† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $50 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.
OVERVIEW: Our 2017 Taiwan ride is fully supported by Asian bike specialists Grasshopper Adventures (www.grasshopperadventures.com) who have been operating rides in Taiwan for 10 years. The tour begins and ends in Taipei. Most people’s first thoughts of Taiwan might be of factories and a troubled relationship with China, but this really is La Ilha Formosa (The Beautiful Island), and our ride takes us through majestic scenery, from breathtaking Taroko, the world’s deepest marble gorge, to the lush East Rift Valley and the spectacularly rugged Pacific East Coast. Punctuated with beaches, aboriginal villages and hot springs, the route then winds its way down to the island’s southernmost point near Kenting before rounding the coast and heading north through Taiwan’s banana-belt on the way to the island’s historic capital, Tainan.
ROUTE SUMMARY: The trip starts in Taipei, the island’s capital and home to one of the world’s tallest buildings and arguably its greatest collection of Chinese arts. The following day we’ll make the scenic drive south to spectacular Taroko Gorge where we’ll have the chance for a short practice ride. Our route commences the next day with the unbelievable 20km ride out through Taroko, from where we work our way down to the ocean. The following day we’ll ride into the lush East Rift Valley, a land of rice paddies and sleepy aboriginal villages nestled between two mountain ranges. After overnighting in the aboriginal settlement of Ruisui, the next day we’ll cross the Coastal Mountain Range to re-emerge on the rugged Pacific East Coast. There’ll be a chance to rest and recuperate in the therapeutic hot springs at Zhiben before we continue south along this dramatic coastline, heading inland to cross the mountains on our way to Kenting. After a free day to explore Taiwan’s tropical beaches we’ll head up the western coastal plains to the incredible outdoor aboriginal museum at Santimen, before taking one last foray into the mountains, and yet more well-deserved hot springs at Baolai and Guanziling. Our final day’s ride takes us down from the coastal hills into Tainan, the colonial capital of Taiwan. From Tainan we’ll transfer back to Taipei where the tour ends.
LODGING: Accommodation varies from simple lodges to hot spring resorts and oceanside cottages. All have been carefully selected by Simon Foster at Grasshopper Adventures, guidebook author to more than 10 countries (including Taiwan). They have been selected either for their location, ambience, or facilities and have excellent locations and wonderful Hot Springs.
RIDE RATING AND TERRAIN: The quick-look rating for this trip is 3C. We'll cycle a distance of about 750 kilometres (465 miles; excluding optional cycling) over the 10 cycling days of this 16-day trip. The longest cycling day is approximately 105km (65 miles); the shortest is 55km (34 miles). There aren’t many flat roads in Taiwan and our route takes in several hill climbs (maximum 15% gradient for very short stretches), with a few of the days incorporating 1000m+ (3280ft+) of ascent. Whilst there is a support vehicle on hand for emergencies, all riders are expected to make these climbs without assistance. Wherever possible the climbs will be in the early part of the day, and there are hot springs and scheduled rest days following some of the harder days for recovery and sightseeing off the bikes.
LOGISTICS: Grasshopper Adventures will arrange for transfer of bike boxes from Taroko to Tainan, and can also arrange bike hire (on request and at additional cost). Boxed bikes will be transported by road from Taipei to Taroko at the start of the trip and from Tainan to Taipei at the end of the trip. Participants may wish to extend their time in Taipei at the beginning or end of the trip, in which case Grasshopper Adventures can assist with hotel bookings and sightseeing trips.
ESTIMATED TOUR COST: The tour cost is per person, twin occupancy. We welcome singles and will make every effort to help them find a roommate. If space allows, a limited number of solo rooms may be available for an additional charge of $1200. The price includes 15 nights lodging with breakfast, 11 lunches and 13 dinners, arrival transfer, private a/c transfers as per itinerary, Taipei-Taroko train, cycling support vehicles and drivers, cycling leader, cycling snacks, drinks and water, maps and route notes and social hour expenses (featuring local snacks and Taiwan beer on cycling days). The price does not include airfare to Taipei, entry fees to optional activities, alcoholic drinks at included dinners or everyday gratuities. The remainder of the balance after the initial deposit of US$1300 will be due by Sept.1st, 2017. The cancellation policy is based on the usual BAC premise that a cancelling rider will not increase the cost of the ride for others. If we are able to fill your spot from the wait-list, you will receive a full refund minus the non-refundable BAC fee. If a single sharing a room is forced to cancel, he/she may still be liable for the amount of the single supplement for the remaining roommate. To register use the sign-up links above. You will be contacted by the Ride Coordinator to help determine your ability to complete the ride. Members with questions may contact the coordinator by clicking his name at the top of the page.
ITINERARY:
Nov. 1 (W) -- Taipei
People will be arriving throughout the day. We’ll meet for an introduction to the tour and then head out for a local dinner. (D)
Nov. 2 (Th) -- Taroko
This morning we’ll transfer to eastern Taiwan, stopping for a picnic at dramatic Qingshui Cliffs en-route to Taroko Gorge, which forges its way through the Central Mountain Range. Whether shrouded in mist or glowing in sunlight, this sheer marble gorge is a captivating sight. In the afternoon we’ll put together our bikes and have chance for a short practice ride. (BLD)
Nov. 3 (F) -- Yanliao
We make an early start to make the exhilirating ride down through Taroko Gorge and to the sea. Avoiding the main highway we ride narrow lanes lined with banana palms and temples, taking beachside rest stops on our way south along the coast. We overnight in the pretty coastal settlement of Yanliao, heading out for a delicious seafood dinner in the evening. (BLD)
Approx Distance Cycled: 60km (36 mi.)
