King of the Mountains
One for the hardcore, ride the full length of Taiwan, from the southern tip to the northern capital, in just 1 week. For anyone interested in exploring Taiwan's east coast, as well as stretching their legs on the world's longest road climb, this itinerary will challenge as well as dazzle.
Transfer to Kenting National Park
Fly from Taipei (the northernmost city) to Kaohsiung (the southernmost) in just a couple of hours on Taiwan's state of the art high speed railway. Our guides will be waiting for you in Kaohsiung (having left considerably earlier to race the train!) and will then take you the rest of the way to Kenting National Park, famous for its golden beaches, mountain hikes and snorkeling spots.
Kenting National Park, Zhiben Hot Springs
An exceptional route through Kenting National Park makes up the first 100km of this ride. Quiet roads, stunning views and a couple of cheeky climbs make this some of the nicest riding on the island. Lunch at Daren will be followed by a quick 40km north along the coastal road....just keep the sea on your right and the mountains on your left and you'll be there in no time!
Zhiben Hot Springs, Chenggong
A slightly easier ride along the coast means there'll be plenty of time for sightseeing and food tasting along the way. Jialulan and the 'Uphill River' are interesting diversions, and Sanxiantai bridge is a famous landmark along this stretch of pacific coastline. Chenggong, your home for the night, is famous for its fresh swordfish, which is best enjoyed completely raw 'sashimi' style.
Chenggong, Hualien
A wonderful ride all the way along the coast up to the gateway city of Hualien. The first half of the ride is flat and wide, following the coastal plains on this southern section of coast. The second half becomes tougher riding, but in my opinion, even more beautiful. The wide coastal plain gives way to a narrower road cut into the mountains that come careening straight out of the blue waters. Finally you'll arrive into Hualien city, where our guide will show you the highlights of the city's famous night market.
Hualien, Lishan (KOM)
We can't (and we won't) dress it up.....this one's a beast. The road that winds through Taroko Gorge all the way to Wuling Pass is the longest road climb in the world (87.5km!) and is more than worthy of the reputation that it is making for itself. A challenge?, yes. A few moments where you need to dig deep?, absolutely. Probably, in this writer's opinion, the most wonderful one day bike ride in the world?, most certainly. It's a bucket list ride and we're sure regardless of what you're aiming for you'll love it.
Lishan, Jiaoxi
Two relatively minor bumps break up what is otherwise a day of descending. After 30km of up and down coming out of the valley in Lishan, the gorge just drops away in front of your eyes and all that's left to do is fly down the 50km descent that presents itself. At the end of the ride you have the options of a visit to the award winning Kavalan Distillery or to the Jiaoxi Hot Springs (or both!).
Jiaoxi, Taipei
The last day of a trip that will have seen you ride all the way from Taiwan's southern tip back to Taipei in the north in just 1 week. A couple of cheeky mountain ranges separate Yilan county from Taipei, but luckily there's a gorgeous quiet road that goes up and over them that you'll follow all the way back to the Taipei basin. The very end of your epic adventure will be to re-enter the city through Fu De Keng cemetery with wonderful winding roads and exceptional views of the city.
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