Ride Report: The Complete Guide to the Twin Towers Challenge (North Lighthouse to South Lighthouse)
The Taiwan Twin Towers Challenge is the island’s most famous long-distance cycling event, riding from Fugui Cape Lighthouse at Taiwan’s northernmost point all the way to Eluanbi Lighthouse at its southernmost tip — roughly 539 km in total, typically completed within a 24 to 48 hour window. For Taiwanese cyclists, it is the “holy grail” of endurance challenges.
Challenge Basics
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Start | Fugui Cape Lighthouse, Shimen District, New Taipei City |
| Finish | Eluanbi Lighthouse, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County |
| Total Distance | Approx. 539 km (varies slightly by route) |
| Time Limit | Individual challenges are typically set at 24 or 48 hours |
| Direction | North to south along Taiwan’s length (south-to-north is possible but less common) |
Route Planning
The Standard Western Route (Most Common)
Leg 1: Fugui Cape to Taichung (approx. 180 km)
- Route: Provincial Highway 15 → Provincial Highway 1 (the western trunk road)
- Highlights: Enters the Taipei Basin before joining the north-south trunk highway
- Major cities: Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung
- Elevation: Relatively flat, with some rolling hills
Leg 2: Taichung to Tainan (approx. 170 km)
- Route: Continuing south on Provincial Highway 1
- Highlights: Crosses the plains of Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan
- Road conditions: Flat, with plenty of supply stops
- Late-night riding: Many riders cross into the small hours during this leg — extra caution is needed
Leg 3: Tainan to Eluanbi (approx. 190 km)
- Route: Provincial Highway 1 → Provincial Highway 17 → Provincial Highway 1 → Provincial Highway 26
- Highlights: Passes through downtown Kaohsiung, then enters the Hengchun Peninsula after Fangliao
- Key point: The long final stretch across the Hengchun Peninsula is draining — riders need to keep energy reserves for it
The Eastern Route (Advanced Option)
Some riders choose to go via Hualien and Taitung instead:
- Beiyi Highway → Provincial Highway 9 → Hualien → Taitung → the South-Link Highway → Eluanbi
- Longer distance (approx. 580–600 km) with significantly more climbing
- More spectacular scenery, but supply points are relatively sparse
Suggested Timeline (24-Hour Challenge)
| Time | Distance | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start (06:00) | 0 km | Fugui Cape | Depart after sunrise to ensure good visibility |
| Hour 4 (10:00) | 60–70 km | Taoyuan area | First major break (15 minutes) |
| Hour 8 (14:00) | 130–150 km | Miaoli/Taichung | Lunch and resupply, 30-minute break |
| Hour 12 (18:00) | 200–220 km | Changhua/Yunlin | Check lighting gear before sunset |
| Hour 16 (22:00) | 270–300 km | Tainan | The most critical stretch of night riding — stay alert |
| Hour 20 (02:00) | 360–380 km | Kaohsiung/Fangliao | The toughest hours, right before dawn |
| Hour 24 (06:00) | 430–450 km | Checheng/Hengchun | Nearing the finish — final push |
| Finish | 539 km | Eluanbi | Touch the lighthouse — mission complete! |
(Actual progress will vary with individual pace; the figures above are a reference for intermediate-level riders.)
Training Plan
The Fitness Foundation You Need for the Twin Towers Challenge
- The ability to ride continuously for 10–12 hours
- Prior experience completing a single day of 200+ km
- Some experience riding at night
A 6-Month Training Plan
Months 1–2: Build a base training volume of 200–300 km per week
Months 3–4: Introduce back-to-back long rides
- Saturday: 160–200 km
- Sunday: 120–150 km (riding while fatigued)
Month 5: Complete a single 300–400 km ride as a simulation of the real event
Month 6: Taper down while maintaining fitness
Gear Checklist
Bike Setup
- A road bike (recommended), fitted with:
- A rear saddle bag (for a spare tube and tools)
- A frame or fork bag (for spare clothing)
- A front light (1,000+ lumens) and a rear light
- Multiple bottle cages (at least 2)
Personal Gear
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Long-sleeve jersey, reflective vest, windproof jacket (for night riding) |
| Safety | Helmet, front and rear lights x2 sets (with spare batteries) |
| Repair | Inner tubes x4, tire repair kit, multi-tool, chain lube |
| Nutrition | Energy gels x20, energy bars x10, electrolyte powder x20 packets |
| Communication | Phone, power bank (10,000mAh or more) |
| First aid | Band-aids, pain relievers, anti-chafing cream, eye drops |
Late-Night Riding Safety Rules
The late-night hours (22:00–05:00) are the most dangerous part of the Twin Towers Challenge:
- Stay on the right side of the lane (Taiwan drives on the right)
- Wear a reflective vest (strongly recommended)
- Keep both front and rear lights on
- Wear only one earbud (to stay aware of surrounding traffic)
- Take a 5-minute break off the bike every hour (to prevent lapses in attention)
- A support vehicle is ideal (someone in the car can watch your back)
Historical Records
- Fastest men’s record: Approx. 15–16 hours (professional or semi-professional riders)
- Typical challengers: 20–30 hours
- Non-stop, uninterrupted attempts: The hardest category — very few riders complete it
After the Finish
- Muscles will be extremely fatigued after finishing — plan your transportation back to Taipei in advance
- It’s recommended to stay overnight in Hengchun and take a train or bus north the following day
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 2–3 days after finishing to allow your body to fully recover
The Twin Towers Challenge is a conversation with yourself. Over the course of 539 km, you’ll come to know your own limits — and your potential — more deeply than ever. The moment you touch the Eluanbi Lighthouse is, for countless riders, the proudest moment of their lives.
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