Gidday mate...

No I’m not Crocodile Dundee, but I am a 60-something Australian who’s been cycle touring on and off for over 40 years. My son Joe is a fit 20-something who cycle commutes, runs, goes to the gym, works physically hard as an apprentice but hasn’t cycle toured before.

We live in Canberra, a small regional city (and is Australia’s national capital) which has excellent infrastructure and weather for cycling and other outdoor recreation. I cycle commute most days and swim regularly so I feel fit enough for this imminent cycle tour, although Taiwan’s big hills will likely be a bit challenging.

When son Joe was growing up, we did a fair bit of bushwalking together in Australia and in New Zealand. We’ve travelled overseas together, with only each other, and with the rest of the family, quite a few times. 

The previous travel has been mainly to New Zealand, and also Japan, Vietnam and the USA. However this will be our first cycle tour together, and Joe’s first cycle tour ever. Neither of us have ever been to Taiwan before.

I work part time. Joe works full-time. Fortunately we were both able to get leave from work approved for after Christmas so we’ve booked return flights Canberra-Taipei on Qantas and have started to plan a cycle tour of Taiwan.