Approx Total Ascent: 250m (820ft)
Nov. 4 (Sa) -- Ruisui
Today we backtrack a few kilometers and bear inland into the vast East Rift Valley, a land of lush green rice paddies and small aboriginal communities. At day’s end there’s the chance to soak in the mineral–laden hot spring pools at Ruisui. (BLD)
Approx Distance Cycled: 80km 948 mi.)
Approx Total Ascent: 1000m (3280ft)
Nov. 5 (Su) -- Chenggong
This morning we cross the Coastal Mountain Range on a beautiful little road which follows the course of Taiwan’s best whitewater rafting river. We emerge on one of the most dramatic stretches of the Pacific East Coast and ride south to our lovely overnight stop right on the ocean. (BLD)
Approx Distance Cycled: 80km (48 mi.)
Approx Total Ascent: 550m (1800ft)
Nov. 6 (M) -- Zhiben
Today’s route hugs the coastline, passing the bustling fishing harbor of Fugang and south past Taitung, before heading inland to Zhiben, arguably Taiwan’s most famous springs, nestled in a beautiful wooded valley. Here we'll have the chance to ease any aching muscles with a soak in the therapeutic hot springs. (BLD)
Approx Distance Cycled: 60km (36 mi.)
Approx Total Ascent: 500m (1640ft)
Nov. 7 (Tu) -- Zhiben
Our rest day is free to relax in the springs, or hike through the nearby national park, which is teeming with wildlife. (B)
Nov. 8 (W) -- Shangwu
It’s a short but hilly hop south along the East Coast from Zhiben to Shangwu. After lunch we cut inland along a remote valley, which leads to our simple overnight stop. We’ll head back to town for dinner in the tiny fishing harbor at Shangwu (BLD)
Approx Distance Cycled: 55km (33 mi.)
Approx Total Ascent: 400m (1300ft)
Nov. 9 (Th) -- Kenting
Today we ride south through the jungly low hills of the Hengchun Peninsula on small, little used roads passing remote aboriginal communities, eventually emerging at Kenting, Taiwan's tropical playground. (BLD)
Approx Distance Cycled: 100km (60 mi.)
Approx Total Ascent: 1000m (3280ft)
Nov. 10 (F) -- Kenting
A free day to relax, swim, snorkel (or even surf) on the beach, explore the national park, or take a spin around the beautiful countryside on our bikes. (B)
Nov. 11 (Sa) -- Santimen
Today we’ll head north into Taiwan’s banana belt, skirting the mountains en-route to our overnight stay at Santimen, home to an amazing outdoor museum detailing Taiwan’s indigenous tribes. (BLD)
Approx Distance Cycled: 105km (63 mi.)
Approx Total Ascent: 250m (820ft)
Nov. 12 (Su) -- Baolai
Today we follow the Laonong River Valley north to the mountain settlement of Baolai where hot springs and tasty aboriginal food await. (BLD)
Approx Distance Cycled: 60km (36 mi.)
Approx Total Ascent: 600m (1970ft)
Nov. 13 (M) -- Guanziling
This morning we backtrack a few kilometers before heading west on a beautiful mountain road passing lakes and historic settlements before joining ‘the coffee road’ to the mud hot springs of Guanziling. We’ll ride through orange groves and past giant boulders and will break for lunch at one of the local planation cafes. (BLD)
Approx Distance Cycled: 80km (48 mi.)
Approx Total Ascent: 1000m (3280ft)
Nov. 14 (Tu) -- Tainan
Today we make our way down into the coastal plains to the bustling historic city of Tainan where our ride ends and we’ll re-pack our bikes. In the evening we’ll head out for a banquet of local Tainan specialties. (BLD)
Approx Distance Cycled: 60km (36mi.)
Approx Total Ascent: 250m (820ft)
Nov. 15 (W) --Taipei
This morning we’ll take a walking tour of the old city before taking the high-speed rail up to Taipei. Our boxed bikes will be transferred separately. In the evening we’ll head out for a final dinner to celebrate the end of our unique journey through “The Beautiful Island”. (BD)
Nov. 16 (Th) -- Tour Ends
The tour ends after breakfast. (B)
CANCELLATION POLICY: The BAC ride registration fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled. Refunds will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report is completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, the cancelling roommate may be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. No refund will be made should a client voluntarily leave the tour early. BAC encourages members to purchase personal trip cancellation insurance.
Grasshopper Adventure's standard cancellation fees are: - more than 90 days before departure, loss of 25% of tour cost; - 90 to 60 days before departure, loss of 50% of tour cost.; - 59 days or less before departure, no refund; no refund will be made should a client voluntarily leave the tour early.
Ride Participant Responsibility: Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well- maintained bicycles. All Participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. The BAC encourages you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the ride leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up. The BAC does not allow interference with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader's decisions.
SIGN-UP: To submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description. When you are accepted, you will be notified by email and the $1,440.00 initial deposit and ride application and waiver/release will be requested. Payment is to be made by credit card using the link in the email you receive. To contact the Ride Director, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description. The final payment of $3,000 by credit card will be due by Sept 1, 2017.
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org