Route from Zhunan to Houlong along the Miaoli Coast: A Flat-Riding Route Guide for Miaoli’s West Coast

In the road cycling landscape of Taiwan, the route from Zhunan to Houlong in Miaoli has long been a classic passed down among cyclists. It’s not just a number on a distance meter; it’s a complete experience that blends sweat, scenery, and local culture. This article will focus on the “West Coast” as its core theme, guiding you from route planning, difficulty assessment, equipment setup, and refueling strategy, all the way to the Longfeng Fishing Harbor, Cape Paradise, and the wind turbines along the way. Whether you’re a newcomer just entering the world of road cycling or a seasoned veteran who has battled through numerous races, you’ll have the most complete information before you set off, no longer just riding on a whim.

The most captivating aspect of this route is how it strings together signature highlights like Longfeng Fishing Harbor and Cape Haowang into a journey with rhythm and story. Taiwan’s terrain is regarded as a training paradise by cyclists worldwide precisely because a short ride can encompass plains, river valleys, hills, and high mountains, and Miaoli is a microcosm of this geographical diversity. With every turn, the scenery changes its expression; with every climb, you get to know your body a little better. Next, we’ll break down every detail of this route across eight sections, so that after reading this, you’ll feel as if you’ve already ridden it once.

Whether your goal is chasing a personal record (PR), rewarding yourself with a leisurely mini-trip, or introducing your family to this land of Taiwan, Zhunan to Houlong has a riding style for you. Let’s start with the most critical route overview and difficulty assessment, and gradually sketch out the blueprint for this journey.

Section 1: Comprehensive Route Overview and Difficulty Assessment

To fully understand a route, the first step is always to lay out its skeleton. This route from Zhunan to Houlong, approximately 18 kilometers with about 50 meters of cumulative elevation gain, falls into the “one-star” difficulty level. This rating isn’t determined by distance or elevation alone but is a composite of the steepness variations, road surface quality, traffic volume, density of refueling points, and the additional toll high altitude takes on your body. Many assume longer means harder and shorter means easier, but in reality, “how the climbing is distributed” is often the key factor determining a route’s perceived difficulty. The table below organizes the core evaluation metrics for this route.

As the table shows, the route’s “beginner” intensity positioning is very clear. For cyclists, what often deserves the most attention isn’t the total elevation gain but the “distribution of the climbing.” Some routes feature a steady, gradual ascent with a consistent rhythm, which is friendly to heart rate management; others alternate between flats and steep climbs, requiring constant switching of muscle engagement modes, posing a greater test of pacing ability. The terrain characteristics of Zhunan to Houlong dictate that you must have both your mental preparation and pacing plan ready before departure, rather than relying on sheer willpower in the moment.

From the perspective of an average amateur cyclist, if you maintain a relaxed aerobic zone (heart rate around 65-75% of max), the time needed to complete this route will often be longer than a simple calculation based on average speed would suggest, because stops for photos, refueling, and rest at Longfeng Fishing Harbor, Cape Paradise, and the wind turbines will take up considerable time. It’s recommended to treat this ride as a full-day outing rather than a race against the clock. Allowing ample time lets you truly savor the essence of this Miaoli route and gives you the composure to adjust your pace when your body signals fatigue, without being chased by the clock.

Another point worth mentioning is the seasonal factor. Taiwan’s climate has a huge impact on the riding experience; the same route ridden in the July heat versus the crisp autumn air of November presents vastly different levels of difficulty. In the Miaoli area, October through April of the following year is the most comfortable window, when the air is clear, temperatures are pleasant, and you’re less likely to have afternoon thunderstorms disrupt your rhythm. Choosing the right season is like lowering the route’s difficulty by one level before you even start.

