Beiyi Highway Pinglin Section 4km Analysis: Taipei Riders' Climbing Proving Ground

Introduction

The Beiyi Highway (Provincial Highway 9) is one of the most frequently used training climbs for Taipei cyclists. Starting from Xindian’s Ankeng, it passes through Shiding and Pinglin, crests the mountain ridge, and descends into Yilan. Among its sections, the final 4km climb before entering Pinglin town is the most technically demanding stretch of the entire route—the gradient suddenly jumps from 5% to 8–14%, the corners are dense, and the road width only accommodates 1–1.5 lanes. It tests not just leg strength, but also line choice and pacing nerve.

These 4km are called “the threshold of Beiyi” by many Taipei riders. The first time you ride here, you often don’t know what you’re up against; only on the second attempt do you begin to learn how to handle it properly.

Terrain Characteristics of the Section

Start: On the Shiding-to-Pinglin direction, approximately 2km past the “Shiding Rest Stop,” at an elevation of about 300m
End: The highest point before the entrance to Pinglin town, at an elevation of about 550–580m
Distance: Approximately 4km
Total elevation gain: Approximately 250–270m
Average gradient: Approximately 6.5%
Maximum gradient: Approximately 14% (appearing on the consecutive S-curve section)

Section-by-Section Analysis

Segment 1 (0–1.5km): The Warm-up Slope, Average Gradient 5–6%

This segment is relatively gentle, with a wider road surface, serving as a buffer zone to prepare the body for higher intensity. Many riders “relax too much” here, only to find their cadence is no longer in the optimal range when they hit the steeper slopes in the latter half.

Suggested strategy:

• Proactively shift down one to two gears, adjusting to the gearing needed for the later sections
• Maintain a cadence above 80rpm to establish rhythm
• Keep heart rate below 80% of maximum, saving energy for later

Segment 2 (1.5–3km): The Core Steep Section, Average Gradient 9–12%

This is the hardest part of the entire stretch. The gradient rises sharply, with several S-curves where visibility is limited, and the road surface sometimes has standing water or fallen leaves. Traffic is lighter in the morning, but heavy on weekend afternoons.

Suggested strategy:

• Switch to the easiest or second-easiest gear ratio (34×28T or 34×30T)
• Accept cadence dropping to 68–72rpm, but do not go below 65rpm
• Pre-position wide through corners, using the shallower line on the outside of the bend to reduce the perceived gradient
• Midway through the steep section (around the 2.2km mark), there is a brief respite (about 4%)—use this to accelerate, catch your breath, and take on fluids

Segment 3 (3–4km): The Final Stretch, Average Gradient 7–8%

The gradient eases slightly, but by now energy is largely spent and psychological pressure is at its peak. Many riders start to experience cadence collapse in this segment.

Suggested strategy:

• Decide based on remaining energy whether to stand and power up; if you have something left, switch to standing for the final 500m
• Focus on breathing rhythm; don’t let the discomfort disrupt your tempo
• Upon reaching the Pinglin entrance, there is usually a flat stretch that serves as a natural finish buffer

Technical Requirements Comparison

Common Mistakes and Corrections

Mistake 1: Going too hard in Segment 1
Seeing a rider ahead or wanting to reach the top sooner, you push above 85% FTP in the first segment, causing lactate to accumulate by the time you hit the core steep section.
→ Correction: Ride steadily at 75% FTP in Segment 1, letting your body tell you “I still have reserves”

Mistake 2: Taking the inside line through corners
The inside line has the steepest gradient and the shortest sightlines, making it hard for oncoming vehicles to anticipate you.
→ Correction: Actively take the wide line on climbs—the gradient is shallower, visibility is better, and it’s safer

Mistake 3: Forcing high cadence on steep slopes
Switching to an extremely light gear to maintain 80rpm results in a “spinning out” feeling and actually reduces efficiency.
→ Correction: When the gradient exceeds 10%, allow cadence to drop to 68–72rpm; maintaining moderate resistance is necessary for effective power output

Training Value of the Beiyi Pinglin Section

These 4km are a rare “steep-climb interval” natural venue in the Taipei area. Recommended training patterns:

• Afternoon training: Start from Xindian’s Ankeng, ride to the Pinglin section, go all-out up the climb, then descend and repeat 3–4 times
• Pacing test: Record your time after each ride to track your progress curve
• Gear ratio experiments: Compare completion times under different gear ratios to find your optimal setup

Practical Tips

• Depart before 7am: Tourist traffic is heavy on the Pinglin section on weekends; mornings have fewer cars and cooler temperatures
• Watch for rocks and gravel on the descent: The downhill corners on the Pinglin section are numerous; don’t go too fast and brake early
• Pinglin Old Street is the perfect refueling stop: After conquering the climb, head to the old street for Wenshan Baozhong tea and Taiwanese snacks—the best reward for a Beiyi ride

Conclusion

The 4km Beiyi Pinglin section is the most convenient climbing laboratory for Taipei cyclists. It’s short in distance, yet contains nearly every climbing technique element: steep gradients, corners, pacing strategy, and gear selection. Every time you conquer it, you walk away with a clearer understanding of your own abilities—and it’s the ideal preparatory training ground for Wuling or Fengguizui.

Related Reading

• Beiyi Highway (Provincial Highway 9) Riding Guide: Gradient Analysis of the 9 Bends and 18 Turns
• Beiyi Highway Climbing Technique Analysis: Early Braking Before Corners and Accelerating Out
• Yilan Beiyi Highway Riding Guide: The Challenging Route from Taipei to Yilan Over the Snow Mountain Range
• Complete Beiyi Highway Guide: The Classic Climb from Xindian to Toucheng