichung, Taiwan

Photo is owned by David Niddrie

Awhile back I went on many bike tours both here and abroad. I've travelled with my folding bike to Hong Kong, Vietnam, New Zealand, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Laguna, Cavite, Albay and Camarines Sur. But for one thing or another I stopped going on bike tours. This recent article by David Niddrie for Momentum Mag has resparked my interest in the activity.

Niddrie wrote about his experience bike touring around Sun Moon Lake in Taichung, Taiwan--the country's largest lake. The pictures of the tour look fantastic, and total length sounds a reasonable 30 kms. 

I will research more on this and see if I can invite some friends to go along and join me on a bike tour.

Bike Commuting in the US; Using Boston's Hubway Bike Sharing Program

Hubway Bike Station at Harvard Kennedy School

I went to Boston, Massachusetts, to attend a short course last July 2015, and I got a chance to try their bike sharing program. They call theirs Hubway and it works very similar to other bike sharing systems. You can be an annual member or a pay-as-you-go customer. Since I was in Boston for less than a month, I chose to be the latter.

Photo grabbed from Boston Herald.

For pay-as-you-go (or short-term access), Hubway offers two options--1-day pass or 3-day pass. Here are the steps to rent a Hubway bike:

  1. Insert your credit card at the kiosk of the bike station.

  2. Choose between the 1-day pass or the 3-day pass on the touch screen.

  3. Then choose if you will rent 1 bike or 2 bikes.

  4. Enter an area code and telephone number (just encode the local area code 

      and your hotel's telephone number, you'll be alright)

  5. The kiosk will print your 5-digit passcode.

  6. Go to any terminal with a bike, and key in the passcode within 5 minutes.

  7. The bike will unlock and you are ready to go.

From Hubway website

I found the pricing reasonable. It costs $6 for the 1-day pass, while it's $12 for the 3-day pass. And as long as each trip is less than 30 minutes, they you can ride as much as you can--meaning, you can take multiple trips at no extra cost! (See banner above)

Hubway Bike Station at Soldiers Field Park

I used the Hubway bikes to commute between Soldiers Field Park (where my accommodation was) and Harvard Kennedy School (where I had my classes). The bikes were sturdy; the seats were adjustable; the 3-gears were adequate for the city; and the front rack accommodates most backpacks. I found the system appealing and wished we had the same back home. 

However, from my experience, I found out that bike sharing programs also have their share of problems and challenges. First, on software issues. The Hubway touch screens sometimes did not work, which meant I couldn't rent a bike. On those occasions, I had to run to school. Second, on bike availability. There were times when a bike station didn't have a single bike available--so I couldn't rent, and there were times when a bike station was full and didn't have space for parking--which meant I had to go to another location to park a bike. 

I didn't use Hubway bikes just for commutes between school and home. I also rode the bikes to go to the mall and tour the city. Cambridge and Boston roads generally have marked bike lanes, which most vehicles respect. And the Metro Boston area has quite a good number and equal distribution of bike stations. Overall, I had a positive experience of the Boston Hubway Bike Sharing System.

VIDEO: Brompton Urban Challenge Rotterdam 2015

I like this new video because it showcases that part of the world more famous for its use of city bikes--The Netherlands. The language is Dutch so I didn't understand a single word, but the views of the City of Rotterdam were astonishing. I look forward to bike my Brompton there.

Video: Vincita B-132B Brompton Transport Bag

Here in South East Asia, we're lucky to have Vincita in Thailand to produce an affordable alternative to Brompton's more expensive B-bag Soft Travel Case. Check out my product review of the B-132B Transport Bag from last year. 

Here is Vincita's new video featuring their soft travel case for the Brompton. Visit the company's website at www.vincita.co.th for international orders.

Orakei Basin, Auckland, New Zealand

Wow, I haven't updated this blog in a long time. I was just so busy these past 2 months. Elections back home last April and then my numerous academic requirements here in Auckland this May. Anyway, this post is long delayed. I visited the Orakey Basin just outside the Auckland Central city limits in April, when the weather was still fine. Right now it's the start of winter and it's freezing cold. No way I'm going to bike outside.

