So the Taipei Cycle show gave me the perfect opportunity to lose my eastern world virginity. Travelling over 6000 miles away from home was also a interesting experience. Once the plane wheels touched tarmac in Taipei I ran through customs like a over excited child on Christmas morning. Meeting with our bicycle engineer Ryan, we proceeded to ram my bags into his already overloaded Mazda. Before we had even left the car park I was given my first piece of very important information. “Taiwan is a funny place” said Ryan, “Driving in its self is an art. But remember: If you’re not speeding, or have not killed anyone the Police won’t bother you!” So with that off we went and Chaos is the only word I can use!

 The View for most journeys we took.

 Every street corner and road looks like a Moto GP start line on Red, Only full of Taxi’s and Scooters.

Although we didn’t display at the show, the day before the show certainly felt like we were. Car park building a prototype Ariel frame which would sit nicely on the KOREComponents booth displaying all of their new kit!

 Ryan looking for some inspiration on how to fit the BB without any tools.

 The end result.

The show ran for the next 4 days and it flew past, between meetings, visiting suppliers stands and just browsing around my feet certainly felt the long days. The other amazing part of the show was just how many familiar faces I saw walking around. So many people had made the same trip within the Industry and it was nice to be able to spend some time catching up with some long lost friends.

A nice restaurant we visited

Sunday came as the day off, well relaxing time is riding time after all. Ryan took me for a local spin around some tracks near Taichung which proved to be a good spin out. It had some very impressive views of the county, even if a little cloudy.

Part 2.... will come soon. Factory tours and a whole lot more.

Andy