Cycling Around Taiwan for Beginners: How Many Days, Gear Checklist, and Fitness Requirements

Introduction

Cycling around Taiwan is the number one item on many cycling enthusiasts’ bucket lists. The route, spanning approximately 1,100 to 1,200 kilometers, crosses cities, plains, coastlines, and mountains—a journey that combines physical challenge with cultural immersion. For beginners, the most common question is: “Am I ready?” This article helps you assess your condition and prepare for departure from three angles: itinerary planning, fitness requirements, and gear checklist.

How Many Days Is Ideal?

The number of days for a round-island trip varies greatly depending on fitness, goals, and budget. Here are the common categories:

For most first-time riders, 10 to 14 days is the sweet spot that balances completion and travel quality. Riding 90 to 120 kilometers per day, arriving at accommodations by 3 PM, still leaves time for a shower, meals, and gear maintenance.

Fitness Requirements Before Departure

A round-island trip isn’t a marathon—you don’t need to transform into an athlete overnight—but minimum fitness standards should not be overlooked.

It is recommended to achieve the following goals before departure:

• Ride 80 km continuously with no more than 3 breaks, and still feel normal the next day
• Climbing ability: Able to handle a 5% gradient over 3 km or more of sustained climbing
• Training period: At least 8 to 12 weeks of systematic training before departure
• Riding experience: At least 6 months of road bike or mountain bike ownership, with accumulated experience of single rides over 60 km

If you currently have no riding foundation at all, it is recommended to start with a 12-week progressive training plan (see the “12-Week Preparation Schedule” article in this series).

Essential Gear Checklist

Bike and Mechanical

• Bicycle: Road bikes, mountain bikes, and folding bikes all work; road bikes offer the best efficiency
• Spare inner tubes: At least 2 (one for the front and one for the rear, matching your tire size)
• Puncture repair kit: Tire levers, patch kit, pump or CO₂ inflator
• Chain lube and cleaning cloth: Maintain every 2–3 days
• Hex wrench set + screwdriver: For basic adjustments to the saddle, handlebars, etc.

Personal Gear

• Helmet (mandatory, required by Taiwanese law)
• Gloves: For shock absorption, sun protection, and abrasion resistance
• Cycling shorts or pants: With a chamois pad; essential for multi-day riding
• Sun-protective jersey + arm sleeves: Taiwan’s sun is intense, especially in the east
• Rain jacket: Lightweight and waterproof; Taiwan’s weather is unpredictable
• Cycling glasses: Wind protection, UV protection, and bug protection

Navigation and Safety

• Phone mount + power bank: Navigation drains battery quickly; a backup power source is essential
• Bike lights (front and rear): Essential for night riding and tunnels
• Reflective vest or backpack cover: Greatly increases visibility in tunnels and at night
• Emergency contact card: Keep in your bag, noting your blood type and emergency contacts

Practical Tips

• Don’t push too hard: The biggest enemy of a first round-island trip is “riding too hard on day one,” which can cause knee or saddle issues to derail you mid-journey.
• Book accommodations in advance: Especially on weekends and during summer vacation; popular eastern route homestays fill up two weeks before departure.
• Back up your route on your phone: Download offline maps (such as Maps.me or Google Maps offline areas) to avoid losing navigation in mountainous or coastal areas with no signal.
• Don’t skimp on insurance: Travel insurance with accident and medical coverage is inexpensive, and strongly recommended for long rides.
• Bring spare glasses: If you wear glasses, pack a spare pair, or consider contact lenses paired with protective eyewear.

Conclusion

A round-island trip isn’t about escaping daily life—it’s about rediscovering Taiwan on two wheels. As long as your fitness meets the basic threshold and your gear is well-prepared, anyone has the chance to complete this journey. Rather than waiting for “the day you’re ready,” set a departure date and let that date push you to prepare. Taiwan’s coastline, ridgelines, and roadside convenience stores are all waiting for you.

Related Reading

• Taiwan Round-Island 9-Day Itinerary: Complete Daily Distances and Accommodation Recommendations
• 9 Days Around Taiwan Is Not a Dream: Beginner Cycling Preparation and Daily Route Planning
• A 30-Day Cycling Journey Around Taiwan: A Beginner’s Lap Around the Island
• Taiwan Cycling Tour Planning: 9-Day Daily Distances and Accommodation Strategy