6 AM in Taipei - Michael T and Michael F (Taiwan, Asia, biking, Turton, Taipei-台北)

Biking Taiwan: Tucheng-土城 > Sansia-三峽 > Baling-巴陵 via 3, 7

June 29, 2009 | Filed under: Biking | Posted by: Michael Cannon

A 5 AM wake up in Taipei-台北 started off a great bike ride adventure over the Northern Cross Highway. Five of us expat locals; Michael Turton, Michael F, Max, Ralph and myself rode from Tucheng-土城 MRT up into Baling-巴陵 via highway 7 on Saturday for 60 kilometers with over 2,000 meters of climbing.

The trip starting out was pretty casual going from Tucheng MRT at 7 AM through Sanxia-三峽 up highway 7. There’s some truck traffic, but nothing untoward as the road is usually 2-wide lanes. However, once you get outside of Sanxia, off highway 3 onto 7, the road starts gradually going up, up and more up into the sky.

The climbs feels like slogs at times, but nothing that dropping down into a granny gear and cranking out can’t overcome. However, definitely pacing yourself is very important. The first hill will not be your last, by a long shot. There’s 11 “definite” climbs at least.

One especially memorable climb for a couple of guys was just after where alternate highway 7 and highway 7 come together for the 9% climb into Fushing.

Despite all of the climbing, there’s lots of places to look at, take pictures of and stop to grab a drink. You’ve got to try the mango slushie for 90 TWD in Ronghua-榮華. That’s definitely worth the climb. Also, the views on the way up and down from there are spectacular. While the trip to Ronghua is very enjoyable, make your pit stops before then. The privy’s for #2 are very, very primitive.

On the other hand, the rain will wash your dirty deed away quickly. The noise is the rain hitting the metal roof. Yes, it was really that loud.

Once the rain passed, we could get moving again. However, a new noise arose, circadas.

Once past the really noisy sections, the ride was pretty good. The last major climb of the day seemed to be at an end and only a few minor climbs into Baling were left. However… it rained… it poured… three of us got drenched… Ugh.

Thankfully, Baling’s hostel had a washing machine and dryer to help overcome those wet clothes issues. Additionally, some of the best food in Taiwan was feasted upon at a local aboriginal restaurant. Sleep came early at 9:30 PM since we had another early wake up call.