Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Germany Latest News
  • Sports
  • USA
  • Asia
  • Health
  • Life Style
  • Tech
  • Science
  • Latin America
  • Africa
  • Europe
No Result
View All Result
Germany Latest News
Home Asia

Taiwan by bike: Around the island in 12 days

admin by admin
November 2, 2018
in Asia
0
Taiwan by bike: Around the island in 12 days
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Related posts

Coronavirus vaccine: India begins world’s biggest drive

Coronavirus vaccine: India begins world’s biggest drive

January 16, 2021
National security law: Hong Kong rounds up 53 pro-democracy activists

National security law: Hong Kong rounds up 53 pro-democracy activists

January 6, 2021

(CNN) — The policewoman switches on her patrol car siren and says "Let's go."

A mechanical fault on my bicycle hardly seems justification for a police escort through downtown Chihshang to find a repair store. But Cycle Route No. 1 — a two-wheeled circumnavigation around the island of Taiwan — is not to be taken lightly. Inaugurated in 2015, this 602-mile (968-kilometer) epic is fast becoming one of Asia's greatest destinations — not to mention a lifetime ambition among cycling-obsessed Taiwanese.Taiwan's Route No.1 attracts cyclists of all ages.

Taiwan's Route No.1 attracts cyclists of all ages.

Mark Stratton

Moving pictures

Taiwan's love affair with cycling began in the 1980s with the rise of homegrown cycle manufacturer, GIANT.

An abundance of affordable cycles coincided with Taiwan's evolution from an industrializing work-all-hours society, giving rise to a culture in which leisure and health became important considerations.

"My grandfather wasn't rich and worked hard," explains Stephen Chen, founder of Taipei-based cycle tour operator Panagoe. "Now our generation inherits a wealthier society with more money and time for recreation and health."

There was already significant government investment in cycleways by the mid-2000s when along came Taiwanese director, Chen Huai-en's cult movie, "Island Etude" — a rite-of-passage escapade chronicling a boy's voyage of self-discovery during a solo cycle around Taiwan's coastline.

The movie captured Taiwan's imagination and Cycling Route No. 1 was born. Inspired by the film, cyclists began pedaling around the country's coastlines well before the route was formally signposted in 2015.

The journey begins

The circular round-the-country route typically takes between 10 to 12 days to complete — and is not recommended for beginners. A "O kilometer" mark can be found at Taipei's Songshan Station, marking the beginning of the route.

It weaves through a mix of dedicated cycleways, uncrowded country roads and segregated lanes on busier roads. Most cyclists tackling Route No. 1 start in the flatter area of western Taiwan to build up stamina for the tougher eastern coast.

Before passing through Kaohsiung city, the western path offers a peek into Taiwan's rural corners. Bikers ride by emerald-hued rice paddies and ocean-facing Taoist temples dedicated to the sea-god Matsu.

Approaching Taiwan's southernmost tip, there's a dedicated bike hotel by the dune-backed beaches of Kenting National Park.

Yoho Bike Hotel was the first of its kind to debut in Asia, opening in 2009 — there's even a quirky bike spa where guests can pamper their trusty two-wheelers. The various routes draw bikers of all ages and ambitions.

Michael Chung — aged 71 but looking trim in figure-hugging Spandex — is training with his brother on the 11-mile Hsinchu coastal cycleway with an aim to tackle the round-the-country route in the near future.

"Cycling is my way of staying fit as I get older and I have never had time to see all my country," Chung tells me. "At my age, this might be my last chance," he adds, laughing.

University student Huang Yua-Hao, refuels at one of the ubiquitous roadsiderest areas, where cyclists can find route directions, free water and tire pumps.

"I want to see all Taiwan while I am free of commitments like a career and children," says Huang.

Revving up

Kenting National Park is a beautiful ride along traffic-free roads on the South Pacific Coast.

Kenting National Park is a beautiful ride along traffic-free roads on the South Pacific Coast.

Mark Stratton

While scenic, the west coast is the calm before the storm. After rounding the southern tip of Taiwan, the eastern coast ripples with some 286 mountain summits topping 9,843 feet (3,000 meters). Cycling through the rolling landscape is exhausting yet exhilarating.

