Taiwan Cycling Challenge: A Daily Record of Riding Around Taiwan in 9 Days

Introduction

Taiwan may be small, but cycling around the island is a big undertaking. The roughly 1,200-kilometer route condenses the island’s geographic diversity: the hills and cities of the north, the cliffs and ocean of the east, the tropical plains of the south, and the agricultural heartland of the west. Completing a 9-day loop around Taiwan is on many Taiwanese cyclists’ bucket lists, and at age 35, I finally crossed it off mine.

Route Planning and Daily Itinerary

There are several versions of the round-island route. I chose the clockwise direction (North → East → South → West). Here is the actual daily record:

The Most Memorable Days

Day 5: The Awe of the South Link Highway

The South Link Highway was the toughest day of the entire journey, and also the most beautiful. Setting off from downtown Taitung, I rode south along the coastline, and after entering the South Link mountain area, the gradients began to turn severe. On the stretch near Taimali, there was a cliff on the left and the Pacific Ocean on the right—no guardrails, only the wind.

That afternoon, a brief rain shower rolled in, leaving the road slick. I stopped at a small roadside pavilion to take shelter and chatted with an older gentleman riding a steel bike. He said he rides this stretch every year, not for racing, but simply to “look at the sea.” Those words stayed with me for a long time.

Day 2: The Mental Test of the Suhua Highway

The Suhua Highway is not just a physical test—it is a mental discipline. Tunnel after tunnel, and every time I burst out of one, I could see the azure Pacific glittering in the sunlight. Large, fast-moving trucks swept past, and the wind pressure made me feel like I might momentarily lose my sense of direction.

Riding tips for the Suhua Highway:

• Visibility is poor inside tunnels; be sure to turn on both front and rear lights, preferably in high-brightness flashing mode
• 6–9 AM is the time when large trucks are relatively fewer; try to pass through long tunnels during this window
• Take full rest and hydration breaks at supply points such as Chongde and Heping
• Wearing earplugs can reduce the psychological stress of tunnel noise

Refueling Strategy and Accommodation Choices

Over nine days around the island, refueling and accommodation arrangements are crucial:

Refueling strategy:

• Prepare enough solid food the night before departure (rice balls, bread, nuts)
• Convenience stores are the most reliable supply stops; 7-Eleven is almost everywhere in Taiwan
• Refuel at least 3–4 times during each day’s ride, with each stop no longer than 15 minutes
• Electrolyte replenishment is very important, especially on the hot southern sections

Accommodation choices:

• Prioritize lodging that offers bicycle parking space
• Book ahead in the Hualien–Taitung area; during peak season, homestays are nearly impossible to find
• Hostels are usually very cyclist-friendly, offering repair tools and luggage storage

Post-Ride Body Management

Nine consecutive days of riding take a cumulative toll on the body that is hard to imagine, making daily recovery work equally important:

• Consume protein immediately after riding: Within one hour of arriving at lodging, take in protein (soy milk, meat) to aid muscle repair
• Cold-water leg compresses: Reduce leg inflammation and lessen soreness the next day
• Simple stretching before bed: Especially hip flexor and quadriceps stretches
• Log daily riding data: Use it to adjust the pacing plan for the next day

Practical Tips

• Best months to ride: March–May and September–November, avoiding typhoon season and extreme heat
• Bike maintenance: Do a full inspection before departure and carry at least two spare inner tubes
• GPS routes: Download offline maps; signal is unstable in the eastern mountains
• Power banks: Daily charging demand is high, so a backup power bank is essential
• Emergency contact: Tell family your daily plan and accommodation location before setting off each morning

Conclusion

On the morning after the nine-day loop ended, I stood in front of Taipei Main Station square, watching the bustling crowds, and felt a strange sense of calm. I had just cycled around this island, and none of them knew.

Riding around Taiwan gave me more than a physical breakthrough—it gave me a deeper understanding of this land. Every stretch of road is a story, and every stranger’s kindness is the warmth of the journey. If you have this dream too, don’t wait—start planning today.

Related Reading

• 9-Day Island Plan: The Complete Guide to a 900km Taiwan Cycling Loop
• Taiwan Round-Island Cycling: 9-Day Itinerary Planning and Supply Stops
• Taiwan Cycling Loop Planning: Daily Mileage and Accommodation Strategy for 9 Days
• Taiwan Cycling Round-Island Challenge: 9-Day Rules and Historical Records