A Japanese teacher who loves cycling came all the way to Taiwan, and CT Yeh, along with northern cycling friends, specially arranged a private route in the Northeast Coast that combines mountain and sea scenery with tough climbs. Setting off early in the morning from Keelung's Heping Island after enjoying local breakfast, they cruised along the coastal highway past the blue waters of Yin-Yang Sea, all the way to Fulong Station and Daxi Fishing Port for a seafood feast. However, the real challenge lay ahead: nearly ten kilometers of continuous climbing at Hubao Lake (Tiger Leopard Lake) with punishing gradients. Under the scorching sun and steep slopes, everyone arrived at the Taiping Police Station and the Honest Store at the summit, drenched in sweat. How brutal was this private journey full of local warmth?