Garmin Activity: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/806667727
218km, 8h21, elevation 1525m
For my rides in Taiwan, I would always carry a map and ride some roads I had never seen before. In the fast few months, I accumulated a lot of roads but there were still quite a few left to be discovered. One of these was Route 149 in Nantou. Actually I wanted to ride this one during my 340km ride in March, but it was too much for that day. In April and May I have been checking out other locations. Today I decided it would be that day, to finally ride 149.
Just like the million rides before today, I went to Changhua city via Hwy 1 and then I attacked Bagua Mountain (Route 139)
It was a genuine Taiwanese summer day, average temperature 32 degrees. Route 139 was a pure beauty in these settings
I entered this small lane in October of last year, not much too see there
It was extremely quiet, almost no cars, even less cyclists. 139 was all mine
Enjoying summer in Changhua
Route 139's 20km mark
A view over Changhua
Bartman outside with his classy new Giro Attack helmet
Hiding away from the sun underneath the trees
The Fengshan temple, where I sold my flatbar in January, packed with cyclists in the weekends.
One thing I had never done before was taking 139-4 to Songbolin. On previous rides I always continued 139 to Zhongliao and Jiji. Today I altered my course.
This section had an initial climb but then went downhill. The views were gorgeous
Discovering the beauty of Route 139-4 to Songboling
Downhill in between the open fields of Mingjian township, it was the setting of a fairy tale
There was one driver who first stopped in front of me and then turned left just as I passed. Really dangerous and super selfish. I cannot believe he did not do that on purpose. I twisted his left mirror to the back. If he doesn't use his mirrors, he should have them removed!
Mingjian is an underestimated area within Nantou
Songboling
Here I crossed route 150 that could lead to Tianzhong township
Cute wall art.
Another huge temple shrine
Next move: taking hwy 3 south to Zhushan
Ming-zhu bridge between Mingjian and Zhushan. I have come here a few times before
But never under a crystal blue sky like today
More mountains ahead...
After some searching I saw route 149 indicated on the signs, left please
Caoling, that's where I had to be
The starting point of Route 149
Yunlni's Gukeng area in less than 20km
The first few miles of 149 were not very hilly
I mounted my bike cam and made some footage here.
Enjoying the views around me
The Guo river
I had imagined this route to be a lot worse.
Going south in western Nantou, Yunlin county was approaching
When I cycled here I wondered if the mountains across the river would be Lugu and Shanlinxi.
Enjoying life on my bike in Taiwan's Nantou area
I was amazed by how many small roads connected to this 149. A lot of Nantou nr X roads were all here. I would definitely have to come back for checking out these
A small village called Tongtou
Mountains all around
At a certain point I reached a cross section. There was a small shop and I asked them how I should ride. They advised me to take the small road to the right, otherwise I would have to do an extra 25km around Huashan. I listened to their advice for once
This is the small road they were taking about, official number was 158-2
This section was quite hilly with some good gradients as well
The solitude in these areas is blessing
That small road would lead into Yunlin county. If you wanna check the map, 158-2 connected to 149-2/ That's how I went
A nice way for entering Yunlin county
In Yunlin I first went to Douliu city.
Then I had my GPS navigate me to Lunbei county in northern Yunlin. I had promised Liao Shi-jie that I would pay him a visit
I was sent through some cozy small lanes
and open fields
Something my two brothers would want to see
Eventually my GPS led me to Route 156. From there I knew how to go
Yunlin in a romantic summer setting
It was very warm today
Navigating through Yunlin county
This is the street where Liao Shi-jie lives. I had to find route 156's 13km mark
I would be there in less than 1500 meters
Lunbei township
Gangweicun was the name of Liao Shi-jie's community
When I visited him, his two daughters were also there. I stayed there for a few hours and then I headed back to Taichung.
A detailed map of today's ride where you can see 149 and the whole Yunlin region
The community where Liao Shi-jie lives
I took Hwy 19 back to Changhua city, then I ronnected to Hemei and took the Zhongzhang bridge
After the Zhongzhang bridge I had my GPS navigate me back home. Funny thing was it did not send me through Hwy 17, but offered me some nice smaller roads instead. I liked it!
It was about dark when I got back home. It was a enjoyable ride with several goals reached: checking out new routes, visiting Liao Shi-jie in Yunlin, seeing beautifyl views and doing more than 200.
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