Section 2: Technical Details and Equipment Configuration Comparison

Having covered the overall outline of the route, let’s now delve into the more practical technical aspects. A properly set-up road bike can make a beginner-level route feel twice as efficient; conversely, with the wrong gearing or haphazard tire pressure, even the strongest legs will be held back by the equipment. Many cyclists spend money upgrading wheelsets and frames but overlook the small details that truly affect ride quality. Given the characteristics of the Zhunan to Houlong route, here’s a suggested equipment configuration comparison table.

Among all equipment items, gear ratio (the combination of cassette and chainrings) is the most critical factor affecting your climbing experience. For this route with approximately 50 meters of cumulative elevation gain, if your leg strength isn’t yet at a certain level, it’s better to choose a lighter climbing gear than to stubbornly grind a heavy one. Prolonged low-cadence, high-torque pedaling is the most common source of knee injuries. Professional riders typically maintain a cadence of 80-95 revolutions per minute, and amateur cyclists should also try to keep their pedaling frequency above 70 rpm, letting the cardiovascular system share the muscular load rather than leaving the knee joints to bear it alone.

Tires and tire pressure are another aspect that’s easily overlooked yet directly impacts comfort and safety. Taiwan’s farm roads and mountain routes often have gravel, patches, and drainage grates. While excessively high tire pressure offers low rolling resistance, it transmits all vibration to your body, leading to rapid fatigue accumulation over longer distances. Modern road bikes have generally moved toward wider tires (28C or even 30C), and with slightly lower pressure, you can achieve a better balance between grip, comfort, and rolling efficiency. Remember to consult a chart to set the appropriate tire pressure based on your weight and tire width—it’s the cheapest yet most noticeable upgrade you can make.

Additionally, for a route like this along the West Coast, lights and a rearview mirror are almost necessities rather than options. Some sections in Miaoli may pass through tunnels, tree-lined areas, or provincial highways, where visibility and rear traffic are safety variables. A small rearview mirror allows you to monitor what’s behind you without turning your head or deviating from your line, making it a highly cost-effective safety investment for both group and solo rides. Safety gear has never been about looks; it’s about ensuring you can return to this route safely, time and time again.

Section 3: Advanced Applications and Pacing Training Strategies

Once you’re familiar with the route and equipment, the next step is to use this Zhunan to Houlong route as a training ground to elevate your riding performance. For advanced cyclists, this route is more than just sightseeing; it’s an excellent arena for testing power-based pacing and endurance. Here are several strategies to help you “ride smarter” on this route, turning every ride into quantifiable progress.

The first key point is power zone management. If you have a power meter, consider dividing the entire ride into several segments and setting target power zones for each. Maintain the Sweet Spot (approximately 84-97% of FTP) on flats and gentle slopes, allow brief surges on steeper climbs, but avoid burning all your matches early on. Many cyclists lose speed on this route not because of insufficient leg strength, but because they pace too aggressively in the first half, depleting glycogen and causing muscle cramps in the latter half. The art of pacing lies in distributing the suffering evenly, not staking your best performance on the first half.

The second key point is refueling rhythm. On a route with 50 meters of cumulative elevation gain, energy intake must be proactive rather than waiting until you’re hungry. It’s recommended to consume carbohydrates (energy gels, bananas, or salt candies) every 30-40 minutes and take small sips of water every 15-20 minutes. Once you experience the “bonk” feeling of hunger, it’s already too late—blood sugar takes time to recover. Treating refueling as a discipline rather than a remedy after your body sends distress signals is the most important advanced concept for long-distance riding. Many people aren’t defeated by the hills but by their own gastrointestinal and blood sugar management.

The third key point is descending and cornering technique. Mountain descents in Miaoli often feature continuous corners. Proper weight transfer, visual guidance, and braking timing through corners not only affect safety but also directly impact your average speed and energy expenditure. Remember the basic principles of “brake before the corner, release through the corner, outside-inside-outside line.” Relax your body and keep your center of gravity low when descending, letting the frame absorb the road rather than gripping the handlebars for dear life. Cyclists with good descending skills can hold onto the time earned through hard climbing without expending an ounce of extra effort.

