Taiwan is probably the most cycling friendly country in Asia. They have a true appreciation for the bicycle which is understandable given their large bicycle manufacturing history. When you arrive at Taoyuan airport there are a lot of advertisements to "see Taiwan by bicycle". There is even a popular route that goes completely around the island that people from all walks of life and fitness levels take on every year. Taiwan is also home to massive mountains, some topping out at 3,000 meters. Although Taiwan has large cities and a bustling population, even a metropolis like Taipei seems somewhat more relaxed when compared to other large Asian cities. Smaller towns are even more relaxed and traditional.
Taiwan gets plenty of rain all year long but the south-east is quite a bit dryer than areas like Taipei. It's a fair bet that if you're cycling in Taiwan you're going to get wet at some point so bring along some wet weather gear. The Wulin climb can be tackled from the east or west side. The east side is longer at around 70km and from the west the climb is around 50km. Both sides offer incredible views but the east side takes you through Taroko Gorge and has somewhat more traffic than climbing from the west.
There are races each year that take on the massive climb from each side. The more famous is the Taiwan KOM Challenge which goes up the east side and even several World Tour pros ride the event each year. Another race, Tajaka Hill Climb, takes on the western route from the town of Puli. If you ride this climb it is highly recommended that you take some arm warmers and a gilet or even a jacket as the descent is chilly especially the first 20km or so. It's a truly incredible climb regardless of what side you start from and the further you climb the more beautiful it becomes. Taiwan is not just the home of Hello Kitty but also a hotbed for recreational and competitive cycling. We highly recommend taking a cycling holiday in Taiwan—you won't be disappointed.
Strava routes:
From the west: http://app.strava.com/activities/130674956
From the east: http://app.strava.com/activities/94076500#2023554647
Words and Video by David Christensen.
