Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Nov5 - Day2 (Hualien, Tosca Pasta, Taroko Gorge)

We were suppose to wake up at 7am for a jog to wake our legs up but instead we woke up 2.5hrs later. It was still raining outside, So we did a 5min jog =p Drank Ensure Plus for breakie. The itinerary today was to collect our Race Pack at the Visitors Centre, rent a scooter, lunch at Tosca Pasta and rekkie Taroko Gorge.

Ppl starting to arrive at Hualien

The visitor centre was packed. I had communicated with a Mr Lee from the CTRRA (Taipei Running Association) on our registration as I had problem registering online. He was kind enough to do that for us plus letting us pay upon collection. I found out that he’s a Malaysian as well.

Race pack includes K-Swiss singlet & other misc
Requested to buy their race bag for NT$100 (only this bag is allowed at luggage tent)

 
Next up, renting a scooter. Seems like most of the shops required International License but thankfully they recommended us to try other shop which they think would accept KS’s Malaysian Motor License. NT400 per day, we went to pump a full tank of petrol for NT100 only. Wow!!! RM10 for a full tank. Cheap!!




With rain pelting on our faces (we had raincoat on), and map in my hand, we scooted our way to Tosca Pasta. Our last carbo loading meal was good. Make sure to take the set meal, it comes with a bowl of soup, salad, main dish & a drink.




Studying up on my mandarin


Around 1.30pm, we starting to make our way to Taroko Gorge. We were told by Mr Lee that it takes around 40mins to get there by scooter. We stop a few times to take pictures of the scenery. We went by the Taroko Gorge HQ Visitors Centre to get some info on the route. Anyway, more info on the route at the Marathon review.

Enjoy the sights of Taroko Gorge


The bridge to Taroko Gorge Information Center



Tents being setup for the next day's run

Exhibition hall




We made our way back to Hualien and to our delight, we saw MCDs. Stopped to buy our dinner, returned the scooter then back to the motel. Time passed really slow when the sunsets really early. Settled in at 10pm for a 3.30am rise the next morning.


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