Garmin Activity: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/856657367
132km, 6h18, elevation 2337m
It is unbelievable but true, this is my last ride in Central Taiwan in 2015. After this ride, there was a big typhoon that raged for a few days, then I cycled around the island and then I went to Kenting with the Fengyuan gang. Right after that I had to leave Taiwan. So this is the story of my very last ride in Central Taiwan, the area that kept me company for a full year.
I had mantous for breakfast in Shalu and cycled up the ever steep Houshan road. From Metropolitan Gardenm I took Taichung-73 behind the army base. Then I started taking smaller paths heading north to Haifengli, the area where I come a lot.
The weather was great in Haifengli. I crossed the Dajia bridge and followed Hwy 1 for some time, until I encountered Route 121, also going north.
I have ridden this 121 a few times before. It has a good climb in the beginning, it runs next to a big graveyard. Then it descends and ascends a few times. The panoramas here are amazing
Who would not rejoice over a lengthy cycling trip in great atmospheric conditions?
My precious flat bar bike, I did some upgrades to it, but they are worthwhile with already 12500 km ridden in 7 months.
A panorama view of the Miaoli region.
I followed 121 for some time, until almost in Tongxiao village. My next mission was Miaoli-48, a small road that runs from west to east, just like its big brother 130.
Sometimes you have to alternate routes. I have ridden 130 a lot of times, Miaoli-48 only once before.
Miaoli-48 is relatively flat for the first few miles, then it has some good gradients.
Your average little temple on the side of a little road in the middle of nowhere.
I spent some time checking out my surroundings. There was a little bridge here. Nothing special but unknown to me and that's what matters.
Most foreigners will make it to Taipei, Kaohsiung, Hualien and Kenting. The hinterland of Miaoli however, is not mainstream for them. For me on the other hand, it is my first choice area.
The sign reads: area where larger vehicles need to proceed with extra care. Makes sense, there were a few very steep hills here. I can imagine trucks having to take this one in one go. Best to not make them stop.
This is a pension/hotel I think
The climb up Miaoli-48 got me sweating, but there was also a lengthy and enjoyable descent. It brought me to Hwy 13.
This time I went into the center of Sanyi. I stopped at a Hi-Life for some drinks and then I proceeded.
The Sanyi river, dunno why this is in simplified, perhaps because it is calligraphy.
The church of Sanyi, this is right in the middle of the city center. I came here before on solo rides, but also once during a Fengyuan group ride. From here we went to Route 130 for the very long climb.
Apparently there is also a Daoguang Kindergarten here.
There are various roads to be taken in this area: 119, 130, Miaoli-49 etc. WIth certain pride I can say I have in fact checked out all of these.
My goal today was a little path, Miaoli-60. For that, I had to first go to Route 130.
Then Route 130 and 119 split, I stayed on 119 for somewhat longer. This part of the road is hilly. I once came here during an early August 2014 ride. Hence, it has left a deep impression on me.
I had to look on my map to remember how to find this little route, but I nailed it: 119 + Miaoli-61 will lead to Nanhu on Hwy 3.
This one is pretty cool, only did it once before and I came from the other direction. I remember it had a very steep descend, which today would be an ascent for me. I was riding my Roubaix with Zipp wheels and I had to seriously position my body and break consistently. Kinda scary that one.
Again, the first part was flat. I saw this tractor riding in the river. Probably they were cultivating rice fields for a future harvest.
Miaoli-60, as deserted and isolated it can get. No traffic here. Moreover, a lot of elevation to be won.
I know these are made for scaring away birds, but they actually looked cute
The billboard is advertising healthy eggs. No thanks, not hungry now.
This path gently led me into the hills of Miaoli.
The road was getting steeper.
Jiufen, that is exactly the name I saw last time. That's where I am going here.
I like this map, puts things in perspective. From this point of view, I am heading to Dahu.
Striking to see so many small roads diverging from this already small path
Dahu, that's where I was heading
Welcome to Taiwan's Miaoli, never high elevation, but hilly all the time
Today I took the time to check out my surroundings. I was enjoying this ride a lot.
Nice bike
This was a side road I checked out briefly. Really curious if it would lead somewhere
Selfie near cute little mountain river
My home is good water and good mountains
The ancient Tiaofu pat, you could look it up on the internet like this.