I like visiting this place. There's a walkway/bikeway overlooking the Orakei Basin. It's peaceful and relaxing. One end is a residential area, while the other end has the Orakei Train Station. The short, but scenic bikeway is about 1 km long.

That's me with my bike, Brommie Skywalker. Behind us, if you can still see, is the Auckland Central skyline. Orakei Basin is located about 6 kms south of the Auckland Skytower.

Wherever you are (as long as you're not in the southern hemisphere), Happy Cycling!

Mini Bike Tour of Devonport

I went to the small town of Devonport on the North Shore the other day and brought my Brompton with me. I rode the ferry from the CBD's Pier 1 to the Devonport Ferry Terminal. Adult fare was NZ$11.00 round trip.

On board the ferry to Devonport

Brommie Skywalker on the Devonport Boardwalk

Upon my arrival, I unfolded my bike and started cycling. Devonport is an affluent suburb across Auckland CBD. There are small boutiques, specialty shops and cafes lining Queens Parade and Victoria Road. I proceeded north via Victoria Road then made a right on Kerr Street and followed the path up Mount Victoria. The hill was steep and I had a difficult time climbing it even on the Brompton's granny gears. But I eventually got to the top.

And, boy, did it give a fantastic view of the city.

Mount Victoria's Disappearing Gun

Mount Victoria is the tallest volcano in the North Shore. It used to be a military facility, much like Corregidor in the Philippines. It even has its own "disappearing gun."

After taking photos, I cycled down Kerr Street and turned left on Vauxhall Road. Passed through a row of houses. I stopped at the corner of Vauxhall and Tainui Roads and had a flat white in a french cafe. Sayang, wala silang chocolate croissant.

One of the many public beaches in Devonport. This one fronting Torpedo Bay.

And then I biked on Tainui Road and peeked at a couple of Devonport's public beaches. It's amazing. One minute you're like in San Lorenzo Village, then you make a turn, and its the beach! I wonder how much the houses are in this area. I'm pretty sure they're expensive.

After beach hopping, I turned to Cheltenham Road and biked south. I hit King Edward Parade and stopped by the Navy Museum.

From the museum I rode along King Edward Parade back to the ferry terminal, where I waited for my ferry back to Auckland CBD. I cycled a distance of 6 kms for this mini bike tour.

My Devonport Cycle Route

Kia Ora!

Hello from beautiful New Zealand!

I wasn't active on my blog for a long time because I was preparing for my trip here in Auckland. I brought my folding bike with me to help me with my commute, but this city is hilly! I'm glad I have a 6-speed Brompton, but still! There are some parts that even my granny gears won't be able to help me. And I am still getting used to the drivers and the traffic rules. They drive on the other side of the road.

Yesterday, I took my bike down to Tamaki Drive and I really enjoyed the view. I learned why Auckland is named the City of Sails.

As you can see, Kiwis love boats!

They have many marinas. This one is in Orakei.

Well, that's it for now. I will be riding my bike more often around New Zealand. Hopefully, take it with me to visit Hobbiton! Stay tuned!

Mini Bike Tour of Iloilo City

I flew to Western Visayas last weekend to accompany my wife to attend a seminar. Brought my folding bike with me so that I could explore the central business district on my own.

I took a Cebu Pacific flight to Iloilo. Packed my Brompton in the new Vincita B-132B Transport Bag (I really like that it's smaller and much more compact than its predecessor).  The bike and the bag weighed a total 17.5 kilos. Had no problem checking it in at the airport.

The flight took an hour. Was quite impressed with the Iloilo International Airport. The place looked new, sleek and shiny.

Once I got to my hotel, I unzipped the B-132B bag to check the bike. Inspected it for any deformities or cracks. Didn't find any. I put air in the tires with the stock handpump. I think I put in 100 pumps per tire. Worked up a bit of sweat there.

After the tires were inflated, I went down the lobby and pedaled away. I biked 3 kilometers to the ferry terminal to buy my ticket to Bacolod for the next day.

