Taiwan

[cycladelic]

Ah! The penny just dropped...

Best,

Dan.

Cycling Plus will feature Taiwan again soon. One of its writers was over here late last year as part of a group sponsored by the local tourism office. I just took photos. We went down the east coast and there was a race up Taroko Gorge. It's called KOM - King of Mountains. Crazy stuff.

There were writers from various European cycling mags - from France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Finland etc - so Taiwan should become better known as a cycling destination.

Graham

[onrbikes]

Hi Graham

As usual your photos are show stoppers.

Wait till your other journals get discovered

Fred

[Donnydid]

Cheers Graham!

Will be setting off to Australia in a couple of months via China and Hong Kong
so a little detour could be on the cards!   

I think I would have to fly in from Hong Kong as China is not really friends with Taiwan.
I have read a book about Taiwan but its good to hear from someone who has been
there and done it!

Dave

[cycladelic]

I think I would have to fly in from Hong Kong as China is not really friends with Taiwan.

Dave

There are tons of daily direct flights now between China and Taiwan, so it's not a problem. They started a few years ago. but you are right, the two countries have their differences.

How long would you tour this island for?

Graham

[Donnydid]

Hi Graham

I didnt know that there were flights from China to Taiwan, the book I read must of been very old!  lol

I would be looking at visiting Taiwan for a minimum of a month, I like to take things easy and I will
be in no rush, I expect my trip to Aus to take a couple of years so a month or two added on the length
of my trip is not going to be a problem.....the money might be!  lol

I shall have to add Taiwan onto my research list and check out the cost of flights etc.

Many Thanks
Dave

[cycladelic]

I would be looking at visiting Taiwan for a minimum of a month, I like to take things easy and I will
be in no rush...

Many Thanks
Dave

You should see a lot in a month.

I suggest you start by riding over Highway 7, stopping off at a couple of places along its route.

Little Wulai has a nice waterfall, near Fuxing (see photo below), and further up is Lala Mountain, where there are some trees that are over 2,000 years old. It's about 8km up off the 7.

Then there's a wonderful small road to Smangus. It's is a dead end, but you can sleep in the village and again visit some old trees.

[Donnydid]

Hi Graham

Thanks for reigniting my interest in visiting Taiwan!
I checked out flights from Hong Kong which are around the £200 return mark,
so thats not too bad in the scheme of things.
Now to find my book about Taiwan which I have packed ready to put into
storage!

Dave

[cycladelic]

Now to find my book about Taiwan which I have packed ready to put into
storage!

Dave

My Lonely Planet is around 15 years old, but I'm not sure the latest one will tell you much, certainly not a lot as far as cycling goes.

I recall reading somewhere that Taoyuan County, where I live and where the 7 starts, is more or less written off as a cultural wasteland. No, there are no decent museums etc, but you can find some great places to ride.

Feel free to pick my brains.

Here's a photo of the coffee shop I sometimes ride to on my days off. It's at Shirmen dam/reservoir, which is close to the small town of Daxi - the start of Highway 7. The cheesecake is good!

Graham

[onrbikes]

Hey Graham.

You really should become a tourist rep for Taiwan. Your photos sell themselves.  Ha, Ha, Ha

Good work

Fred

[jags]

unbeliveable no other word for it.
i reckon this is how the other half lives

[alfie1952]

Cycladelic,you have poor jags drooling. Don't know if it's the beautiful scenery you're photographing or the mention of cheesecake.

Jags,
I,m sure the world will be your oyster when you're astride your beautiful new audax. Fingers are still crossed.

[jags]

Cheers Alfie but its the club tour now i know i know changed my mind again but the tour will be better me thinks,mind you as much as i would like it will never see that part of the world ireland and the uk i reckon but you never know.

cheers
anto who loves cheese cake.
 

[cycladelic]

...as much as i would like it will never see that part of the world.... but you never know.

You'd like it here if you like climbing long hills... and cheescake.

Here are two more shots. The first of the 7 climbing up near the top and the Central Mountains at around 4pm:

[Donnydid]

Hi Graham

I'am still looking for my Taiwan book, its there somewhere!
Its also a Lonely Planet and I agree theres nothing about cycling in it,
but it gave me an insight to the country overall.

Your photo's are stoking up my interest again for the country, I just
love the mountains and trees!.......and cheesecake!

Dave

[jags]

  yeah to many hills for this kid,