Bikepacking Multi-Day Route Planning: Supply Point Arrangement for 80-120km Daily Distances

The Four Key Elements of Route Planning

Multi-day bikepacking route planning must consider four dimensions simultaneously: daily distance, elevation gain, resupply point density, and accommodation options. An imbalance in any one of these can derail the entire trip.

The Reasonable Range for Daily Distance

According to statistics from the international bikepacking community, reasonable distances for multi-day riding:

Beginner Advice: Regardless of terrain, set a daily distance of 60-80 km for the first three days, then adjust based on how you feel from day four onward.

The Key to Resupply Point Density

Resupply points fall into three categories:

1. Food Resupply: Convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants
2. Water Resupply: Shops, gas stations, public drinking water, mountain springs
3. Emergency Resupply: Medical stations, bike shops, accommodation

The Golden Rule: At least one food or water resupply point every 30-40 km.

If the gap between resupply points exceeds 50 km, you must carry an extra 1.5-2 liters of water and corresponding food. If it exceeds 80 km, consider adjusting the route or stocking up more the night before.

Sample 5-Day Route Plan

Using a hypothetical “Loop Around the Central Mountain Range” route as an example:

Day 1: Taipei → Wulai → Fushan

• Distance: 72 km
• Elevation Gain: 1450m
• Resupply: Xindian convenience store (15K), Wulai Old Street (35K), Fushan Tribe (72K)
• Accommodation: Fushan Tribe homestay (NT$ 1200)

Day 2: Fushan → Baling

• Distance: 85 km
• Elevation Gain: 2100m
• Resupply: Sileng (30K), Baling 7-11 (85K)
• Accommodation: Baling Campground (NT$ 300)
• Key Point: No resupply between 30-85K, need to carry an extra 2L of water

Day 3: Baling → Wuling Farm

• Distance: 95 km
• Elevation Gain: 2350m
• Resupply: Mingchi (40K), Cilan (55K), Wuling Farm (95K)
• Accommodation: Wuling Farm Campground (NT$ 400)

Day 4: Wuling Farm → Lishan → Dayuling → Cuifeng

• Distance: 75 km
• Elevation Gain: 2600m
• Resupply: Lishan 7-11 (28K), Dayuling (55K, no 7-11)
• Accommodation: Cuifeng Mountain Lodge (NT$ 600)
• Key Point: The toughest day, allow 9-11 hours

Day 5: Cuifeng → Cingjing → Puli

• Distance: 110 km (mostly downhill)
• Elevation Gain: 800m
• Resupply: Cingjing 7-11 (25K), Wushe (45K), Puli (110K)
• Accommodation: Puli homestay

Recommended Planning Tools

• Komoot: The ultimate route planning tool, showing gravel surface percentages and road conditions for each segment
• Ride with GPS: Integrates resupply points and accommodation
• Google Maps + Street View: Verify road conditions on the ground
• Directorate General of Highways Real-Time Traffic Info: Typhoon and road closure information

Time Planning Details

Each day’s itinerary should include:

• Riding time (core): 6-8 hours
• Resupply breaks: 1-1.5 hours (lunch + two 30-minute rest stops)
• Buffer time: 1-2 hours (flat tires, getting lost, running out of energy)
• Camp setup/check-in: 1 hour (camp setup takes longer than check-in)

It is recommended to depart at 7:00-8:00 AM daily and arrive at the day’s endpoint by 16:00-17:00, leaving 2 hours for camp setup and cooking.

Contingency Plans for Failed Resupply Points

Convenience stores and restaurants in remote areas of Taiwan may be closed due to afternoon closures or staff taking leave. Contingency strategies:

1. Call ahead to confirm same-day business hours before departure (especially for small shops that aren’t 7-11)
2. At the end of each day, purchase dry provisions for the next day’s breakfast and lunch
3. Carry 24 hours’ worth of dry provisions as an emergency reserve

The Impact of Elevation Changes

Taiwan’s mountainous areas have significant elevation changes. Above 2500m:

• Riding speed decreases by 20-30%
• Perceived temperature drops by 10-15°C
• Resupply points are extremely scarce

When planning, schedule high-elevation sections in the first half of each day to avoid descending after dusk.

Related Reading

• Bikepacking Food Plan: Multi-Day Calorie and Weight Balance
• Bikepacking Energy Management: Fatigue Management for Consecutive Multi-Day Rides
• The Logistics of Bicycle Touring: Complete Planning for Luggage, Resupply, and Accommodation
• Fueling Strategy for 4-Hour Long Rides: Keeping the Engine Running