From there, I turned around and visited the provincial capitol compound.

Here's the old capitol building. I think the governor plans to convert it into a museum. Speaking of which, I also stopped by the current Iloilo Museum. I was out of luck because the museum was closed.

After taking some pictures, I biked to my next destination, SM Iloilo. Took my customary SM souvenir shot.

I had merienda at local favorite, Deco's. Tried their La Paz Batchoy. It was a bit salty for my tastebuds.

On the way back to the hotel, I passed by the newly inaugurated Iloilo River Esplanade, a 1.2 km pathway along the Iloilo riverbank. I wanted to cycle on it but I was stopped by a security guard.

It was getting dark so I biked back to my hotel. And that was my afternoon tour of the Iloilo central business district. They said I should've visited the area's other attractions like Miag-ao Church, but that's 40 kms west of the CBD. I didn't have time to cycle that far. May be next time.

Mini Bike Tour of Bacolod, Negros Occidental

I went to my mom's hometown, Bacolod, last weekend. As far as I can remember, it was my first time in Negros since I was a toddler. And I brought my folding bike with me so that I could tour the Central Business District.

Brommie Skywalker at the 2GO Ferry Terminal in Iloilo City

I was coming from Iloilo City. I took the 7:30am 2GO Supercat Ferry. A round-trip ticket set me back P580.00 (US$14.00). The boat ride from Panay Island to Negros Island took an hour and twenty minutes. I arrived at the Bacolod Roll-On Roll-Off (RORO) Port at 9am. 

The weather was fine that morning--sunny, blue sky with some clouds. It was a wee bit hot though. Anyway, I unfolded the Brompton and cycled towards the CBD. My first stop was the town plaza along Rizal Street. I rested under the shade of a tree and took pictures of the nearby fountains, gazebo and war memorial.

On the opposite side of Rizal Street is San Sebastian Cathedral, more commonly known as the Bacolod Cathedral.

From the church, I rode along Gatuslao Street and stopped at the Negros Museum. I wanted to go inside. Unfortunately, the museum was closed that day. Sayang, I heard it had nice exhibits.

I continued cycling north until I hit the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol. The Negrense have a really nice looking capitol. Clean and lots of open spaces.

In front of the capitol building is a huge rectangle lagoon. I hear it looks pretty at night. Too bad I couldn't ride my bike within the grounds. A security guard stopped me.

Afterwards, I biked back to Rizal Street and headed to SM shopping mall. Took my customary SM photo and waited for my relatives to pick me up. 

The whole bike ride starting from the port to church to capitol to SM was just 5.5 kms.

My cousin Tel passed by for me at SM. I unfolded my bike and loaded it in her car. She took me north to Silay City.

On the way there I observed that Negrense people (at least those living along the highway) planted nothing but sugarcane. For 13 kilometers I just saw sugarcane, sugarcane, sugarcane. Didn't see any ricefield at all. No wonder Negros is famous for its sweets. The dentists must be making a killing down there. 

Tel toured me around Silay and I was pleasantly surprised to discover it to be a beautiful heritage town. The people of Silay were so historical and cultural conscious that they preserved a lot of their old buildings and houses--even to the extent of having them declared historical landmarks by the National Historical Commission. Maganda talaga ang pag-preserve nila. I was really impressed.

The tourism officer, Ver Pacete, was a very friendly and helpful guy. They offer walking tours of their heritage district. If I had more time, I would've done it.

After the tour, Tel brought me to their house and we had lunch with her family. We ate the local specialty, chicken inasal.

Later in the afternoon, Tel brought me back to Bacolod, but not before taking a sidetrip to Felicia's pastry cafe along 6th Street for cake and coffee. The cake was very good. Next time, I have to try the other Bacolod favorite, Calea's. 

Tel dropped me off at the RORO Port for my trip back to Iloilo. By this time rainclouds enveloped the sky. I thanked Tel for taking me around and promised her I'd return with my family and stay longer. And I definitely will. I want to visit the Lacson Mansion Ruins in Talisay.