Finally, if you want to turn this route into your personal “test loop,” consider riding it multiple times under fixed conditions (same time of day, weather, and refueling) and recording power, heart rate, and time data. Through long-term data comparison, you can clearly see your progress trajectory. This quantifiable sense of achievement is the most captivating reward of road cycling training and the driving force that keeps you riding.

Section 4: Local Riding Tips and Friendly Reminders for Taiwan

Taiwan’s riding environment has its unique characteristics, and many general rules from abroad don’t necessarily apply locally. For Miaoli’s Zhunan to Houlong, here are some details that only local cyclists would remind you about, helping you avoid unnecessary detours and setbacks.

First is the unpredictability of the weather. In Taiwan’s mountainous areas, fog and rain are common in the afternoon, while the plains experience intense sun and the northeast monsoon. Before departure, be sure to check the Central Weather Administration’s township forecasts and radar echo maps. Especially before entering the mountainous areas around Zhunan and Houlong, if you see cumulus clouds developing rapidly, it’s better to turn back early rather than risk it for the summit. Taiwan’s mountains will always be there; getting home safely is the true finish line of every ride. No photo is worth trading for your safety.

Second is local knowledge about refueling points. While the settlements of Zhunan and Houlong along the route have shops, the operating hours of rural grocery stores and convenience stores vary, and some even close on holidays. It’s recommended to mark the last reliable refueling point along the route on your phone map before departure and develop the habit of “filling up your water whenever you see a store,” rather than gambling that the next one will be closer. Areas around Longfeng Fishing Harbor and Cape Haowang are usually tourist hotspots with more refueling options, making them good mid-route rest and supply stops where you can also sample local snacks.

Third is coexisting with local traffic. Some sections in Miaoli are daily thoroughfares for local residents, with farm vehicles, scooters, and tour buses passing through. Be sure to ride single-file on the right, don’t cross the centerline when cornering, and proactively signal when you hear vehicles approaching from behind, demonstrating good cycling etiquette. Taiwan’s friendly riding environment is maintained by every cyclist collectively. Your courtesy today becomes the kindness the next cyclist receives and shapes local residents’ overall impression of the cycling community.

Finally, don’t forget to combine this ride with Taiwan’s local cuisine. The Houlong area often hides unforgettable everyday delicacies. Rewarding yourself with a bowl of hot noodle soup or a local snack after the ride is the most healing ritual in Taiwan’s cycling culture. Fill your stomach and fill your memories—only then is the journey truly complete. After all, for many cyclists, the end point of a ride isn’t a landmark but that meal full of accomplishment.

Section 5: Common Questions Q&A

Q1: Is the Zhunan to Houlong route suitable for beginners?

That depends on your definition of “beginner.” If you can already ride continuously for more than 30 kilometers without much difficulty and have basic shifting and braking skills, you can start with a shortened version of the route and gradually build up your mileage. If you have no long-distance experience at all, it’s recommended to first build basic endurance on flat terrain before progressively challenging this one-star difficulty route. Don’t set your sights too high all at once and spoil your appetite for cycling.

Q2: Is it safe to ride this route solo?

Taiwan has good public security, and solo riding itself isn’t a major issue, but mobile signal can be unstable in some sections of Miaoli. It’s recommended to inform family or fellow cyclists of your route and estimated return time before departure, and carry basic repair tools and a power bank with you. For high-altitude or remote sections, riding with companions offers more peace of mind, and someone can look out for you if problems arise.

Q3: Should I rent a bike or bring my own?

If you live near Miaoli, your own bike is naturally the best fit. If you’re traveling from farther away, consider using a bike bag to take public transportation or finding a reputable road bike rental shop locally. When renting, be sure to test ride, adjust the saddle height, and confirm the shifting and brakes are working properly before hitting the road. An ill-fitting bike will make even the most beautiful route uncomfortable to ride.

