FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE SUN 28 MAR | ARRIVAL
Welcome to the vibrant city of Taipei. After checking into our hotel, we will ensure your rental bike is a perfect fit, or assist with unpacking your own bike so all is ready for the first ride tomorrow. There will be time to relax and explore the immediate neighbourhood before the Welcome and Tour Briefing over dinner.
DAY TWO MON 29 MAR | YMS TWO PEAKS
We start our Taiwanese adventure visiting the lush slopes of Yangmingshan National Park, just north of Taipei. After leaving the city we wind through dense forest, eventually reaching the first peak at Fengguizui. We drop down to the Pacific coast near Wanli, before starting to climb the next peak - Xiaoyoukeng - proper volcanic terrain. A long winding descent takes us back to the city.
DISTANCE | 85KM | 53MI
ELEVATION | 1900M | 6235FT
DAY THREE TUE 30 MAR | PINGLIN TEA FIELDS
We venture south of the capital into the serene hills of Pinglin. This region is famous for its Baozhong tea and offers a landscape of terraced plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see. We pedal through quiet, curving roads where the air carries the faint aroma of roasting tea leaves. It is a day of smooth tarmac and green horizons that perfectly captures the peaceful side of island cycling. We will naturally take the time to stop and taste the local brew to fully appreciate the craft of this unique area.
DISTANCE | 110KM | 68MI
ELEVATION | 1750M | 5740FT
DAY FOUR WED 31 MAR | YILAN TO HUALIEN
This is the ride that many cyclists dream of doing. The Suhua Highway is legendary for a reason. With the vast Pacific Ocean on one side and towering cliffs on the other, the scenery is nothing short of majestic. We hug the coastline, taking in the awe-inspiring Qingshui Cliffs that plunge vertically into the azure sea. The riding is exhilarating and the views are endless. It is a day where you will want to stop for photos at every turn, so keep your camera within easy reach.
DISTANCE | 62KM | 39MI
ELEVATION | 900M | 2950FT
DAY FIVE THU 1 APR | REST DAY
Today is yours to unwind. Hualien is a laid-back city perfect for a slow morning coffee or a stroll through the creative parks. For those needing some body maintenance, we can arrange a visit to a local spa for a traditional massage.
In the evening, we regroup for a special dinner at an authentic indigenous restaurant. It is a fantastic opportunity to taste the wild herbs, roasted meats, and millet wine that define the distinct flavour of the region.
Option for a short ride.
DAY SIX FRI 2 APR | TAIWAN KOM
The Taiwan KOM route follows the legendary eastern ascent to Wuling Pass, arguably the longest continuous paved climb in the world. From the Pacific coast at Qixingtan Beach, it starts gently at around 2.5% through the marble walls of Taroko Gorge. We then climb for 57 kilometers through dense cloud forest at a steady 4 to 6%. After reaching Dayuling at 2,565 meters, the trees disappear and the air gets noticeably thinner. The final stretch is a brutal series of switchbacks averaging 10 to 17%, with even steeper ramps just before the Wuling summit. Let's go!
DISTANCE | 85KM | 53MI
ELEVATION | 3700M | 12140FT
DAY SEVEN SAT 3 APR | HUALIEN TO RUISUI
Leaving the coast behind, we head into the East Rift Valley, often called the "land of milk and honey" due to its agricultural abundance, emerald rice paddies, and scenic, lush landscape. This verdant corridor sits nestled between the Central and Coastal mountain ranges. The riding here is sublime with long stretches of flat roads bordered by endless rice paddies. We pass through charming towns like Fenglin and Guangfu. Our destination is Ruisui, a town famous for its hot springs, where a soak in the mineral-rich waters awaits you at our hotel.
DISTANCE | 79KM | 49MI
ELEVATION | 570M | 1870FT
DAY EIGHT SUN 4 APR | PACIFIC, VALLEY, REPEAT
We start the day by crossing the Coastal Mountain Range via a winding scenic road that delivers us back to the Pacific Ocean. Once we hit the coastal highway, the views are expansive. Pedaling south we cross back over into the valley through endless rice fields. A final mountain crossing brings us back to the coast near the town of Donghe, famous for its steamed buns.
DISTANCE | 140KM | 87MI
ELEVATION | 1900M | 6235FT
DAY NINE MON 5 APR | LIJI BADLANDS & DULAN
This ride takes us where not many people go, where most follow the coast, we are riding inland along quiet roads before arriving at the striking Liji Badlands. Known as Taiwan's "Moon World", this unique landscape is famous for its barren, sharply eroded mudstone formations. After a fantastic descent back to the ocean, we follow the coast to the laid-back surfing town of Dulan for lunch. It's then a short ride back to our favourite hotel in Donghe for a celebration dinner.
DISTANCE | 93KM | 58MI
ELEVATION | 1400M | 4600FT
DAY TEN TUE 6 APR | COASTAL FINALE & GOODBYE
Our final ride takes us further down the dramatic east coast towards Taitung. We pass through the surf vibe of Dulan and witness the gravity-defying "Water Running Up" spectacle. The ride finishes in Taitung City where we celebrate the completion of our journey with a final lunch.
In the afternoon we board the express train back to Taipei, arriving around 18:00. This scenic four-and-a-half-hour rail journey offers a relaxing reverse perspective of the landscapes we conquered over the last few days. If you prefer to fly, a quick one-hour domestic flight is also available to return you to the capital in comfort.
You'll leave with legs of steel, a camera full of memories, and the unique spirit of Taiwan in your heart.
DISTANCE | 41KM | 25MI
ELEVATION | 227M | 745FT
Time to say farewell, until next time!
Ride safe, Puntos.