In September 2018, toward the end of a business trip in Taiwan, I joined several of my American and Taiwanese co-workers on a big group ride to scenic Sun Moon Lake- one of Taiwan’s top tourist destinations. As we headed back, I was slowing everyone else down, so they reluctantly agreed to split up and went ahead without me. After hours of riding and climbing in the mountains, I developed the worst leg cramps I have ever experienced. Perhaps an hour after I split from the group, I simply could not turn the pedals and sat down, writhing in pain on the side of the road. I limped to a busy street corner, and began looking for a taxi to get back to the hotel- perhaps 10 miles away at this point. Then a lady came over and asked if I was hurt. She ended up staying with me for at least 20 minutes, first trying to flag a taxi down, and then called one that could fit my bike. Next, 2 policemen came by, stretched my legs and waited until the taxi arrived to be sure I was ok. No one spoke much English but knew enough to communicate.
If that’s not enough, an older lady came out of the small shop I was in front of and invited me into her home to rest in a chair! There are just amazing people in Taiwan! I thanked them all as best I could, but what a cool experience that resulted! This is why I never worry about doing long crazy rides. No matter where you are, there are good people everywhere.
Now I just need to work on being more attune to others so I can pay these acts of kindness forward!