Q4: What if I run out of energy midway?

The most important mindset is “don’t push through it.” When you feel fatigued, first find a safe place to rest and refuel, letting your blood sugar recover. The Zhunan and Houlong areas in Taiwan generally have bus or train stations, so you can take public transportation back if necessary. Putting “getting home safely” before “completing the route” is basic maturity for any cyclist. No one will think less of you for turning back early.

Q5: When is the best time to ride this route?

Considering climate and light, it’s recommended to set off in the early morning between October and April of the following year. Morning light is soft, traffic is light, and temperatures are cool. Longfeng Fishing Harbor, Cape Paradise, and the wind turbines are also most beautiful in the morning light. Avoiding peak holiday hours lets you enjoy the route’s tranquility and capture photos without crowds.

Section 6: Practical Steps and Pre-Ride Checklist

No matter how much theory is discussed, it all comes down to preparation before departure. Here’s a set of practical steps for Zhunan to Houlong that will minimize risk and maximize enjoyment.

Step 1: Route download and offline maps. Import the route into your GPS cycling computer or phone app (such as Strava, komoot) in advance and download offline maps. Signal is unstable in Miaoli’s mountainous areas, and offline maps can be a lifesaver at critical moments, preventing you from guessing at intersections.

Step 2: Full bike check (M-Check). The night before departure, check tire pressure, brakes, shifting, chain, and quick releases. Lube the chain, confirm brake pad thickness, and test-ride to ensure smooth shifting. Solving small problems at home is far easier than breaking down on the road and avoids a ruined trip.

Step 3: Packing supplies. Based on the needs of 18 kilometers and 50 meters of climbing, prepare sufficient water, energy supplies, and electrolytes. The refueling point planning table below helps you manage your hydration rhythm along the route, preventing you from running dry in the middle of nowhere.

Step 4: Weather and time confirmation. Check the weather forecast again on the day of departure to confirm no severe weather changes. Set your planned departure, turnaround, and return times, and build in ample buffer so you always have the room to turn back calmly.

Step 5: Departure and pace control. Warm up with a light gear for the first 10 minutes, letting your muscles and cardiovascular system gradually come online. Throughout the ride, use a “conversation-pace” intensity as your baseline, saving your strength for the highlight sections around Longfeng Fishing Harbor and Cape Haowang, so the most beautiful scenery pairs with the most comfortable body state.

Conclusion

The Zhunan to Houlong route encapsulates Miaoli’s most moving landscapes and culture while testing every cyclist’s planning, pacing, and mindset. It’s not a route that’s easily conquered, but precisely because of that, when you finally arrive in Houlong and look back at Longfeng Fishing Harbor, Cape Paradise, and the wind turbines you’ve passed, that sense of accomplishment will be so genuine and unforgettable that it lingers with you for a long, long time.

From difficulty assessment, equipment configuration, advanced training, local advice, to practical steps, this article hopes to have pieced together a complete riding blueprint for you. But reading about it can never compare to the moment your tires actually press onto the asphalt—the beauty of riding belongs only to those willing to get on the bike and push the pedals.

Now, save this guide, pick a clear morning, bring your bike and this preparation, and personally experience this classic Miaoli route. Taiwan’s beauty unfolds with every pedal stroke. May you have favorable winds, ride safely, and may the scenery of Longfeng Fishing Harbor and Cape Haowang become a shining page in your cycling journey. See you on the road.

Related Reading

• Miaoli Tongxiao to Nanzhuang Mountain Route: A Complete Climbing Guide to Hakka Mountain Towns
• Pingtung Donggang to Linbian Stilt Houses Route: A Flat-Riding Guide to Taiwan’s Southern Coast
• Taichung Wuqi Fishing Harbor to Daan River Route: Flat Riding on Taiwan’s Central West Coast
• Taoyuan Guanyin to Xinwu Coastal Route: A Long Flat Ride on Northern Taiwan’s West Coast