† 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.
TAIWAN—TASTING AND TOURING THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND
Originally named by the Portuguese The Beautiful Island (La Ilha Formosa), this tour touches beautiful beaches, stunning gorges, jungle-clad peaks, aboriginal peoples, ornate temples, neon-lit cities and small agricultural villages while enjoying a rich and diverse Chinese culinary heritage.
We meet in Taipei but cycling starts on day 2. We will be descending the Taroko Gorge to reach the rugged East Coast which we follow to the tropical south. We will round the southern tip to Kenting before heading inland through Taiwan’s lush agricultural belt to the foothills of the central mountains and meeting indigenous people’s cultures. From there we turn west to Tainan, Taiwan’s historic capital, where the ride ends and we will bus back to Taipei for a farewell dinner.
Taiwan’s geography includes an east Coastal Range of mountains which we will cross and a Central Rift Valley whose northern reaches we will ride. The Central Mountain Range reaches 3000 meters and, with only 3 roads crossing it, our ride will preferentially be coastal on the east side and along the foothills on the west side.
On this route we will alternately be stunned by the power of water in the Taroko Gorge where marble cliffs hundreds of feet deep have been sculpted and by the power of the Pacific as we pass cliffs interspersed with beaches. At day’s end a soak in one of Taiwan’s numerous hot springs may precede yet another multiple-course meal of fresh Chinese delicacies. This vibrant and modern country has a significant bicycle culture and much of the infrastructure to make touring a high point among Southeast Asian countries. Don’t pass up the chance, especially if you have never been on a BAC tour.
Tom Ryan originated and led this unique ride in 2015 and 2017; the 2018 ride will be essentially over the same route and fully supported by Grasshopper Adventures who are familiar with the BAC style and rider skills as well as having been in business for over 10 years. Tripper Reports from 2015 and 2017 will offer additional insights, as well as this journal from 2017: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/taiwan2017
RIDE RATING
The BAC Ride Rating is 3C. Although the average daily mileage is 44 miles, on 2 days distances will be more than 50 miles with the longest day being 63 miles. Average cumulative elevation daily is slightly over 2000 feet with the most being 3280 feet. Additional considerations for 3C ride rating would include short but steep sections with grades of 10-15% with rare short pitches of 18%. Occasional heavy traffic especially on the west side is accompanied by a wide shoulder and the government's concerted efforts to make the south and east more accessible occasionally necessitates construction zones. Navigation may be complex at times.
All riders are expected to make these climbs without assistance although there will be a support van for emergencies. As much as possible, these climbs will be in the early part of the day with scheduled hot springs or rest days for recovery.
ITINERARY
10/31: 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)
11/1: This morning we’ll transfer to eastern Taiwan via bus, 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) Transport to Taroko, short optional ride
11/2: We make an early start to make the exhilirating ride down through Taroko Gorge and to the sea. While avoiding the main highway we ride narrow lanes lined with banana palms and temples, taking a beachside rest stop 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)
11/3 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 48 mi.)
Approx Total Ascent: 1000m (3280ft)
11/4 Today 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)
11/5 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)
11/6 Our rest day is free to relax in the springs, or hike through the nearby national park, which is teeming with wildlife. (B)
11/7 It’s a short but hilly hop south along the East Coast from Zhiben to Shangwu. After lunch we turn 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)
11/8 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)
11/9 A free day to relax, swim, snorkel (or even surf) on the beach, explore the nearby national park, or take a short ride to a nearby port for a fresh seafood lunch (B)
11/10 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)
11/11 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)
11/12 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 plantation cafes. (BLD)
Approx Distance Cycled: 80km (48 mi.)
Approx Total Ascent: 1000m (3280ft)
11/13 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)
11/14 This morning we’ll take a walking tour of the old city before taking our bus north 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)
11/15 Depart after breakfast.
WEATHER
The average daily high temperature for November in Taipei (north) is 24C (75F) and for Kenting (south) is 27C (80F). Minimum temps for the same period are Taipei 19C (66F) and for Kenting 22C (71F).
The average annual rainfall for all of Taiwan is in excess of 2 meters but Autumn (October-December) is one of the best times to visit with monthly averages in Taipei of 86mm and in Kenting of 43mm. If it occurs, precipitation tends to be transient during this time.
While typhoons are not generally expected in November, previous weather with resulting road closures/ detours may affect our route.
LODGING for 15 nights is included. In the cities (Taipei and Tianan) centrally located hotels with 5-star facilities are booked while elsewhere a mix of activity centers (Taroko and Kenting), B&Bs (Chenggong and Shangwu) and hot spring resorts (Ruisui, Zhiben, Baolai, Guanziling) are scheduled.
MEALS include 15 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 14 group dinners. Happy Hour, a feature of most BAC rides is included and will include beer or wine and light snacks.
LOGISTICS
Transportation from Taipei’s International Airport to our hotel will be arranged by Grasshopper Adventures. You will be met by a guide who will facilitate your transfer to the hotel. We will first meet in Taipei at our hotel on October 31, 2018. Happy Hour at 6PM with introductions will be followed by our welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant. The tour ends after breakfast on November 15, 2018 at the same hotel.
Bike rentals are available (on request at additional charge) through Grasshopper Adventures. You may wish to bring your own saddle and/or pedals. Bike boxes containing your own unassembled bicycle will be transported from Taipei to Taroko and empty boxes transported from Taroko to our final riding destination in Tainan. All participants and their own bicycles will be transported back to Taipei on the 14th. Transportation to the airport on departure may be arranged by our hotel desk for a fee.
Participants may wish to extend their time in Taipei at the beginning or end of the trip to take advantage of many cultural opportunities available, the Palace Museum among many others. Grasshopper Adventures is happy to assist with hotel bookings or sight-seeing trips.
COST & ADMINISTRATION
The total per person cost will be US$4650. After the initial deposit of US$1500 the remainder of the balance of US$3150 will be due by JULY 1st, 2018.
The tour cost is per person, twin occupancy. The price includes arrival transfer, private a/c equipped transfers as per itinerary, Taipei-Taroko bus, Tainan-Taipei bus, 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, transfer to Taiwan International Airport on departure, or everyday gratuities. While not expected there may be an adjustment in the final payment amount based on currency exchange rates.
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 and your suitability for the trip. We are especially seeking new BAC riders.
Members with questions may contact the coordinator by clicking his name at the top of the page.
SINGLES & SOLOS POLICY
We welcome singles and will make every effort to help them find a roommate. If space allows, four solo rooms may be available for an additional charge of US$1200. A check in the amount should be sent to BAC while noting the trip to which it is being assigned.
Singles who want a roommate should find their own. However after receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until July 1, 2018 to find a roommate. If unable to find a roommate by that date, he/she will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the $100 BAC fee and payment processing fee) or pay the single supplement cost of $1200 (if available) and stay on the ride.
CANCELLATION POLICY
The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fee are 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 canceling 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 trip cancellation insurance.
Grasshopper cancellation fees for riders who can’t be replaced include: more than 90 days prior to departure = $987.50; 90 to 60 days before departure = $1975; 59 days or less prior to departure = $3950.
RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY
Please remember that BAC Ride Coordinators 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 coordinator.
While on the ride, support your Ride Coordinator with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up as well as loading and unloading luggage. 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 Coordinator informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Coordinator’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 $1500 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 US$3150 by credit card will be due by July 1, 2018. The Single Supplement fee of US$1200 will also be due by July 1, 2018.
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org