The island nation of Taiwan is a crowded place filled with friendly people, good food, affordable accommodations, and some of the best cycling infrastructure in the world. Taiwan is a cycling heaven. We were flying into Taipei with China Airline. This bustling metropolis is crowded with 2.6 million population, a thriving commercial city and most modernise location. There are shopping malls, restaurants, night markets and entertainment centres.
From Taipei, you can cycle straight out of the city or take a bus or train to get to your bicycle-friendly destinations.If you plan to take the train, make note that there is only one train each day that can accommodate full-size bicycles, so be sure to buy your train ticket at least a day or two in advance.
**Please make sure to get a ticket for both you and your bicycle.
Bringing your own bicycle to Taiwan is a good idea, but however, you can also rent a bicycle for the duration of your stay. There are quite a number of bike shops in both Taipei and around the country that you can easily rent a bicycle for your stay. Most of the quality rental bikes in Taiwan are hybrids and mountain bike models.
Most of the cyclist head east toward the country’s less-populated coastline. Taiwan is a country that is very much divided by the mountains that run vertically down the middle of the island. The west coast of the country is where the majority of the population lives and works. On the east coast, there are small towns, farms and lots of open space. This is where you'll find steep mountainous, jungle terrain filled with nature and animals. Cyclists will normally choose the island’s eastern coastline route.
The best time to go cycling in Taiwan is in the wintertime, during the months of October through February. At this time of year, average temperatures range from 19-27 degrees Celsius during the day and from 14-22 Celsius at night. Rain is less likely in the wintertime and it’s hot during the day.
Bring along light rain jacket cause rain showers are common, especially if you are planning to cycle to the mountains, which reach as high as 3,000+ meters or 10,000+ feet, cold weather, rain and foggy.
Taiwan is a bicycle friendly country, there quite an incredible bicycle infrastructure with number of bicycle lanes, bike shops and rest stations built specifically for people traveling by bike and cycling events. Locals and foreigners have a common practice to get outside and cycle around the island
The roads and bicycle paths in Taiwan are in very good condition. If you plan to cycle to Wuling mountain, then make sure the bicycle you use has enough low gears to get you up the hills.
Our tour guide arranged the best accommodation for us
Photos credited to my tour guide via support car + videographer + photographer Jason Tseng - TWCT Cycling Service (Contact: 886-912 936 896)
Food in Taiwan mainly consist a lots of white rice, vegetables, tofu and meat. In most cities, you'll find western fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, Subway, Pizza Hut, KFC and Domino’s. If eating out isn’t your thing, then you can grab a fast meal at 7-Eleven and Family Mart
Taiwan is a worthwhile endeavour, the people are friendly and welcoming. Expect to be greeted with smiles and waves. If you ride a bike, local cyclists and drivers alike will go out of their way to cheer you on and give you a “thumbs up” as you pass. Locals are quick to help in any way they can, whether it be giving you directions to a nearby hotel or restaurant, or stopping to chat and ask where you are from and how you are enjoying your time in Taiwan.
Whether you are an experienced cyclist or a total newbie, Taiwan is a great place for bike touring. There’s a little bit of everything in Taiwan, flat coastal riding, steep mountainous terrain, beaches, jungles, cities and beautiful scenery.
Ever famous Wuling
Wuling mountain climbs to the peak is 3275m from sea level. It is one of the longest and most challenging climbs in the world with pitches of up to 27%.
Temperature variations look rather extreme. At 1000m around 22 celcius, 2000m 17c, 3000m 13, 4000m 8c according to some mountaineering websites currently. At the peak it is freezing cold due mainly to the exposed spot and also wind chill. Lucky enough our trip has support car. We wont be riding down, because the downhill is dangerous and horrendously tiring.
Be prepare to deal with altitude sickness that possibly will kick in from about 2400m. Even a very strong climber got hit with it, you will lost all power in your legs and suffered badly.
Atlas Cycling Apparels
As for the bike, its all set and ready and tuned. Its basically a climbing setup on my LOKKA bike rig with compact chain rings and cranks 52/36T, and 42T cassette.
I have been training at Genting Peras for hill climb every weekend, I guess I am quite ready for what is coming. I just want to share my journey with you guys. Thank you for reading
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