According to Huang's calculations, the team will cover an average distance of 86km per day, riding an average time of four hours per day -- and will spend a total of 47 hours in the saddle. Along the route the team hopes to be joined by members of local cycling groups and, although still to be confirmed, the team also hopes to see the participation of a city mayor or two.
As well as enlisting the help of Taiwan's top touring cyclist, the group will also receive assistance from local bicycle manufacturing Giant. As sponsors of the event the company will be providing the team with equipment ranging from the bicycles, to helmets, clothing and numerous spare parts and accessories. The British Council and South Africa's Liaison Office have also shown an interest and will be organizing events in various cities along the route.
The members of the cycling group might all have substantial experience, but none of them is taking the up-coming task lightly. Although none has either any plans, or time for that matter, to undergo a strict regimented training program before they set off, they have been taking to the streets during the weekends recently in preparation for the upcoming trip.
"To some extent it's going to be quite easy, especially in comparison with the trip I took from England to Singapore. Even if I'm fit enough this shouldn't be a problem. Sure, it will be uncomfortable, but I'm not expecting to want to give up along the way because it will be too hard," said Wilsdon. "That said, however, I'm not simply taking it for granted."
While the entire team remains upbeat about completing the trip within the estimated time frame, they realize that the trip will not be without its problems, especially with the summer heat.
"This will be an exceptional challenge for me. When I cycled in South Africa it was during the winter, but cycling in the middle of summer in Taiwan is a totally different ball game," said Badenhorst. "For me personally the weather will play a big role and fluids will be very important."
The searing heat doesn't worry Kensaku, however, as the Japanese national, who has only been in Taiwan one week, is more worried about the dangers posed by other road users. And while he shrugs off the possibilities of a major accident with a sheepish grin, he will be remaining vigilant.
"I haven't been in Taiwan very long and I've only ridden short distances in preparation for the trip so far," Kensaku said. "But from what I've seen I'm fully aware that it's very dangerous on the roads in Taiwan."
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