I’m organising a sponsored ride around the island in mid July for a charity called Red Heart Association. Currently 2 others signed up.
Basically the Red Heart Association is a charity that works for the socially disadvantaged in Taiwan. It is run by very well meaning people who are good at what they do but probably less net-savy or good at PR. Hence not finding anything on Google.
They have several divisions. Working with the elderly (particularly those that have been abandoned by, or have no family). The young - orphans or children from deprived backgrounds, including helping with scholarships. Helping those who need help with everyday tasks - educationally subnormal (is that PC? I dunno). And the families of convicts, who are ostracised (sp?) and find it difficult to make a living.
My non cycling, but very motivated and organised friend is busy arranging sponsorship, publicity and events - including send off from Taipei City Hall, concerts in Taichung (Taizhong) and Hualian and being met by various local cycling clubs.
We are being paid, to compensate for time taken off work and equipment will be supplied or augmented as necessary - I will be riding my own bike, make no mistake!
It should take around 10 days, though there will be some tight deadlines. The overall mileage is not too difficult to achieve, but daily mileages and deadlines may be tough to meet given the unpredictabilityof breakdowns.
Touring experience a definate advantage though not essential - I set off across Europe and Asia never having riden further than 50 miles.
Send me a message or make a posting if you’re interested. We need to be able to finalise the crew asap so we can give details to the press and sponsors.