The route takes travelers through indigenous Taiwanese tribal areas and forests full of chattering macaques. At An Tong — an East Coast refuge known for its hot springs — volcanic mineral onsens provide welcome rejuvenation for weary limbs.

"The landscapes in Taiwan are extremely diverse … and cyclists get to see so many different sceneries (when biking Route No.1)," says Chen.

"From mountains to plains, ocean views and high mountains — like Dayuling — the views attract numerous adventurous cyclists to (take on the) challenge."

The final stretch

The short Lake Liyu Circuit Cycleway in Hualien County is ideal for families and leisure bikers.

The short Lake Liyu Circuit Cycleway in Hualien County is ideal for families and leisure bikers.

Mark Stratton

The most striking part of the ride is farther north, past Hualien City, in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taroko Gorge. Aquamarine rivers carve narrow slits through Taroko's glistening marble mountains.

It's a steep climb toward Taroko's highest point of 10,745 feet (3,275 meters).

Beyond Taroko is the Suhua Highway, Taiwan's most mountainous road. Cyclists follow cliff-hugging roads running, at times, perilously close to a long ocean drop. Then comes the final stretch. The tea plantations around Pinglin — a rural outpost in northern Taiwan — signal Taipei City's proximity.

Back in the capital after 12 days on two wheels, you realize just how serious Route No. 1 can be. So serious, you may end up with a police escort of your own.

Originally published March 2017, republished July 2018

Original Article

CNN

Previous Post

World’s most expensive beef noodle soup

Next Post

Israeli army kills three Palestinian children in Gaza

Next Post
Israeli army kills three Palestinian children  in Gaza

Israeli army kills three Palestinian children in Gaza

RECOMMENDED NEWS

How the EU can keep health care affordable

How the EU can keep health care affordable

2 years ago
Anyone but Trump: The Texas evangelicals who plan to vote Democrat

Anyone but Trump: The Texas evangelicals who plan to vote Democrat

11 months ago

Brazil economy contracts for the first time since 2016

2 years ago
Cambridge Analyticas acting CEO steps down

Cambridge Analyticas acting CEO steps down

3 years ago

FOLLOW US

  • 79 Followers

BROWSE BY CATEGORIES

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Health
  • latest news
  • Latin America
  • Life Style
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • USA

BROWSE BY TOPICS

2018 League Balinese Culture Bali United Budget Travel Champions League Chopper Bike Doctor Terawan Istana Negara Market Stories National Exam Pope Francis may mediate Gulf Crisis Solution Visit Bali
No Result
View All Result

Recent Posts

  • Kunal Kapur: I want to research more on immunity boosters in 2021
  • Coronavirus: Face mask, face shield, FFP2, N95, KN95 – what’s the difference?
  • Bundesliga: Borussia Dortmund’s home woes continue after Marco Reus penalty miss
  • As Germans continue to circulate, COVID death rate rises
  • Trump’s final full week in office ends with the nation in disarray

Categories

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Health
  • latest news
  • Latin America
  • Life Style
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • USA

Tags

2018 League Balinese Culture Bali United Budget Travel Champions League Chopper Bike Doctor Terawan Istana Negara Market Stories National Exam Pope Francis may mediate Gulf Crisis Solution Visit Bali
German Constitutional Court upholds ban on anti-lockdown protest
latest news

German Constitutional Court upholds ban on anti-lockdown protest

by admin
December 6, 2020
0

An anti-lockdown group had filed an urgent court appeal hoping to allow 20,000 people to gather in Bremen. Despite the...

Read more

Recent News

  • Kunal Kapur: I want to research more on immunity boosters in 2021
  • Coronavirus: Face mask, face shield, FFP2, N95, KN95 – what’s the difference?
  • Bundesliga: Borussia Dortmund’s home woes continue after Marco Reus penalty miss

Category

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Health
  • latest news
  • Latin America
  • Life Style
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • USA

Recent News

Kunal Kapur: I want to research more on immunity boosters in 2021

Kunal Kapur: I want to research more on immunity boosters in 2021

January 16, 2021
Coronavirus: Face mask, face shield, FFP2, N95, KN95 – what’s the difference?

Coronavirus: Face mask, face shield, FFP2, N95, KN95 – what’s the difference?

January 16, 2021
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Contact

© 2021 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Sports

© 2021 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.