Source:
https://scmp.com/magazines/hk-magazine/article/2034794/cycling-tours-taiwan
Magazines/ HK Magazine

Cycling Tours in Taiwan

A longtime popular travel destination, Taiwan’s outstanding national beauty is even more accessible now via cycling tours. By Andrea Lo.

Riding a bike opens up new sightseeing opportunities

With a surprising number of different ecosystems across the territory—including vast mountain ranges, an abundance of hot springs and coastal areas dotted with pristine beaches—Taiwan is emerging as a hotspot for both amateur and professional cyclists. The popularity of cycling across Taiwan is perhaps somewhat unsurprising, as bikes are a dime a dozen on the roads in its major cities; the Tour de Taiwan cycling race also attracts contestants from more than 20 countries every year. A number of organizations within the Asia-Pacific region offer cycling tours in Taiwan and on neighboring Green Island, many of which specifically cater to tourists and cycling professionals seeking to complete challenging expeditions.

The Cycling Life-Style Foundation

Established in 1989, the Cycling Life-Style Foundation was the first of its kind in the country, aiming to promote cycling culture. The creation of bicycle lanes on major roads, for example, is an achievement that can be attributed to their efforts.

The foundation often hosts cycling tours and events, advocating the positive effects of the sporting activity. Cycling enthusiasts can rent bicycles for group tours, as well as sign up to attend regularly organized events.

Upcoming events include state-of-the-art bikes being available for rental from December 10 through to January 31 in a special celebration to ring in the New Year.

The Foundation’s website offers a variety of useful information for amateur and professional cyclists alike, including comprehensive tips on cycling aboard and advice on how to fix a bicycle should it break down in the middle of an expedition. Downloadable forms for bike rental are also available.
A2, 9/F, 105 Dunhua Rd., Taipei 307, Taiwan, +886 02-2719-2025, www.cycling-lifestyle.org.tw.

Grasshopper Adventures

Describing itself as a “small company that doesn’t employ desk-bound managers, sales people, or a team of marketing whizzes,” Grasshopper Adventures prides itself as being a business that has cycling experts directly dealing with its customers.

A 12-day cycling tour taking participants to various spots on the island is available at Grasshopper Adventures for US$2,399. The vigorous cycling route begins in Taipei and will cross the east coast all the way down to the tropical south. Scenic spots and places of interest on the route include the Tropic of Cancer, the East Rift Valley, a ride around the 18km Green Island, as well as the Hengchun Peninsula. Rest and relaxation phases are also included on the tour; participants have the opportunity to unwind at the hot springs of Zhiben and discover the dramatic landscapes and scenery on the coast. Keen to explore more than Taiwan?

Upcoming tours include a seven-day trip from Saigon to Hanoi; cruising the coast to Koh Samui over nine days; as well as a 10-day bike tour that takes you from the north of Thailand to the south.
www.grasshopperadventures.com.


Cycling tours of Taiwan have become increasingly popular due to the proliferation of companies that offer cycling packages.


Green Island Adventures

Concentrating on Green Island—the small, scenic volcanic island off the eastern coast of Taiwan—Green Island Adventures specifically accommodates visitors and expatriates alike with a range of travelling packages. These range from sightseeing to snorkeling and diving and of course, cycling.

A three-day cycling trip consists of a total distance of approximately 180km from Hualien, Taitung and Green Island. Day one of the journey will take participants from Hualien to Jichi Beach, described as “the most difficult part of the entire trip.” Day two consists of cyclists crossing the rolling hills on to Jhuhu, and day three sees the conclusion of the tour, ending back on Green Island.

With cycling tours also available at a range of gorgeous spots in Taiwan including Hualien, the Taroko Gorge, the east coast as well as Hua Tung Valley, Green Island Adventures is a company that will cater to the needs to cyclists keen on exploring the natural beauty the island has to offer. Bike rentals are available at a separate cost.
Green Island Adventures, +886 9720-65479, www.greenislandadventures.com.

In Motion Asia

The outdoor adventure company based in Taiwan offers such services as customized tours, youth programs and corporate events. With a range of sporting activities available, its cycling tours in particular will take participants to some of the most spectacular riding terrains across the country.

Tours are specifically customized for participating members according to their levels of cycling competance and available time until completion; participants can also select from a range of tours of different time lengths. Day and weekend trips are ideal for those seeking a short cycling getaway, while longer tours from three to five days or over five days—such as partaking in the Tour de Taiwan—are also offered.

Much like other cycling tour organizations, trips take participants to illustrious must-see beauty spots, such as the Taroko Gorge, the Sun Moon Lake, as well as the East Coast Rift Valley.

Beyond Taiwan, In Motion Asia also offers bike tours across the Asia-Pacific region, such as in Hokkaido, Japan and Northern Thailand. If you’re up for something even more challenging than a regular tour, sign up on its website now to take part in stage nine of the Taiwan National Club Series, which will take you on a 62km climb up to the Alishan Peak. Additionally, In Motion Asia also acts as a distributor of nutrition brands; these include supplements from GU Energy Gel, PowerBar, Leppin Sport and Hammer Nutritions. Bike rentals are available at a separate cost.
7/1F, Alley 3, Lane 1, Neihu Rd., Section 1, Neihu 11446, Taipei; +886 02-2627 4197, www.inmotionasia.com.

Spice Roads Cycle Tours

Founded in Thailand in the mid-1990s, Spice Roads specializes in expert-led cycling tours. Having expanded within Southeast Asia, the firm now offers routes taking place in a variety of destinations across the region, including multi-country expeditions. Its Taiwan route discovers the array of ecosystems on the island, in addition to the Central Mountain Range and farmlands across the south.

The 11-day tour titled Taiwan Traverse by Road Bike costs US$3,100 (bike hire charged separately). It takes participants along the beaches of the Pacific coast, crossing through the Taroko Gorge as well as the East Rift Valley. As Taiwan is renowned for its hot springs, participants of the tour are also able to enjoy them for five nights during the journey. All routes are carefully researched and go under regular reviews; Spice Roads expressly chooses routes that avoid traffic—a negative aspect in cycling in Taiwan—and “always takes the scenic route.”

As an added plus, English-speaking tour guides and local assistants are provided on your journey, while supporting vehicles are on hand to carry heavy baggage. Participants of the tours stay in three- or four-star lodgings, and are free to discover the local culture on evenings. Bikes can be also be repaired by accompanying staff members. Bike rentals are available at a separate cost.
www.spiceroads.com.