I think it is more aimed at hikers than cyclists
This is where it got steep, 18% and more
I recognized this part from my previous adventure here
After a good, lengthy climb, I made it to the summit. A lot to be seen here...
A vase mentioning this path's name: Tiaofu Ancient Path
Would you just take a few seconds to absorb this view? Downright stunning! That is why I come to these deserted small paths. No mainstream road will ever offer this.
There were several directions here, no time to check them all out. For me it was now the downhill to Dahu.
Next time I come here...
Not only the view itself, also the tranquility of the moment, the absence of sounds. Only mother nature and her stunning portrets.
I remember making a video report here last time. That was already back in early February
Let the downhill commence
This spot rung a bell to me, I remembered all of it. Last time I came here, this ascent was giving me a hard time. That was already more than six months ago.
Shifendong, I see that name so often along Hwy 3. Today I am here.
Yeah, not quite a road for heavy trucks. That's why I like it.
Nanhu, this way please...
There is a Chinese proverb that says 風和日麗 It means clearblue sky and sunny weather. Today was that kind of day. Wonderful weather!
I made it back to Hwy 3 in Nanhu
The road I just came down from. For cyclists, it is really something else! I should ride it more often.
Back at Miaoli's provincial highway 3. From here, I went south again, in the direction of Taichung.
One last peep of the Tiaofu old path I was honored to ride twice
I did not spend a lot of time on Hwy 3. I stopped for a quick break at the Family Mart and then I connected to Miaoli-55, a much more quiet route which more elevation gain.
All of the sudden I got an idea: I wanted to check out one of these side roads I had seen several times. I knew there was a so called Malabang and Dakeshan. I chose Malabang.
The first thing I noticed about this path was that is was INCREDIBLY steep! I was forced onto my 32T cog right away
Welcome to the Malabang mountain
Malabang forest area
I had already been sweating for this first kilometer. Only ONE km?? The climbing did not stop here.
Is this for real? Elevation 1400? According to my GPS I was only at 500 here. 900 meters up?
The more I proceeded, the creepier this little path became and the further it moved away from society. This ride had become a crusade by now.
Hiking trails here. Interesting stuff
This area was even steeper than the previous one. I constantly had more than 20% gradients here. It never seemed to stop. I was out of the saddle, onto my biggest cog, I could only push through.
I noticed I had embarked on a mission here. However, the atmosphere that surrounded this moment was indescribable.
I was heading for some remote location deep inside those mountains. Mind the mist that was present there. It was already in the afternoon so it made sense.
A quick break here because the climbing was really intensive, to the extent that this deserved a ride for itself.
Interesting to see that there were people living here...
The road marched on to Malabang mountain. Society was already far behind me. It was just me and mother nature by now. This entire segment had a feeling of tension, of discovery around it.
And more climbing, this section was 24% and steeper. I had encountered steep sections before, but not such a long one. Truly remarkable. At the same time I was also thinking: Thank God I have disc brakes for my trip down later on.
A view over the Miaoli area from some 700 meters of elevation. According to the map I just saw, 700 means half way there. Only HALF way there!
I was just in time to take this picture of my GPS when I stopped: 24% and it felt like 30
I felt far away from society here.
National Park, now this is interesting...
The road's conditions were deteriorating
When I saw that it was becoming offroad, I decided to head back. I was not in the mood for a flat tire out here.
I think this was around 900 meters elevation. Still 500 to go to the summit. Crazy stuff here
I started descending and I felt the joys of disc brakes. Never will I buy a rim brake bike again. On my way down there were some people standing in front of a little shack. I chatted with them and asked some questions about this area. They told me the off road part was only a few km and that this path would connect to the Tai'an area. That seemed like a killer idea! I would definitely have to check it out on a future ride.
It was getting late by now and it was time to head back. I returned to the main road Miaoli-55
A few more moments of connection with Malabang mountain. If I had to describe this area in one word, it would be "mystery"
Located deep in the eastern hills of Miaoli. Magnificent view btw
I descended all the way back down and proceeded to Zhuolan and later Fengyuan
I used Taichung-40 via Houli for that connection
I visited my friends in Fengyuan for tea and told them about this special ride. Later in the evening I headed back to Shalu.
