Actual DAY 09r: Hualien to Taidong, 168km

Actual: Instead of the planned route, the AMS got to rethink about continuing but at Taichung's Grano House, the boss encouraged me to take the Taichung Express to Hualien and then ride Hualien to Taidong. 

So I had my bike bagged at Grano House, get all the help I can from Mr Yu and Zoe so that I can catch a taxi early morning to arrive at Taichung Train Station to catch the 5:56am Express.  All went according to this revised plan and the journey was indeed a new experience for this 50+you flatland Singaporean.  This proved to be the longest day - cycling from Hualien to Taidong, catching the 8pm Express to Kaoshiung, search for a hotel (Kindess at 1700NT) and resting at 2am after laundry.  VERY SURPRISINGLY, I did not really feel exhausted after the 168km. I guess the full impact of altitude 'training' was evident here. This is confirmed by Mr Liu, a TCM businessman who sat next to me saying that I don't look tired at all.  Revised: Can try to do this 240km to end at Checheng, take a Taxi to Kaoshiung - Zouying Station.  Rest for the night and go visit Velocite the next day and spend time in Kaoshiung before taking the HSR back to Taipei.  <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Helvetica, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; ">Getting closer ... but perhaps hang around at Taitung City for Brunch, load up before setting off. Will consider resting at Taitung County Daren Township if there is any B&Bs. </span>