DAY 1
Welcome to Taiwan, we will meet you at the Palais de Chine Hotel in Taipei at noon (www.palaisdechinehotel.com). After a debrief meeting about the trip we are about to start, we will assemble the bikes in a designated room. Our bike bags will remain at this hotel until our return.
In the early afternoon, we will travel by van to our hotel at Sun Moon Lake, a very scenic and peaceful region and a popular tourist spot for the Taiwanese.
Rest of the afternoon free, dinner at the hotel.
HOTEL: www.fleurdechinehotel.com
DAY 2
Our first ride in Taiwan will be around the Sun Moon Lake, we will ride around in both directions, today is all about getting ready for the challenging days ahead. We will enjoy lunch by the lake during our ride.
Sun Moon Lake is situated in the foothills of the Central Mountain Range that crosses Taiwan from north to south. In the geographical centre of the country, this is one of the local favourite places to go on holidays.
The region is also the land of the aboriginal Thao tribes that live around the lake, they are very involved in the local economy and own different business from guesthouses to souvenir shops.
In the afternoon you can enjoy some relaxation time in the hot springs that surround this beautiful property.
RIDE INFO: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26605314
59km / 800m
HOTEL: www.fleurdechinehotel.com
DAY 3
A very short transfer by van will take us to the monument that marks the geographic centre of Taiwan, from there we will start our first attempt to conquer Mt.Wuling, this time from the East side. The climb to the top is 55 km long, so pace yourself! On our way up we will ride through Qingjing Farm, a very good place to have a rest and have some food. Continuing our way up, the climb gets harder and more scenic the closer to the top.
Reaching Mt.Wuling is an amazing achievement. Descending towards Xincheng is another experience to remember, 88 km downhill!. The road is in very good condition given its remoteness, enjoy! The ride through Taroko gorge is really spectacular.
Note that given the length of the route today, there will be a shorter option to start riding at km 22, so to make sure we all make it at the top with enough time.
RIDE INFO (elevation is incorrect): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26605328
142km / 3,200m
CLIMBS: Mount Wuling East side 3.275m
HOTEL: www.liikohotels.com.tw
DAY 4
After yesterday’s effort, today we propose an easy ride down the coast road and return the same way. Recovery time with great food and possibility to have a sports massage if needed.
In the afternoon we will visit the Taroko National Park by van, this way we can enjoy better this amazing wonder of nature. This is one of the most visited parts of Taiwan, the gorges of Taroko are very narrow at some points, expect to walk to get the better views.
RIDE INFO: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26605337
95KM / 560 m
HOTEL: www.liikohotels.com.tw
DAY 5
The big day! Today we will follow the route that is becoming popular thanks to the KOM Taiwan event. Starting at sea level, the first section of the ride goes through the Taroko gorges, views are amazing in any direction you look. In total this climb is around 84 kilometres.
Around km 21 we find the Tianxiang recreation area, this marks the start of a more demanding section of the climb with 6-8% parts. The landscape and views continue to change until the last 10km where we find the steepest ramps of the climb, 15-20% sections can be painful at this stage. At one point you can see the summit, you will reach it after passing the Hehuanshan lookout, with the last km to go we are now very close to the top. Arriving at the top of Mt.Wuling for the second time in three days, goal achieved!
We will descent as far to Puli, after the ride we need to get to Taipei for our final night and farewell dinner.
RIDE INFO (elevation is incorrect): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26605379
142km / 3,600m
CLIMB: Mount Wuling KOM Taiwan side 3.275m.
HOTEL: www.palaisdechinehotel.com
DAY 6
After breakfast, our trip ends! We strongly suggest staying at least another day in Taipei, enjoying the attractions that this city has to offer and tasting some delicious food, that abounds all around.
MORE INFORMATION
PRICE:
TWIN room: $3,250 AUD
Single Supplement: $750 AUD
Rental bike: check with us
PAYMENT TERMS:
$700 AUD when making the booking. Balance to be paid 90 days before the trip starts.
WHAT´S INCLUDED:
5 nights accommodation between 4-5 Stars
ALL MEALS:
5 breakfasts.
5 lunches.
5 dinners, no alcohol included.
NOT INCLUDED:
International flights.
Travel insurance.
Hotel extras.
Tips for the staff.
SUPPORT:
We will have ride leaders and at least one mechanic on our trip.
Our staff/client ratio is 1:4 staff.
Our passenger vans come fully equipped with all necessary to give the best support during the rides.
We carry gels, energy bars, powder mix, water, fruit, riding food, tools, pumps, spare tubes and tyres to make sure our first class support helps you through the trip.
Professional first aid kit.
BEFORE THE TRIP:
You will receive a comprehensive packing list and all the routes in GPS format.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
91 days before the trip starts – the return of deposit less $300 AUD cancellation fee.
61 days before the trip starts – the return of the full amount of the trip less $300 AUD cancellation fee, plus any amount that we can’t recover from our hotel and other costs that we have already incurred in the trip preparation.
31 days before the trip starts- the return of 50% of the full amount paid.
Less than 30 days before the trip starts – no amount will be refunded. We will, however, try to credit as much as possible towards a future trip. This depends on the amount that we can get back from the hotels and other costs that we have already incurred in the trip preparation.
