In previous article we mentioned about Hawaiian carnival theme. This time on the race track you will find they reach deep mountains and forests at the southern end of Taiwan. You may ride on the rocks or you may run in the jungles, climbing up rocks or trunks. These factors were the reasons that attracted more off-road racers to challenge. Of course the editor was also fascinated by the photos of those finishers, then I signed up for my first off-road duathlon in 2022.

The editor has participated in different road races in the past, large or small events. And also two ironman races, but XTERRA is completely a different genre, it needs well-planned distribution in your physical energy. The editor can’t swim well so I started from duathlon first. It requires a 23- kilometer ride and a 11-kilometer run. The numbers didn’t look too scary but after the race actually started, I was really wrong.

6 o’clock in the morning, the editor geared up and brought the T2 bag to the Howard Resort Hotel in Kenting, the starting point of the race. There, we saw triathlon racers were preparing their bikes and warming up. It was like a friend reunion, people chatting and taking pictures everywhere. They didn’t look nervous or afraid at all.

The morning sunshine and temperature at 7 o’clock was comfortable and cozy. Sunlight casted on Xiaowan (Little Bay), Kenting. And the traditional aboriginal Rukai ceremonial dance gave peace and courage to all the racers and staff. During March, the weather in Xiaowan is relatively stable compared with Nanwan and Baishawan, the two neighboring bay areas in Kenting. When it is good, there are no long waves and strong currents in the sea. It’s very good conditions for the locals. 

Race track winds along Shihniou River, Mt. Dashanmu, Mt. Menmaluo, and Chihniuling. The number seemed short, 23k, but it takes certain physical endurance and MTB skills out of these racers. Road surfaces and that beautiful views are exclusive in Kenting. From Start point to Shihniou River, racers will ride pass through a muddy trail. Riders must keep pedaling and choose the best line in order to pass quickly. Sometimes the front rider will suddenly stop and slow the traffic. So don’t just look after yourself, but also the front rider and every possible situations. 

Trails in the central and northern Taiwan are subtropical wet surfaces, while in Kenting the terrains are made of coral reefs. So the road are filled with fine sands and rocks when climbing. If the tire pressure is not set properly, it is likely to cause low grip or flat tires, all of which are not wanted to happen during a race. But worry no more, sponsor brand Shimano will send a crew to ride E-bike to patrol around the tracks and will rescue riders with mechanical problems.

After finishing Mt. Dashanmu, it followed by the most famous Mt. Menmaruo. It is a straight and unbounded wild turf that made all the riders look small from a distance. When riding, your view would make you feel like you can never ride to the top.

Chiniuling, the last section of the cross-country mountain bike, can be said to be the most tormenting stage. By the time around noon, the high temperature and super steep slopes will stop you. In order to preserve energy for cross-country running, the editor walked for almost the entire last section. If you can ride downhill, you will try to ride as much as possible.

T2 was the convert area from MTB to cross-country running. It is located in Zhennan Palace, Hengchun Township. After reaching the arch at the end of MTB section, it surprised me that there was no need for me to park my bike and find my bag by myself. There will be staff preparing this for you. The staff would hand it to you, and men and women dressing spaces were separate, so that I could immediately change the wet and smelly clothes,and of course clean myself a little bit, so that the skin is dry and ready for cross-country running.

From Zhennan Palace, you can see the entire Hengchun Township, and of course you can see the blue and infinite sea horizon. The last journey was only 11km and most of them downhill, but it is not a flat road condition. It was full of tree roots and rocky mountain trails; after starting, my view shifted from the coastline to the green, tunnel-like promenade, surrounded by curtain-like trees on both sides.

During running section, I would occasionally encounter situations where I needed to use my hands to climb. There would still be small cobble stones on the road. If you wear ordinary running shoes, it is easy to scratch and sprain your ankles, so I strongly recommend to wear trail running shoes with better grip.

Of course, I didn’t run all the way. After riding the 23 kilometers, my feet almost cramped. Every few more kilometers I cramped either in my calf or quadriceps. I had to constantly replenish electrolytes to try to relieve cramps in order to let the muscles relax.

4km after the start, I ran out of the mountains and forests, and then I saw the beautiful scenery of Mt. Siaojian before you. At this moment it is also high speed grass track in the entire route. If you look further, you can vaguely see the incredible scenery of Nanwan.

When I entered the riverbed of Shiniu Creek, it meant that I was not far from the finish of the course, so my footsteps are lighter and more dynamic, but I should not be too relaxed at this stage. After returning to Liufu Villa, there was only 1km left. It was a bit uncomfortable to step on the tarmac road, and without the shade of trees, the heat from the sun came from all directions, making a short 1 kilometer especially torturous.

After arriving at the finish line, the staff on both sides quickly handed out Finisher Medal and finisher's gifts, and the hosts were enthusiastic and concerned about each runner.

 

Lastly, I must say that this event is worth participating, not only the race route was special and full of challenges, but also the finisher's gift was our favorite. There were XTERRA custom-made 5th anniversary cakes, a finisher's medal that can open the cap of a wine bottle, the most popular portable alcohol spray cans, and the most practical and compact camping chairs for off-roaders! Are you excited to see the photos?